Prayer for parents of young children
"O Lord, if you were to head upstairs, beware the Lego landmines on the carpet ... "
More Stories from this Author
Our Work is Loving the World
A poem for those affected by Monday's shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Finding hope in family letters from World War II
Andrew Taylor-Troutman learns about his great-uncle's experience as a soldier in WWII and reflects on the habitual nature of hardship — and grace.
Washed Ashore: Family, Fatherhood, and Finding Home on Martha’s Vineyard
"Whether preaching or writing, Eville believes the goal of storytelling is 'trying to tell it and live it the best I can.' Could not the same be said of faith?" — Andrew Taylor-Troutman
“It’s nice to rest together”
Andrew Taylor-Troutman shares how an hourly break at his community pool gives his family a glimpse of sabbath.
Prayer
Andrew Taylor-Troutman pens an ode to a grandfather and all that he passed on — from cookie salads to baseball to a prayer.
The best dad gift
In an excerpt from Little Big Moments, Andrew Taylor-Troutman reflects on the best dad gift.
Guns and poems
What can poetry accomplish?
Seeing God in a prophet and a purple Stegosaurus hat
Where have you seen God recently?
Belonging in the children’s church
A child wearing brown loafers and no socks (just like his father), reading a Bible in Sunday worship (just like his father) — What can this boy teach us about belonging?
Love for Easter-only worshippers
How one pastor’s investment in a theology of belonging has liberated him from resentment.
The sparkle and shimmer
A child in cowgirl boots heralds the coming of Easter for Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
Night sky of tears
“Sadness can feel sky high. Yet, the Holy One, who stretched the heavens, walks with us.”
A top hat and tails
It can be tempting to harden our hearts as protection. What would life look like if we lived like daffodils blooming in late winter? Like a middle schooler wearing a top hat and tails to a dance?
Boogie with your shadow: A funeral epiphany
A poem by Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
Pretty ashes
Maybe our mortality can be beautiful, writes Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
Encountering the Holy Spirit: Asbury College and the Transfiguration
Reflecting on the revival happening at a Kentucky Christian school and Jesus' Transfiguration, Andrew Taylor-Troutman considers the Holy Spirit’s call to action.
Baby, baby — the blessing of being wholly attentive
Andrew Taylor-Troutman reflects on a week of learning with poet and essayist Ross Gay.
In praise of mischief
Andrew Taylor-Troutman, a father of two young boys, wonders if there is something sacred in mischief, even as it is sometimes annoying.
Parable of the school board president and the pastor
Andrew Taylor-Troutman shares a lesson he learned from a local school board president.
Making my kids go to church on Christmas morning
Pastor/parents are faced with a conundrum this year: do they force (or strongly encourage) their children to go to Sunday worship on Christmas? Andrew Taylor Troutman has decided yes, and here’s why.
Song of ascent
Andrew Taylor-Troutman remembers a friend who passed away, who taught him the connection between a song of ascent and Psalm 23.
Hope in a pocket — For the day after a national election
A poem about beginnings and endings, and finding hope in unexpected places.
The pregame prayer
In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming prayer in public schools, Andrew Taylor Troutman reflects on his high school baseball team’s pregame ritual of saying the Lord’s Prayer.
A shimmer in a fifth-grade hallway
In this back-to-school season, Rev. Andrew Taylor-Troutman shares a lesson he learned in fifth grade about the power of human connection.