Normally we get few flakes of snow during the winter here in East Texas that by the time it reaches the ground has already changed to the liquid state. Last Friday the white staff fell in abundance, six inches. It was beautful.
In the best seller book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes the importance of connectors to the social interaction and changes of everyday life. Connectors are naturally a person who knows lots of people, they are the social networkers who know to whom you need to talk if you want something or want something done. One of the roles of a connector in a community is to introduce people to each other. Just think about someone who knows people across cultural, social, professional, and economic circles and are happy to be the link that connects them. Now think about Jesus, isn’t he the ultimate connector? Didn’t he come to connect people from every nation, culture, and language to the Father? And if we are his disciples isn’t our call a call to be connectors? This week at the University of the Nations I realize how the place is a hub of connection and connectivity. Strategically the Hawaii is located half way between North America and Asia. The crash between those two totall...
Christmas lights are everywhere in East Texas. The yards of the houses on my street are decorated with nativity sets, stars, shepherds, sheep, and the wise men. I cannot forget about old Santa, Rudolf, and rain deer. Across the street, lights in the shape of letters spell for all those driving at night to see: “Happy Birthday Jesus!” The pandemic brought a sense of humanity finitude that creates a longing for the eternal. Longing for normalcy different from what we had before. Longing for a sense of peace and security that transcends our material understanding. And longing for any kind of stability. Nevertheless, uncertainty seems to be the new normal. But, the writings of the prophet Isaiah about the Messiah remind us that: “Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7) The rule and reign of Christ bring peace and joy that never ends. Before going to the Father, Jesus Christ made an affirmation to us, hi...
One of the attributes of friendship is that it transcends time and space. Friends may be apart half way around the world, but the instant they get together it is like time and space never existed. This is not different with my friend Benoni and I. We became friends at seventeen and for a decade participate in the most memorable events of each other lives. This time in Rio we had the opportunity to catch up again.
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