What we say and what others say about us — whether positive or negative — shapes who we are and how we see ourselves. We can’t divorce ourselves from what comes out of our mouths. Jesus articulates this reality, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person… what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart.” (Matthew 15:11; 18a). This is why words are not just about the tongue: they are directly connected to who we are — to our identity — and they are intimately connected to the core of our being.

Posted on 3/24/17

The writer of Hebrews had this plea for us in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” This writer understood thousands of years ago, what is still true today, relationships are integral for humanity to thrive. It serves as an avenue to give and receive encouragement.

Posted on 1/27/17