As we embark on our Lenten practice and Study of C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, we ask ourselves, "what is the center of our faith?" In a world where faith is weaponized, we must understand our own core and be prepared to understand how our faith interacts with the world around us.

We like to think that the world around us changes based on who we think is helped by the reality we choose to inhabit. War, violence against bodies, and acts beyond interpretation show us that this is vanity and that we must accept that, behind our interpretations of the world around us sometimes live things that we cannot explain away. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is an invitation to us to reconcile ourselves to the world as it is.

We often fool ourselves into thinking messengers who challenge us are flawed and should be dismissed. But Jesus tells us that being only human is an opportunity for hope.

Song of Songs reminds us that editors of the Bible throughout the ages have found it important to acknowledge the whole truths of our existence, and not to give into the idea that we are disembodied.

Paul and Silas went to help a woman and free her from (some) exploitation. Then they got thrown in the stocks. What happens when we challenge systems that exploit people?

It's easy, when reading the healing stories of Jesus, to miss the stories of the people being healed. It's important to listen to the details, so that we can hear the stories of the people we'd like to help, too.

In 2022, what actions can we take that take you back to the moment you were first called to the church universal or to Ankeny UCC in particular?

We choose the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and where we came from. As we look at America today, let's look at our past and recognize truths we'd like to throw away, so we can tell a story of liberation with our lives and our faith.

The urge to always be more, to always find the extra 2%, to live up to expectations of others or ourselves, can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it's better to simply show up and be present.

The event is over, but Christmas continues. In the wake of our gatherings, find hope.