Book Review: Ruined

My review of Ruined, a memoir authored by Ruth Everhart “It happened . . .” With those two words, Ruth Everhart launches the story of the horrific “it” that happened to her — a night of violence, sexual assault and fear that challenged her faith and upended her imagined future. She invites the reader into…

Questions from Suffering: Why is God Silent?

******* Questions from Suffering series (#4) Job 31:35-37, 38:1-11 A sermon preached on July 24, 2016 for Brookmeade Congregational UCC ******* Once upon a time, a few years ago, I decided to go to seminary. That story began with my certain belief that I wasn’t going to seminary to become a pastor. Indeed, when I…

Questions from Suffering: “Whose Fault is it?”

******* Questions from Suffering series (#3) Job 14:7-15; 19:23-27; John 12:24 A Sermon preached July 17, 2016 for Brookmeade Congregational Church UCC ******* This weekend, there was tragic news from an amusement park in Pennsylvania. An 8 year old boy drowned in some shallow water there. When I see that news, my heart goes out to his family.…

Questions from Suffering: Where Are My Friends?

******** Questions from Suffering series (#2) Job 3:1-10; 4:1-9; 7:11-21 (Luke 17:20-21) A sermon preached on July 10, 2016 for Brookmeade Congregational UCC *********  When last we saw Job . . . Job had a great life with prosperity, status and family — And then Job saw it all die — his sheep, goats, cattle and…