Have you noticed that there are a lot of theories and opinions about what is best for our lives? So much of the critique that we hear typically acts as the preface for the sales pitch that we are about to endure, ignore, or buy. All we want is for things to get better for … More Hope, Promises, & Us
Today is a gift. This breath and the next should never be taken for granted. I believe that if we are willing, we can recall the shock, horror, and fear of this day 11 years ago. I for one will not forget (nor will any of you), but I believe that many of us are weighed down with our burdens today that remembrance … More Hope in this momentary affliction
As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11 This morning this image struck with such power and caused me to pause. The more I think on this the more I cherish the … More Stepping forward into Hope
Last night I went to see the new film Dark Knight Rises. Today I am having a difficult time putting into words what I felt and still feel from the experience. The film was a piece of fantasy escapism art that was well crafted and worth seeing on the big screen. At the same time there … More Dark Night Rises
Some of our hardships in this life are from our inability to let go of the pain that we suffered or caused in our past. No one has the ability to go back and change the past, but we can learn from it. We can make sure that what did happen will never happen again. We … More You can leave it behind
When depression moves beyond the occassional sadness and slips in the realm of despair it is difficult to see your self the way those who love you do. There is an overwhelming sense that this current situation is all there is and that nothing will ever change. That is an absolute lie! Life is never stagnant, in … More Violence upon your soul
I am saddened by the news of another person who has succumbed to the horror of suicidal thoughts. It is tragic that Junior Seau took his own life on the heals of Tommy Marth’s suicide. These were the ones that made national news, but sadly there were more than these two the past couple of … More Don’t give up!
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 