Reminders of human finitude take surprising forms. A recent back injury that refuses to abate has raised spiritual questions for me. Am I supposed to be learning patience? Giving thanks in all circumstances? Slowing down or grinning and bearing it? Should I read that account of Jacob and the angel a few more times and try to take away a lesson? Is God trying to get me to submit, repent, beg for a blessing? Or did I just hurt my back because I am human — prone to injury and illness, bound to die? Regardless, could my inability to walk with grace, wear stylish shoes and get up and down without wincing be a catalyst for plumbing deep questions about God and self, life and death, autonomy and interdependence? Some days I ponder such deep thoughts as I struggle to get out of my car. Other days I just wish to return to my pre-obviously-finite self. Every now and then I consider with increased compassion those facing chronic illness, unrelenting pain, degenerative diseases or an incurable … [Read more...]

At our first meeting she told me she was a “prayer warrior.” I nodded, not knowing enough about what she meant to even ask a question. An elder on the session at my new call, she’d come to my office before all the boxes had been unpacked to introduce herself and offer her services as said prayer warrior. She invited me to let her know my prayer requests and she and her battalion of fellow warriors would pray fervently and confidently for whatever I asked. I thanked her and thought, “Well, that was weird.” Periodically, after that first encounter, she would pop into my office and pray, unbidden, that I be protected, strengthened and encouraged. She asked God, “Uphold your servant, whom you have chosen, called and anointed.” When she said, “In Jesus name, amen!” I confess, I felt protected, strengthened and encouraged. This warrior was equipped with the gifts (weapons?!) of the Spirit. As I grew to know and love her, I began to tell her my worries of the day on whatever day she … [Read more...]