Racism and The Dying American Church
Unfortunately, instead of fading away, slavery and the racist ideology that allowed it became more deeply entrenched into American’s daily lives, churches, and economic systems. The practice of slavery required decisive and dramatic action to end it. If we think that any sin, much less racism, will just fade away, whether in our individual lives or congregation, without identification, repentance, and continuous vigilance to remove it, we are kidding ourselves and do not understand the nature of sin.
7 Things Every Leader Needs to Quit Immediately
- Measuring success compared to another’s success.
- Pretending to have all the answers.
- Trying to be popular.
- Leading alone.
- Acting like it doesn’t hurt.
- Trying to control every outcome.
- Ignoring the warning signs of burnout.
Where is Christianity headed? The view from 2019
If there is a theme in what lies ahead for the church as we enter a new year, it is that the white Western Christian bubble that has powerfully shaped Christianity for the past four centuries is now beginning to burst. Future expressions of Christian faith will be shaped by its interactions with non-Western and nonwhite cultures. This will present challenges to the established church in the U.S. but may hold the keys to its revitalization.
Hypocrite, Sinner, or Struggler… and how to tell the difference
When I sin, do I repent?
Do I confess (acknowledge) my sin to God and even to trusted others?
Do I make excuses for my sin? Blame others, or circumstances, or rationalize how it is not really my fault?
Do I commit to do better?
Do I have an action plan to overcome my sin? Plans from Scripture or developed with guidance from family, friends, or shepherds?
Do I work the plan?
Do I have accountability for how I am doing?
Am I getting better, making progress?
How Self-Compassion Supports Academic Motivation and Emotional Wellness
To make self-compassion a concrete idea for children, ask them to compare how they treat themselves to how they treat a friend. When we treat ourselves with the same kindness and care that we offer a good friend, we are practicing self-compassion. “By age 7, children have learned about the concept of friendship. A lot of their developmental energy is spent on learning how to be a good friend,” said Neff. So when students are feeling frustrated or upset, ask them, “What would you say to a friend in this situation?” This simple question can help students reflect on the situation and reframe their response.
Generation Z Looks a Lot Like Millennials on Key Social and Political Issues
On a range of issues, from Donald Trump’s presidency to the role of government to racial equality and climate change, the views of Gen Z – those ages 13 to 21 in 2018 – mirror those of Millennials. In each of these realms, the two younger generations hold views that differ significantly from those of their older counterparts. In most cases, members of the Silent Generation are at the opposite end, and Baby Boomers and Gen Xers fall in between.
Giant Kentucky snowman gives would-be vandal dose of instant karma
A driver tried to run over a 9-foot snowman – but the homeowners had used a massive tree stump as the snowman’s base!