Forney Charities
Improving communities by helping residents, one person at a time.
Category: Uncategorized
Into the Valley of Despair
Bishop Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, in his new book, Love is the Way[1], tells the story in the opening pages of a woman with a mission who became an integral part of their family. Michael’s mother died when he… Continue Reading “Into the Valley of Despair”
Touch me, Heal me
Anyone familiar with the 12-step recovery movement would recognize this introduction: “Hi, my name is Joe, and I’m a recovering QAnoner.” I case you’re wondering about QAnon; it is a loose collection of conspiracy beliefs centered around Donald Trump and the Republican Party and… Continue Reading “Touch me, Heal me”
Not Knowing Left from Right
I remember when we lived in downtown Los Angeles, Jai and I were the dorm parents at what had been a boarding house, Dorcas House, next to the church. College-age women who were interns at the summer program and for our tutorial programs we… Continue Reading “Not Knowing Left from Right”
Faith and Habitations of the Mind
I remember as a young boy awaking one morning to a disagreement between Grandma and my brother who was then in the first grade. It seems she had been going over some of his science notes with him and he was attempting to tell… Continue Reading “Faith and Habitations of the Mind”
Out of Chaos
Water, the stuff of life or dangerous high seas. The staff of life or chaos and death. I find it fitting, and intriguing, that the story of Jesus baptism is paired in our lectionary readings with the first creation account of Day One in… Continue Reading “Out of Chaos”
Mary’s Sunday
There’s a story of two small Baptist churches at an isolated Midwest crossroads. Both across the street from one another. This is the story. Somewhere along the line in the mid-fifties one of the pillars of the one of the churches died – and… Continue Reading “Mary’s Sunday”
Of Persimmon Pudding and Advent Joy
This time of year, unless we’ve got COVID-19 or have been served an eviction notice, our hearts turn to the delights of the season. It may be our favorite dishes, a fond Christmas memory, a special gift you gave someone. For me, one cherished… Continue Reading “Of Persimmon Pudding and Advent Joy”
Wake Up
Many, many gone. Over seventeen thousand since election day alone. So many gone in this Dark Night of Despair. This Sunday we are summoned to wakefulness. We light the first Advent candle for HOPE. We are summoned to wakefulness. WAKE UP! When I was… Continue Reading “Wake Up”
Christ in a Mask
When I would stay with my friend Artie for a sleepover – yeah, we probably didn’t sleep much – I can still see in my mind’s eye his picture of Jesus at the door knocking. The thing about this picture was it glowed in… Continue Reading “Christ in a Mask”
A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
The election is over. Some may be gnashing their teeth. Some may be rejoicing. Whatever your political persuasion, it’s been a most frightful season. Is it possible that we can ever put America back together again? I’m reminded of one of our boys’ favorite… Continue Reading “A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
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