Gayle

Resistance as an Act of Faith

2025/04/09 Gayle 1

Resistance has long been intertwined with faith, serving as a profound expression of spiritual conviction in the face of injustice. Throughout history, individuals motivated by their beliefs have stood against oppressive systems, embodying the principle that true faith demands action. I love history and I have often wondered what I might do in troubled times. Would I hide, or would I be in the mix? Biblical Foundations of Faithful Resistance The Bible is rich with stories of resistance. The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh’s genocidal order out of reverence for God (Exodus 1:15-21). Daniel continued to pray, even when it was outlawed (Daniel 6:10). In the book of Acts, the apostles boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29). The rest of the story

God’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Divine Vision for Humanity

2025/03/19 Gayle 0

I have been thinking a great deal about DEI or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I served for several years on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team for New Hanover County Schools. It was enlightening and challenging work that was also incredibly rewarding! However, in today’s world, conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be polarizing. Some, like me, embrace these principles as fundamental to justice and community, while others view them with skepticism, seeing them as politically charged buzzwords. Yet, long before DEI became part of corporate or social frameworks, they were already embedded in the character of God and the mission of the Church. The biblical narrative reveals a God who creates diversity, commands justice, and invites all people into divine love and The rest of the story

A Shift In The Spiritual Landscape

2025/02/27 Gayle 0

Recent studies reveal a significant shift in the spiritual landscape of the United States. While traditional religious affiliation has seen a decline, spirituality remains a vital aspect of many Americans’ lives. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that 86% of U.S. adults believe in the existence of a soul or spirit, 83% believe in God or a universal spirit, and 79% believe in something beyond the natural world. These statistics suggest that while organized religion may be waning, the quest for spiritual meaning persists. The Essence of Spirituality: Love At its core, spirituality is often intertwined with the concept of love—love for oneself, others, and the universe. This love transcends doctrinal boundaries and focuses on genuine connections and compassion. However, there’s a growing sentiment that The rest of the story

Share a Little Love

2025/02/14 Gayle 0

Valentine’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, a day dedicated to expressions of love and affection. While often associated with romantic love, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the many ways love is present in our lives—love for family, friends, community, and even our pets. Love is not confined to one relationship or one type of expression; it is an expansive, divine gift woven into the very fabric of human existence. But how did Valentine’s Day come to be? And why is love such a central part of our spiritual and theological understanding? Let’s take a journey through history, explore some historical facts, and consider the theological foundations for love in all its forms. The Origins of The rest of the story

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in This Scary and Confusing Time

2025/02/06 Gayle 0

Right now, it feels like the world is on fire and sometimes it seems that I am on fire with it! My anger is boiling – perhaps because anger is an easy emotion for me. After all anger is a powerful emotion and I, an enneagram 8, Capricorn, can’t show weakness….perhaps that’s another blog post! It’s a dumpster fire of all dumpster fires We are barely 3 weeks post-inauguration and new administration and quite frankly it’s a dumpster fire of all dumpster fires! The U.S. is grappling with political unrest, economic uncertainty, climate crises, and the everyday struggles of just being human. Add in the never-ending scroll of social media, where every post is designed to provoke a reaction, and it’s no wonder so many of The rest of the story