Posts by Category: Editor’s Views

When I was a kid, preparing for Christmas involved a whole lot of me, myself and I—what I wanted to receive for Christmas, where my family was going to celebrate Christmas, you get the picture.But now, I’ve come to realize that a focus on Advent—the four weeks when we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ—is what I was always missing in the holiday. By Jessica Brodie.

Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie’s reflection on gratitude.

By Jessica Brodie. Mental illness runs in my family. Like some families have a genetic predisposition to diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, my family members sometimes struggle with chemical imbalances in the brain.

Editor Jessica Brodie on how bad times (even those facing the UMC as a whole) help us draw closer to God and develop a more Christ-like attitude—humility, faith, and trust in God’s will (“thy will be done”). They teach us things we wouldn’t know otherwise. They help us become patient. They can later help us to comfort others. And when we thank God for these situations, even when it feels ridiculous to do so, we’re acknowledging His sovereignty, His dominion and His power.

The proverbial writing is not on the wall. In fact, as people guided by the Holy Spirit, I would argue anything can happen. God has this in His hands, my friends. His will is going to be done. Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie on the denominational models to be considered by General Conference.

Sometimes spreading the Gospel is sharing our testimony. Sometimes it’s bringing someone to church. Sometimes it’s loving people in His honor. And sometimes, it’s spray-painting His name on concrete planters on the northern coast of Puerto Rico to remind passersby that no matter what else the day, the week or this temporary human life can bring, at the end it’s all about God. A column by Jessica Brodie.

By Jessica Brodie. Giving back with the first tenth of what I “have”—whether that’s money or time—is an important symbol of faith and homage, a gesture of respecting His authority. Now I start each day by offering my tithe of time, just like I tithe my money. He gets my “first fruits.” It doesn’t matter what else the day holds; He comes first. And ironically, just like I haven’t missed the money I tithe to Him, I don’t miss the time, either.

By Jessica Brodie. Renewal and refreshment are critical when it comes to a healthy spiritual life; we’re told this, and we should know this. But with today’s go-do-now mentality, what we say and what we allow ourselves permission to do are often at odds. We forget that throughout Scripture, Jesus took needed time apart from others and apart from his work teaching and performing miracles.

To me, the best parts of the Christmas are when we can hit pause on the busy button and do just that: breathe. Marvel at the glossy wrapping paper and glittery bows. Sigh in wonder at the sparkling lights on the nine-foot-tall tree inside the bank. Close my eyes and offer a silent prayer of appreciation as I cuddle on the couch with my husband and little ones, grateful for all things God brings—good and bad and the gray somewhere in between. A column by Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie.

By Jessica Brodie. Three models—one far left, one far right, one smack in the middle. Three starting points for the future of The United Methodist Church. Which path is best? These? Another? None? Only God knows. And He does know.

By Jessica Brodie. There I was, zipping through the forest on two wheels and a metal frame, knuckles clenched tight, helmet rattling, knees pumping furiously and a crazed grin on my face. That’s right—for the first time in who-knows-how-many years, I got back on the proverbial bike. Oh, the lessons I learned.

If you’re hired to be a cashier and show up for work in a freshly laundered uniform with a bright smile, a winning personality and a strong work ethic but are willing to do everything but ring up orders, then you’re not a cashier. If we are a Christian but aren’t willing to share the Lord with others (one of our most important job duties!), then how can we be a Christian? By Jessica Brodie.

In her latest column, Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie reflects on faith and the eclipse—and what she might be letting eclipse the Son in her own life.

God doesn’t meow like my cat. But He’s still nudging us daily—all day long. A reflection by Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie.

By Jessica Brodie. God can do all things. He made the universe. He made the world. He made us all. He has a plan, and He always works all things to His good purpose. And that is why—even amid arguments and worries and legal disputes and other ways we simple, non-divine human beings attempt to solve problems—I am resting calmly, safely and securely in the faith that God is with us all and will see us through everything.

As the UMC debates over issues of human sexuality, Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie reminds us to keep our focus more on God and being united in Christ than on any distractions sent our way.