The difficult work of reconciliation is very difficult to write about. In reflecting on the events of the Ashley Madison website hack, I struggle to make sense of it all. As some of you wrote back to us, there is an inability to see how reconciliation can even be an option. Reconciliation is grace-infused, redemptive. […]
What is the Christian Life?
Editor’s Note: For those of you waiting for?David Costillo’s final post on vulnerability, check back here on Saturday. One of the questions we at The Leadership Institute often ask leaders who come to our training is a simple one: ?What is the Christian life?? I sometimes notice impatient glances that seem to say, ?What a […]
What We See in the Light
Those who seek to walk more closely with God may think that it will help us feel better about ourselves. But what if coming out from the shadows into the bright light of God?s presence causes us to see our flaws and mess all the more plainly? What then? Listen to this good spiritual direction […]
A Darker Shade of Hope, Part 2
Romans 5:2b-5, ?And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by […]
Vulnerability: One Step at a Time
Typically, when I hurt my wife with my words or injure a friend verbally, it wasn?t my intention as I started my day. Instead, when I?sin, it is usually accidental, a result of choosing or saying the wrong thing in the moment, rather than preplanned malice. Some sin grows over time. There are little decisions […]
A Darker Shade of Hope, Part 1
Reflecting on Romans chapter 5, I see how Paul connects joy and hope, suffering and glory in a way that encourages (literally puts courage in me) and strengthens me. I pray that his words might be a source of encouragement to you in your journey these days as well. Romans 5:2b-5, ?And we rejoice in […]
Hope Deals In Invisibles
Hope is confidence in a bright future in the face of a dim present. Hope brightens our countenance and energizes our step.?Below is a letter of spiritual direction I wrote to someone?quite a few years back when they were facing some hopeless places: There certainly could be some help in a change of scenery and […]
