This is the category for Advocate editorials and other viewpoints.
By Jessica Brodie. As the mother of preteens, I hear the word “entitled” bandied about a lot. My kids are in Generation Z, which is the first generation to grow up in an entirely digital world, and they are fully accustomed to all things electronic and adapt to new technologies quickly and easily. Entitled is a funny word…
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It is said that the first feast was a traditional celebration of the plentiful harvest to which the Wampanoag were invited as an act of gratitude for the ways they had helped the Pilgrims acclimate to their new environment. The two groups joined together for these few days. Yet we know that this temporary time of friendship and feasting did not last. Now, even as we prepare for traditional celebrations with family and friends, the complexity of our history must be acknowledged. While we are thankful, we need to remember that reconciliation is still needed. A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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This month, October, is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And sadly, South Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in the rate of women murdered by men. Your silence and your inaction could be deadly. Together, we can do something to help.
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Marie Curie said it this way: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.” A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Keeping people out of prison is not about being “soft” on crime or altering laws. It’s about coming together as a responsible and loving community before crimes occur. It’s standing with our young people before they walk down the wrong path or begin to make poor choices. It’s coming alongside them with accountable mentoring relationships that expose them to positive life models and high expectations. A column by Jessica Brodie.
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How we live each day matters and impacts others in ways that we may never even know. So, being intentional about living our lives as a reflection of the Gospel even when that is challenging or unpopular, is critical. That’s why becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable is key. A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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In a world filled with complexity and uncertainty, it is easy to get overwhelmed. And the best way to counteract this kind of paralysis is to do something for someone else. A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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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…
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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.
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Some of the final words we hear each year during Annual Conference are these: “Sine Die.” Adjournment indefinitely. The completion of the agenda. The time for everyone to go their separate ways back home. While this is a necessary action in accordance with parliamentary procedure, as People of Hope, we know that the conclusion of Annual Conference is not the end of our time together as Christians. As United Methodists. As disciples of Jesus Christ. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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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.
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“As we breathe a collective breath together, it is my hope that we will stay in conversation with one another, focus on the things that unite us and remain steadfast in our mission to walk together toward a future with hope.” An annual conference column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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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.
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Bishop Jonathan Holston on his expectations that the 2019 Annual Conference will be “a glorious time of celebration where the graciousness of God and the generosity of God’s people called United Methodist will be experienced in excellent ways.”
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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.
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Bishop Holston reflects on prayer in his latest column for the Advocate.
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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.
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Bishop Holston reflects on Lent, General Conference, and how we are still one church and God’s people as we work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
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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.
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Bishop Jonathan Holston on how men’s ministry is not only about the opportunity we have to disciple men and their families in their faith journey, but it is also about empowering men and women to return to their communities ready to continue the witness of faith locally and beyond.
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