Tag: authentic living

Lament

Posted on by Michael Rose
There was a tradition in a segment of Psalms referred to as the lament psalms. It was the pouring out of one’s grief with all its ugliness to God. It was often in response to great loss, death, war, captivity and often gave voice to great despair and anger. In all the rawness that could…
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Loving our Lepers

Posted on by Michael Rose
There is an old story about St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), the founder of the Catholic order known as the Franciscans. The story goes that Francis was revolted by people with leprosy. As you may be aware, leprosy is a horrible and disfiguring disease.  While leprosy is curable today, people did suffer terribly and from…
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The Humility Substitute

Posted on by Michael Rose
We sat across the table from each other, sipping our coffee. He wasted no time. “Mike, the first time we met I would have told you I had perfect doctrine. I wouldn’t have said it that way, but the truth is I thought my doctrine was perfect. For the past 47 years, I have been…
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balloons-gladness

Stubborn Gladness

Posted on by Michael Rose
I have been working with a group of folks to practice gratitude as a way of life. Just everyday folks walking faith out in everyday life. We are finding it not as easy as it would seem. We discussed how so much of what happens around us could be a nagging and persistent source of…
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Loved into Love

Posted on by Michael Rose
The daily lectionary reading for today included a passage from Galatians 5. It contrasts the works of selfishness (flesh) and that of love (the Spirit). I like the way that Eugene Peterson’s The Message renders it: “It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time:…
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Investment Strategy

Posted on by Michael Rose
Once upon a time there was a rich investor, and she had a very successful portfolio of investments.    One day she determined that she would have to go on an extended business trip, and she called three of her managers to her office. She explained to them about the business trip and that she…
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The Welcome of God

Posted on by Michael Rose
Can you think of a time when you were made to feel really welcome? Where the host(s) went out of their way to ensure that you felt comfortable and well served? What did that look like? How did that make you feel? What difference did this make for you? How about in a situation where…
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