In the late ‘90s, the HMO Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control teamed up for a huge study called the Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACEs)* to explore how childhood trauma impacts people’s health as adults. The survey … Continued
As I headed to our leadership meeting, my stomach tightened. Hmm, this was becoming the new normal. What would Jackie do today? Shoot down someone’s idea? Complain about being mistreated? Criticize the pastor for doing or not doing something? … Continued
Pastor Paul appreciatively accepted the gift of the communion chalice and tucked it into his backpack for safekeeping. When he later opened his backpack, he found shattered shards of pottery. He glued the chalice back together and, despite its visible … Continued
Guest blog by Steven Earp My friend and fellow pastor Steven Earp kindly gave me permission to share these reflections he posted on FaceBook about caring for his wife Chrysty. Even with her health challenges, my precious bride and I … Continued
When conflict becomes toxic, it’s usually because it hasn’t been addressed promptly but has been buried and then, as pressure builtds up, it erupts. In Parts 1 and 2 of this blog we have looked at five consequences of … Continued