By Jessica Brodie Once in a while, I get the opportunity to speak about writing to kids, which is one of my favorite things to do. Kids are incredible—like sponges…
Read MorePosts by Category: Editor’s Views
Columns by the editor of the Advocate, Jessica Brodie
No matter what
As we shift into summer in the aftermath of Annual Conference, let’s all take a deep, full, Spirit-filled breath of gratitude that we all have the opportunity to be children of God—every one of us. God made each of us, and God loves each of us. No matter what. A commentary by Jessica Brodie.
Read MoreThe tattooed evangelist
Editor Jessica Brodie on how sometimes sharing the Gospel has absolutely nothing to do with the words that come out of our mouths but the way we live our lives.
Read MoreSuch hope
Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie on a recent mentoring experience that reminded her beyond a shadow of a doubt what our church is meant to do on behalf of our savior, Jesus—not argue with fellow believers about sexuality or other issues, but instead to powerfully and earnestly make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
Read MoreGod is on the move in South Carolina
In the aftermath of General Conference, Editor Jessica Brodie reflects on how no matter what we sinful and imperfect human beings get wrong, God is on the move in spite of and perhaps because of us, shining through us in big ways and small.
Read MoreNo one wins
Editor Jessica Brodie on how—despite how many are hearing rejection in the aftermath of General Conference—we should all work to send a different message and narrative: one of God’s love and unity.
Read MoreDead to self, alive in Christ
Editor Jessica Brodie on being alive in Christ and how in accepting Jesus as our savior we have the freedom to let all the unworthy aspects of ourselves go—fully and completely.
Read MorePray with me
By Jessica Brodie Prayer works. I know this in my core, to the very edges of my infinite soul. It’s my dialogue with God, my ultimate connection and surrender to…
Read MoreA holy circle
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.
Read MoreOn gratitude
Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie’s reflection on gratitude.
Read MoreA God Spotlight after the storm
By Jessica Brodie. What to do? How to proceed? Which way to turn? Sometimes, I wish I had a giant God Spotlight to answer those questions.
Read MoreShining a light on mental illness
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.
Read MoreThanks for the bad
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.
Read MoreOur Methodist family
Editor Jessica Brodie on how—when we take a step away from our own clique, our own church, our own circle of friends and family, and we begin to look around at others who are also Christian—we realize our family is nothing like us at all on the surface except where it counts: in matters of faith.
Read MoreWhat I love best about the UMC
By Jessica Brodie. The concept of the United Methodist “connection” has been central to this denomination from the beginning, stemming from our founder John Wesley and the “connexion” he encouraged to help us stay accountable and in touch. After all, as I’ve heard former Columbia District Superintendent Dr. Tim McClendon say a dozen times, “Together we can do more.” And it’s true! Together as God’s body, we the people of Jesus are a powerful army of the Lord. When we put our hearts and minds and dollars and prayers together in His name, nothing can stop us.
Read MoreLet’s go slowly
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.
Read MoreGod in the graffiti: A Puerto Rico love story
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.
Read MoreA tithe of time
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.
Read MoreQuiet time
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.
Read MoreTouched beyond measure
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.
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