The old saying goes that if you see a turtle on a fence post, it obviously did not get up there on its own. And so it goes for each of us. We are not meant to do life on our own. We need each other to lean on for encouragement, motivation, and inspiration to continue the work God has planned for us. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

Two years after COVID-19 changed so much, I have a new opportunity to reflect. How have we done as a people in all of this? Where are we now? How did I, as a woman of faith, respond? By Jessica Brodie.

What would Jesus think about intentionally gathering with others for the purpose of splitting up the unity of God’s church? Is there good to be had from intentionally fostering division and difference instead of intentionally working together to foster a spirit of common bond in Christ? For some, our differences in theology are such that we choose to seek a different denomination or start our own. But for most, I think we’re more alike than different. By Jessica Brodie.

In the midst of our fast food, drive-through, one-day Amazon delivery world, we recognize patience is hard. We know God’s desire for us is to pause our self-imposed time limits, to stop the urge to do life by ourselves and to linger a little longer in God’s presence. But, it seems we are in an unrelenting, unwavering, unyielding storm that won’t end. A column by Bishop Jonathan Holston.

I should have known better, but I expected 2021 to be different. On leaving expectations behind for 2022. By Jessica Brodie. .

Have you ever heard the story told that asks the question, “Why did the child throw the clock out the window?” The answer: “To see ‘time fly.’” By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Waiting usually isn’t comfortable. But looking back, I realize my deepest lessons have come during the waiting. By Jessica Brodie.

The word “Advent” means “coming” or the arrival of something important. As a people of faith, we join the voices of Ancient Israel in the clarion cry for God to save us, to restore justice and to build right relationships. We join their voices in a call for the fulfillment of God’s promises. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Have you ever felt simply … off? Unsure, perhaps, why you are feeling this way, you strive to reconnect with God in your usual ways. Maybe you go off alone, spending time in prayer and meditation with the Lord. Maybe you read more Scripture, try a new Bible study, or do what you can to slow down and take a step back from your crazy-hectic pace. By Jessica Brodie.

The late Maya Angelou said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” It goes further to say that we should never back away from any intimidating challenge. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston

Sometimes, bad news wakes us up out of our slumber and propels us forward, armed with new ways to share the Gospel in a dark and hurting world that so desperately needs the light of Christ. By Jessica Brodie.

It has been said that, “When spoken together at just the right moment, there are two words that have amazing, life-changing power.” These two words possess the capacity to breathe into us new life, to lift burdens, and to calm fears—as well as to inspire hope. The two words to which I refer are simply these: “I understand.” A column by Bishop Jonathan Holston.