Emphasis Contributors
Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
But when the big boomers rolled again through the furious skies, Kimberly cried in redoubled terror. I soothed her as best I could, telling her that God was always there in the room, even when Mom and I were across the hall in our bedroom. That didn’t seem to quiet Kimberly, and Kristyn, in her nearby bed, knew why. Sitting up, she declared, matter-of-factly, “But Dad, Kimberly wants somebody...
But when the big boomers rolled again through the furious skies, Kimberly cried in redoubled terror. I soothed her as best I could, telling her that God was always there in the room, even when Mom and I were across the hall in our bedroom. That didn’t seem to quiet Kimberly, and Kristyn, in her nearby bed, knew why. Sitting up, she declared, matter-of-factly, “But Dad, Kimberly wants somebody...
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48
Have you ever been left out? That’s a bit of an unusual question, but I think it is pertinent. For a lot of people this question takes them back to the elementary school playground. Do you remember choosing sides to play kickball or some other game? Two captains were chosen, and they’d begin to pick their teams. Inevitably, there would be two kids left and one captain would say, “You get so and so, and I get so and so.” Those are just kids’ games, but I can remember not being wanted. Maybe the question takes you back to high school days. Maybe you tried out for cheerleader, basketball, or some other team. You gave it all you had, but when the list was posted or the phone calls made, you were left out. I can’t think of very many things that sting more...
Have you ever been left out? That’s a bit of an unusual question, but I think it is pertinent. For a lot of people this question takes them back to the elementary school playground. Do you remember choosing sides to play kickball or some other game? Two captains were chosen, and they’d begin to pick their teams. Inevitably, there would be two kids left and one captain would say, “You get so and so, and I get so and so.” Those are just kids’ games, but I can remember not being wanted. Maybe the question takes you back to high school days. Maybe you tried out for cheerleader, basketball, or some other team. You gave it all you had, but when the list was posted or the phone calls made, you were left out. I can’t think of very many things that sting more...
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