When we talk about the good Samaritans in today’s world, it is a cliche about a helpful and charitable person. Who are the Good Samaritans? They are the ones who make an effort — sometimes going out of their way — to help others, especially the down trodden or less fortunate. We want to be… Read More
BLOG: You won’t find me at the Foot of the Cross.
Yesterday as I was driving in my car, a new song came on the radio that I had never heard before. And as I listened to the chorus if it, my stomach tightened into a knot. The words repeated over and over …’there is room for more at the foot of the cross… there’s room… Read More
BLOG: Grief is IN-N-OUT
Son: “Mom, can we go to In and Out for lunch? I really want to go there while we are here, near one.” Mom: “Sure. what makes you want to go there? We have never been there before.” Son: “Jade loved In-n-Out. She researched it. She knew everything about it. All the options. All the… Read More
BLOG: Who am I a Neighbor to?
A Midrash On The Good Samaritan. With a heart that is breaking for the flooding deaths in Texas, the lack of care by our governmental leaders, and the silence of our Christian community, I am considering once again the parable of the Good Samaritan. Religious officials ask Jesus what is the greatest commandment. Jesus responds,… Read More
Fearless: A eulogy in tribute to Ruth L. Nelson
On November 13, 2024, at Fourth Church in Chicago, I had the honor and privilege of eulogizing my longtime friend Ruth. For inspiration, I used the scripture: 1 John 4: 16 – 19 So we have known and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide… Read More
BLOG: Love Never Ends, A Tribute
This weekend I did the funeral for a man named Mark who had been murdered by a family member. As you can imagine, it was not the typical eulogy. Still, I managed to tell a resurrection story. Here is what I said: I am going to start today by telling you all the things that… Read More
BLOG: On Bias, part 4
I know a young man who is from Sudan, and though we share no common blood, I have had the privilege to call him son. His skin is as dark and beautiful as the soil of Minnesota’s farmland and his mother has (thankfully) taught him to take pride in that, as well as in his… Read More
BLOG: On Bias, part 3
When my son was in kindergarten, there was a girl in his class named Miranda. About six weeks into the school year, Miranda decided that she wanted to kiss my son. She started to chase him around the playground at recess and after school trying to catch him and pin him down. At first I… Read More
BLOG: On Bias, part 2
“Bias is the stories that we tell, before we know the truth.” Read More
BLOG: On Bias, a prologue.
“What to do … how to respond … when the good intentions do more damage than any hatred ever could.” Read More
BLOG: Don’t eat hot takis behind a dumpster.
For me, one of the most fun — and most challenging — parts of parenting is the ongoing conversation that happens around teaching my son about sex. Yes, I said fun first. I love having these conversations with him, knowing that all the little conversations feed into a greater development of his self-confidence and identity.… Read More
BLOG: Suffer With, Not Save.
I have been reading and leading a Bible Study on the new book “This Here Flesh” by Cole Arthur Riley. I have found the author’s writing to be profound, poetic, and it is one of those books that causes me to think in a way that changes my perspective on life and faith. I am… Read More
BLOG: The Power of A Catwalk
Last week was New York’s fashion week, which always brings me joy, but is particularly elating since this means the COVID hiatus is over. Looking at the photos from the streets made my heart sing. And Fashion Week reminded me of that time in CPE (for you non-ministry types: that is Clinical Pastoral Education –… Read More
BLOG: A Midrash on Creation
The following is a midrash on the Genesis 1 Creation story, with the understanding that these verses are clear examples of merisms in the Hebrew language. God… as they hovered over the watery chaos… commands silence from the deep. And on the first day, God called into being lightness to darkness, creating everything from Lightening… Read More
BLOG: Galatians vs. the CRT
We still live in a broken world; and we must continue to work for the vision of the reign of God. Read More
BLOG: An Argumentative Thesis
It was not a hard assignment. Eight to ten sentences of the seventh grade version of an argumentative thesis. Decide whether the statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond should stay or should go. An article to read and a video to watch. Both sides clearly presented. I listen to my son and his friends… Read More
BLOG: Everywhere and nowhere all the time.
Yesterday, these words came to me through email. They came from my former seminary professor and the Artistic Director of the Penumbra Theatre, Sarah Bellamy. I was so struck by these words, I sat with them all day long. I ponder those of us who get to use our vulnerability as a shield, and those… Read More
BLOG: A Midrash on Babel.
(This is a retelling of the story of the Tower of Babel, which is found in the Bible in Genesis 11:1-9) Long ago, when the human race was young And all the people spoke the same language, The humans decided to build a city between two rivers where they could all live together, With a… Read More
Cathy Mia Kolwey 