Category: humanity

Christianity, Culture, Ethics, Hope, humanity, Justice, Leadership, Love, Ministry, Suffering, Theology and Life

The Ten Commandments of Change (Part One)

Gary Furr

Ten Commandments for Working for Change (Kingdom of God Version) I am not sure why I started this.  I have been thinking, at 57, about how disappointing the world, other people, the church, society, politicians, even myself, are.  And yet, I hope.  I still think things can be better.  This is mysterious.  I went to Mount Thinkaboutit to consider this, and came down with two tablets carved in sand, so they can be easily revised if needed, but these are some things I have thought about in my experiences thus far. First Things First.  The ministry of healing requires clear … Continue reading The Ten Commandments of Change (Part One)

America, Ethics, Hope, humanity, Music, Race

Remembering Martin Luther King

Gary Furr

Fifty years ago this week, Martin Luther King’s life was frozen in time for the whole world. His words keep living, his story keeps being told, and the events of his life are examined again and again.  It is not that time any more. The pain is more diffuse, spread into new struggles for equality and justice. It is worth marking the remarkable changes that have happened in that fifty years. We can go to any restaurant and drink from the same fountains. A lot of things are better, much better. But the pain he saw is still in the … Continue reading Remembering Martin Luther King

Christianity, Ethics, Hope, humanity, Jesus, Love, Ministry, Pilgrimage, Suffering, Thanksgiving, Theology and Life

When Nothing Else Can Help, Love Builds a House

Gary Furr

One of the most-read blog pieces on here was one I did on the Hardy family of Williams, Alabama called, “Following Jesus from Israel to Rural Alabama.”  As a follow up to that, I am happy to report that last Sunday evening, the Hardy family received the keys to their new home in a dedication ceremony led by Pastor Mike Oliver. Times of crisis can certainly reveal our failings and weaknesses.  But it is also true that crisis reveals character and new possibilities.  one of God’s most mysterious works is bringing communion and healing from our disasters.  Such times can … Continue reading When Nothing Else Can Help, Love Builds a House

Hope, humanity, Leadership, Technology1 Comment

Imagine

Gary Furr

“Imagine” was not one of my favorite John Lennon songs, mainly because I take lyrics seriously and, truthfully, it’s about the most preachy song he ever wrote. Imagine there’s no Heaven,  It’s easy if you try No hell below us, Above us only sky Imagine all the people, Living for today Honestly, I think the rhyme, “Imagine there’s no countries, It isn’t hard to do, Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion too” would never survive a songwriting 101 class.  “Looks like you were just looking too hard for something to go with ‘do’ there,  fella.  But then, … Continue reading Imagine

Ethics, Hope, humanity, Jesus, Pilgrimage, Theology and Life2 Comments

Following Jesus From Israel to Rural Alabama

Gary Furr

The Day After Thunder It was truly a day beyond words in April of this year when record tornadoes tore through Alabama.  I put it on my facebook page this way: “It is the morning after a wall of thunder ripped across our lovely state.  Time to roll up our sleeves and see what we can do to help.” A lot of death and injury greeted us when we emerged–damaged homes, businesses gone—and we found the task of cleaning up absolutely daunting.  One family in my church found themselves in a neighborhood of felled trees, including a big one right … Continue reading Following Jesus From Israel to Rural Alabama