Raw moments

Raw moments

“For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is stricken and withered like grass; I am too wasted to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my skin.” (Psalm 102:3-5, NRSV) Almost 25 years ago, I took a...
Deciding on the road less traveled

Deciding on the road less traveled

Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!” He replied,...
Do you want to go?

Do you want to go?

So I said, “Here I come! I’m inscribed in the written scroll. I want to do your will, my God. Your Instruction is deep within me.” I’ve told the good news of your righteousness in the great assembly. I didn’t hold anything back—as you well know, Lord! (Psalm 40:7-9,...
Will we be back tomorrow?

Will we be back tomorrow?

I walked in a peaceful protest march last night that featured faith and community leaders. We started at Dunbar High School on 29th & Martin Luther King Dr. and walked three miles south through the Bronzeville neighborhood where we ended at Washington Park....
Always open, always there

Always open, always there

There are two venerable Chicago restaurants located about a mile west from my home. One is Manny’s Deli, which is renowned for having key Illinois and Chicago politicians swing through. After President Obama won the election in 2008, where was his first public...