Beatitudes Blog
The Merton Prayer
Sometimes I think this prayer saved my life.
Keeping Faith Amid an Invalidating Environment
Ever found yourself in a place where your feelings didn’t seem to count? You’re not alone…
Teach Me, Emmanuel AME Zion Church
Who formed the shooter at Emmanuel AME Zion Church? How? Who formed the peacemakers at Emmanuel AME Zion Church? How?
Marrying an Angel
On Sunday, I will marry an angel. Really. Read to see what I mean.
My Name Is Marshall, and I Am a Sinner
Looking for peace on earth? Let it begin with you…
Getting Away From It All
A reflection on the most important thing to bring on vacation: Yourself.
My Friendly Quarrel with Buddhism
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). In my last post, I told an autobiographical parable with the hope that my particular story would touch the universal story of aging, loss, and spiritual maturity. It tells how I find true...
Before Christmas Memories Fade
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:11-12)....
Top Posts for 2014
In July 2014, I started the Beatitudes Blog to encourage people in emotional pain. Every brief post sheds light on the Beatitudes and invites readers to let the blessings flourish amid their suffering. Whether you have been following all along or...
Peace and the Christ Child
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). During Advent, churchgoers often hear John’s magisterial prologue which includes this haunting irony: “The Word…was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet, the...
Share the longing
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness’ sake, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). A subscriber to this blog, Patty Hunter, recently introduced me to Emanuel Woods. When he and her son wrestled for Rome High School, she met the looming...
As a psychotherapist and spiritual director, I bring well-honed insight and skill to these posts; yet, my vulnerability plays a more important part, for more than advice from experts, serious people of faith need resonance with fellow travelers.
In my writing and in your reading and comments, may we face our challenges in God’s compassionate presence rather than in a private dressing room where we try in vain to make ourselves presentable to God at an appointed meeting. God meets us where we are.
Get Free Resources
Subscribe to my blog and I will send you a free digital copy of the introduction and study guide to my book Blessed at the Broken Places.
