Waiting usually isn’t comfortable. But looking back, I realize my deepest lessons have come during the waiting. By Jessica Brodie.
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Posts by Category: Views
This is the category for Advocate editorials and other viewpoints.
The days are surely coming
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.
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When you’re just not feeling thankful
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.
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Lest we forget
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
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When bad news leads to Good News
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.
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From the Inside Out
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.
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Wearing a mask as a form of Christian love in action
I don’t like masks… but still. I wear one. By Jessica Brodie.
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Churches are getting creative in how they reach people in the pandemic. Here, the Rev. Annie Jackson places her sermon in a water bottle for a church member.
Taking the lead
At the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, midshipmen must keep their rooms ready for inspection at any time and keep their uniforms in regulation condition. Demerits can be given for a room or uniform that is not in proper order. A column for the Advocate by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS
Engaging with those we disagree with
After 11 years in this position, more than 20 years in journalism and more than four decades on this earth, here’s the biggest truth I’ve learned: I don’t know everything. (Neither do you!) And I can learn a lot from opening my heart and mind to other perspectives. By Jessica Brodie.
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Photo by Jessica Brodie
Making it plain
What I have come to know is that confession and repentance is hard and painful work. No one ever feels that they have wronged anyone or done anything that needs an apology until it is brought to their attention. Yet repentance goes beyond confession. To truly repent demands a life changed from the inside out. A column for the Advocate by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Photo by Mike Dubose, United Methodist Communications
Why am I a United Methodist?
The church is the people, and people are far from perfect. I’m grateful to be an imperfect person in an imperfect church striving to do all I can to be like Jesus. By Jessica Brodie.
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Our journey together continues
In times of change, such as this year of pandemic that we have experienced, what if we were to offer new questions rather than searching for a new “right” answer. Changing the conversation can move us toward a different way of thinking about our future possibilities. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.
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Photo by Matt Brodie
Beyond the fear
Fear can create hate and division and cause racism to fester like a septic wound. Fear can make people say “yes” to everyone and everything in their world until that “yes” leaves them exhausted, worn down and empty. Fear can cause us to give up on life, on people, on the beautiful tomorrow promised to us by God. By Jessica Brodie.
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hands, sword, Chinese, general
The gathering of God’s people
As this edition of the Advocate arrives, the 2021 session of the South Carolina Annual Conference will be starting. On June 6 and 7, we will gather virtually for a time of giving thanks to almighty God and celebrating the ways in which we have been seeking and fulfilling God’s purpose for the church. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.
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When I can’t serve
By Jessica Brodie. Have you ever been frustrated because you can’t do something you desperately, fervently want to do?
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Photo by Matt Brodie
The question is
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Walking with Bishop Knox into the town of Alajuela, I asked him his expectations of clergy. He responded, “To be on the cutting edge of ministry, making a difference for the sake of Christ.”
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What did Jesus say about social justice?
God cares about justice. Throughout the Old Testament and the New, and through the works of His Son Jesus, we see how important justice, fairness, mercy, compassion, and care for all people is to God.
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Simple blessings
Jesus’ call for us not to worry about the future is a bold claim. The good news of the Gospel is just that—GOOD news. So when Jesus tells us not to worry, he is not leaving us high and dry. Jesus is calling us to put our trust in him. To trust that he will provide for our every need—the big stuff and the little stuff. All of it. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.
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Photo by Becky Porter
It’s time to stop
It’s time to stop ignoring or disregarding views not in line with our own, writing them off as if they belong to “them” or “those people.” We are all the body of Christ, and words can hurt. By Jessica Brodie.
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Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS
In every situation
Even now—especially now—we have the opportunity to be for someone the Gospel that they may never otherwise hear. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS
