Wise Words

This is the season of organizing Bible studies and trying to convince folk that this just might be the time for them to participate. Some are afraid to admit their limited knowledge and others feel that that have already done sufficient Bible study. Sometimes it is the wisdom of those who have gone before that provide the best argument for making this commitment. Such are the words of Gregory the Great (540-604):

"Scripture is like a river, broad and deep, shallow enough here for the lamb to go wading, but deep enough there for the elephant to swim."

Social Media

A couple months ago I realized that I had better get on board with social media, especially as to how it might be important to my ministry and the church's ministry. I researched, reviewed and took the plunge. I am now on Facebook and Twitter as is First UMC. James Sturgeon is responsible for the latter and is doing a great job with keeping it current. Although social media has been great summertime fun, I still wonder about the significance of it all. Then, my son, Robert, sent me this video. Maybe we are doing the right thing as we seek new ways to effectively tell the story.


Just when thought I was catching up with the newest and the latest, my husband gives me a smart phone. Now I have a new challenge. Will keep you posted.

A Challenge

As a regular reader of Issac Bailey’s column in The Sun News, I knew that I wanted to read his new book, Proud. Black. Southern. (But I Still Don’t Eat Watermelon in Front of White People) as soon as I was aware of it. Finally, I did read it several weeks ago and have been thinking about it ever since. Much of this book is comprised of previously published columns, which reflect on his personal experiences of growing up in South Carolina. As one might assume, he reveals some of his struggles as an African-American in a culture that is often labeled as racist. What is interesting is that Bailey’s observations are not always predictable and I find myself thinking about some of my views about race, especially in the South. He reminds us of the complexity of race relations and for the need for us to be in dialog about it, not only in our homes, our schools, but in our churches as well. As regular readers of his column know, Bailey just doesn’t write about matters of race, but puts himself in the community to discuss and act upon them. This becomes a challenge to the rest of us as we order our lives.

First Stop Online?

At first I laughed when I read the NY Times report that folks are going online in the morning before coffee. Then I realized that I may be closer to this than I would have ever imagined a few years ago. Slowly, I have found myself needing to read e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs more frequently. Ron and I each have a computer and an iPhone. Although I could give several almost legitimate reasons for this, I do wonder if this is the best use of my time, But, be assured that coffee still comes first. When that changes I will know that I am trouble. But, the idea about texting Ron to get his attention might have merit.