Category: 40 at 40

I'm drawn to biographies of inspiring men and women.  This summer, I enjoyed Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.  Bonhoeffer, of course, was imprisoned for his participation in a conspiracy against Hitler, ultimately paying the ultimate price of his life.  Several things gripped me about his story, however. First, Bonhoeffer lived a bold, … Continue reading an inspired life – reading and living bonhoeffer

from today's Daily Office, a canticle of St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury (d. 1109) Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you: You are gentle with us as a mother with her children; Often you weep over our sins and our pride: tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment. You comfort us … Continue reading Mother Jesus

I was speaking at a retreat this weekend when I mentioned that Christians back in the first centuries of the church rescued newborn little girls from large piles of trash. "Why did you have to say that?" someone said afterwards. "Because it happened." "But that's just sad," she said, as we stood there in silence. … Continue reading early christians were bold. and the world took notice.

Many Christians like to reminisce about more noble times long ago.  They say things like: “Our country was founded on Christians values.” “Our culture is becoming worldly and evil.” “The young people of today are so selfish and corrupt.” Just the other day someone said to me, “I wonder what San Francisco was like before … Continue reading 40 at 40: Is our culture today really worse than it used to be?

Do you notice how we are prone to say “A part of me feels this way, and a part of me feels that way”? Do you have times when you feel at harmony with God, the world and yourself – something contemplative have called a “unitive” experience?  And do you have other times where you … Continue reading 40 at 40: We are multiple

My friend Dave says "we live in the future." He should know. He helps create it.  And I'm most proud of his wise reflection about it. I believe Dave. I did an entire Ph.D. in Psychology virtually. If I needed a book, it was in my snail mailbox the next day, or in my email … Continue reading 40 at 40: We live in the future

“We are forced to do something that the Western churches have never had to do since the days of their own birth - to discover the form and substance of a missionary church in terms that are valid in a world that has rejected the power and influence of the Western nations.  Missions will no … Continue reading Don’t send missionaries. Invite them!

Have you ever come upon a book that reads like something you wish you would have penned?  There is something incredible about that great moment of resonating in a deep way with an author.  And then, as you read, it dawns on you how glad you are that God is in charge, and that the … Continue reading 40 at 40: Books I wish I would have written, but others have written (much!) better

I would not be working in San Francisco to help start the Newbigin House of Studies if I was not a fan of the great British missionary-theologian Lesslie Newbigin.  I was first introduced to his works in college, and I’ve been hooked since.  I’ll likely talk more about him later, but one big idea has … Continue reading 40 at 40: Confidence trumps certainty

I found a quote by an obscure Rabbi Bunim about a year ago.  He wrote this: Keep two pieces of paper in your pockets at all times. One that says 'I am a speck of dust.' The other 'The world was created for me.' It’s a paradox that keeps me grounded in reality.  Dignity and … Continue reading 40 at 40: I am both the apple of God’s eye, and a rotten apple