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 MorePosts by Category: Views
This is the category for Advocate editorials and other viewpoints.
A time to remember
I have found that to know what really matters in life is to eliminate all the things that distract you from what really matters. Even though our minds are filled with other thoughts, preoccupied with schedules and not always thinking about heavenly things, the Easter message reminds us that what we do with our lives matters to Jesus. A column for the Advocate by Bishop Jonathan Holston.
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 MoreThe moment when everything changes
It’s so easy to simply get caught up in the enthusiasm of the crowds and join the procession that has the loudest brass bands or the most elaborate floats or the greatest number of celebrities or the most charismatic leaders. It’s easy to miss the procession where Jesus is riding on a humble donkey proclaiming dominion, not with violence, but by courageously loving, humbly serving and bravely acknowledging his place among the victims of imperial power. A column by Bishop Jonathan Holston.
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 MoreHere we are again
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. As we continue in this season of Lent, of sacrifice, of self-reflection and seeking God, we are called to wrestle with how we bring hope to situations of despair in our world. On Feb. 14, once more we found ourselves in anguish over the loss of young lives in a mass shooting—this time with 17 dead and more than a dozen wounded at a high school in South Florida. Less than three months into this year, 30 mass shootings have been reported in our country.
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 MoreMaking the you-turn
As we prepare to embark this month upon our Lenten journey, we do so in the midst of a world that is in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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.
Read MorePromises, promises
So once again it’s a new year, a time when we make resolutions. All of us desire a clean slate to bring change to our circumstances and improve our quality of life. A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
Read MoreOvercoming the world
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.
Read MoreLet us pray
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Prayer focuses us to listen attentively for God to speak. As Mary wrestled with what it meant for her to bear the Son of God, so must we wrestle with what it means to carry the good news of God’s son into today’s world.
Read MoreFaith lessons from a bike ride
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.
Read More#GetMovingUMCSC
The cabinet and I have met the Hulapalooza Challenge, and now it is your turn! By Bishop Jonathan Holston.
Read MoreAdvocate’s South Carolina Stories of Racial Awakening Project: Narrative 20
Read the 20th narrative accepted for publication (this one by Delaine Armetta Frierson) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read MoreAn obligation to save
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.
Read MoreResults that matter
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Across the Caribbean, Texas and Florida, the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria is extensive. While there is tremendous evidence of God’s faithfulness in our midst, we recognize that these are trying times that are overwhelming and often lead us to think there is nothing we can do to help.
Read MoreAdvocate’s South Carolina Stories of Racial Awakening Project: Narrative 19
Read the 19th narrative accepted for publication (this one by the Rev. Elizabeth Murray) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read MoreFaith and the eclipse
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.
Read MoreIf it’s important to you
In his latest column, Bishop Jonathan Holston reflects on the eclipse, Chatlottesville and the church’s commitment to witness, advocacy and prayer.
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