My sons’ bio mom buys me garden gadgets from the dollar store clearance aisle while her SNAP benefits run out. She knows I love my flower garden and she loves me. She gives more generously from her poverty than many do from their absurd abundance.
She loves me even though I was part of the system that “took” her kids. I’m certain she prayed for me even though she didn’t know if she’d ever see her kids again.
I could share many more stories of her generosity, but the point is that this kind of experience is the most transformational Christianity I can imagine. Thanks for giving us this view.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful , beautiful words . I feel like my definition of community has changed with everything happening in our country. Still the same in many ways, but hopefully bigger and more gracious in others.
“What if we got serious enough about Jesus to point our feet toward the margins and start walking - not as missionaries, but as impoverished beggars, desperate for the truth Empire and opulence obscures?”
I have the book on my next purchase list—moved it to the top! As always, thank you. I am holding so many tensions with church, they only seem to increase. This is a glimmer of hope.
Shannan, this has me weeping. As always, thank you for your words. And for sharing Kat’s words. They are a dagger that splits open my heart and soul for self-reflection. At the same time, they are a balm that soothes the confusion from what I was taught and affirm what I can now see.
This one made tears roll. Wow.
My sons’ bio mom buys me garden gadgets from the dollar store clearance aisle while her SNAP benefits run out. She knows I love my flower garden and she loves me. She gives more generously from her poverty than many do from their absurd abundance.
She loves me even though I was part of the system that “took” her kids. I’m certain she prayed for me even though she didn’t know if she’d ever see her kids again.
I could share many more stories of her generosity, but the point is that this kind of experience is the most transformational Christianity I can imagine. Thanks for giving us this view.
Transformational, indeed! Thank you for sharing. Holding her in the Light today, along with so many more. ✨
“May we be blessed with a heightened suspicion of power.” This line! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
👀😏
“God belongs to everyone, and everyone to God.” This piece brought me to tears, your writing is a gift.
Me too!!
I'm going to buy Kat's book, thank you for the recommendation and for the beautiful words today.
It's so important and just a heartening read!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO refreshing to read about a gathering that gets it!! Thanks for sharing. I wish l lived close enough to gather with you!
Maybe one day! We'd love to have you. 🩷
Shannon, Thanks so much for sharing such a gorgeous picture of church and some rich theology as well! Your writing is a gift.
Morning Shannan, Morning America. Loving the thoughts about generosity and tithing here.
Amen sister! Those questions you’re asking are ones we are called to wrestle with, thank you for posing them so clearly.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful , beautiful words . I feel like my definition of community has changed with everything happening in our country. Still the same in many ways, but hopefully bigger and more gracious in others.
🩷🩷🩷
“What if we got serious enough about Jesus to point our feet toward the margins and start walking - not as missionaries, but as impoverished beggars, desperate for the truth Empire and opulence obscures?”
Whew! Well THAT was a word!
I have the book on my next purchase list—moved it to the top! As always, thank you. I am holding so many tensions with church, they only seem to increase. This is a glimmer of hope.
Shannan, this has me weeping. As always, thank you for your words. And for sharing Kat’s words. They are a dagger that splits open my heart and soul for self-reflection. At the same time, they are a balm that soothes the confusion from what I was taught and affirm what I can now see.
Shannan, you are a gift to us all. Thank you thank you.
Yes! 🙌🏽
Amen.