faith

From Dualism to Wholeness: A Spiritual Journey Through Many Traditions Toward Sacrament, Justice, and Love

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Finding Unity in the Episcopal Church After a Lifetime of Seeking

My spiritual journey has never been a straight line. I began within the Free Will Baptist tradition, carrying with me the dualistic view of sacred and profane, and the heavy sense that humanity was broken and bound for judgment. Yet, as the years passed, my experiences, teachers, and encounters with different traditions began to weave together a richer tapestry of faith—one that ultimately led me to the Episcopal Church.

Learning That Life Is Relation

At Free Will Baptist Bible College, I sat under Professor Leroy Forlines, who wrote on Bible ethics and taught that life is essentially about relationships. He described four foundational ones: with God, with others, with ourselves, and with the universe. That idea—that life is relation—stuck with me. It gave me a framework that would shape how I interpreted every new encounter with spirituality.

Wesleyan Influence and the Methodist Way

After years in the Free Will Baptist Church, I had the opportunity to serve as a Church of the Nazarene pastor. Through that experience, I became acquainted with John Wesley. His teaching opened my eyes to a broader vision of Christian faith, one that emphasized holiness, grace, and practical living. Eventually, I found my way into the Methodist Church, where I discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: truth is discerned through Scripture, Reason, Experience, and Tradition. This made so much sense to me—so different from the sola scriptura approach of the Free Will Baptist and Nazarene churches.

In 1997, I formally joined the United Methodist Church and went on to attend Memphis Theological Seminary. There, Dr. Barry Bryant, a Methodist professor, drilled into us the heart of the Gospel: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. From him I also learned the depth of sacrament and sacramentalism—seeing God’s grace in ordinary, tangible ways.

The Splitting of the UMC

In more recent years, I watched the United Methodist Church fracture over LGBTQ ordination. Many congregations left, and I felt the services lose some of the liturgical richness rooted in Anglican tradition. My heart longed for a worship that was more sacramental, more connected to the deep rhythms of Anglican and Catholic practice. I yearned for a place where my expanding spirituality—shaped by so many influences—could be fully lived.

Streams That Shaped Me

By this time, I had already been shaped by multiple streams of faith:

  • Native American spirituality taught me that everything is sacred and all life is interconnected.
  • Quaker spirituality taught me to listen for the Inner Light and to seek truth in silence and simplicity.
  • Progressive Christianity taught me that love and justice are the heart of the Gospel, and inclusivity is non-negotiable.
  • Taoism, through the teaching of Dr. Larry Campbell, showed me the wisdom of balance, harmony, and flow.

All of these formed within me a vision of faith that went beyond dogma—one that cherished relationship, inclusion, and sacrament.

Finding Home in the Episcopal Church

That longing found its home at St. James Episcopal Church in Springfield, Missouri. Here, I discovered a community where all the influences of my journey seemed to converge. The liturgy connects me to the ancient church, the sacraments bring depth and meaning, and the spirit of inclusion reflects the love I had discovered in Progressive Christianity. I can see the harmony of Native American spirituality, the silence and integrity of Quakerism, and the wisdom of Taoism alive in this community’s practices.

In Essence

I became an Episcopalian because it is the one place where all the streams of my journey flow together. It is where sacrament and justice meet, where ancient tradition embraces progressive inclusion, and where the beauty of worship reflects the sacredness of all creation. For me, the Episcopal Church is not just a denomination—it is the home where my faith, shaped by so many influences, has found its resting place.

Finding My Spiritual Home: A Journey Across Traditions

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I grew up with a strong sense of dualism—the sacred and the profane, heaven and hell, saved and lost. In the Free Will Baptist Church, I was taught the Arminian way, yet it still carried the weight of a worldview where humanity was seen as sinful and bound for judgment. Though I did not embrace the Calvinistic doctrines of total depravity, unconditional surrender, limited atonement, irresistible grace, or perseverance of the saints, I still carried the heavy burden of seeing humanity as broken and stained.

Over the years, I have walked a different path. What began as questions and longings has turned into a journey across traditions, a weaving together of wisdom that has brought me into a new understanding of faith. Along the way, I have discovered the gifts of Quaker silence, Native American harmony, Progressive Christian love, and even Taoist balance. This is my story.

My Ancestors and the Quaker Path

My connection to the Quaker tradition is not just intellectual—it is part of my story. My ancestor, Peter Pearson, came to America as a Quaker in the early 1700s to escape persecution in England. I discovered this when my sister Sue and I researched our family history over a ten-year period, from 1990 to 2001. That discovery stirred a question in me: what did it really mean to be a Quaker?

In Quaker worship, I encountered something profoundly simple and deeply moving. Sitting in silence, waiting for the Inner Light, I found that God is not locked away in heaven but present in each heart. No preacher, no ritual, no performance—just the Spirit speaking in the quiet. This simplicity spoke to me, especially as someone who grew up with sermons heavy on judgment and guilt. The Quaker way reminded me that truth, peace, equality, and integrity flow from the Spirit’s leading. It is not about escaping this world, but about living faithfully within it.

My Denver Years and Native American Spirituality

From 2006 to 2012, I lived in Denver, and it was there that I encountered Native American spirituality in a personal way. I met Frank, a Lakota Sioux man, who generously shared with me the ways of his people. What first drew me in was the sense of relationship. Rather than separating the sacred from the profane, everything is seen as sacred: the Earth, the waters, the winds, the animals, the ancestors. The Creator and the spirit world are not distant, but close, woven into every breath. This way of seeing frees me from a dualistic worldview and reminds me that I, too, am part of the sacred circle of life. Balance and harmony are not just ideals, they are ways of living.

Discovering Progressive Christianity

While in Denver, I also encountered many Progressive Christians. I read Kissing Fish by Roger Wolsey, a pastor from Boulder, and it opened my eyes to a Christianity that was inclusive, open, and justice-centered. Later, I was influenced by Patrick S. Cheng’s Radical Love and From Sin to Amazing Grace, and then by Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ. These writings helped me reframe Christianity—not as a system of fear, but as a path of expansive love.

Progressive Christianity opened a different door for me: one where Jesus’ life and teachings are central, not as a dogma to enforce, but as a way of radical love and justice. Here, inclusivity is not an afterthought but a core expression of the Gospel. Worship is welcoming, questions are encouraged, and creation care is embraced as a spiritual responsibility. For me, this way reclaims Christianity from fear and offers it back as love in action.

Taoism and New Insights

Later, while serving as a teacher in the Classic Seniors Program at King’s Way United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri, I met Professor Larry Campbell, a retired math professor from Missouri State University. He taught classes on Taoism, comparing its wisdom with Christianity. Through his teaching, I saw more clearly how truths can flow across traditions—how Taoism and Christianity, though different, can echo each other in their pursuit of harmony and depth.

Where My Path Leads

When I weave these traditions and experiences together, I find a spirituality that feels alive:

  • From Native American wisdom, I’ve learned kinship with all creation.
  • From Quaker practice, I’ve learned to listen for the still, small voice within.
  • From Progressive Christianity, I’ve learned that love must be lived out in justice and inclusion.
  • From Taoist insights, I’ve learned to honor the flow of life and the wisdom of balance.

In Essence

My path has taken me from a faith of fear and dualism into a spirituality of relationship, silence, and love. Native American spirituality reminds me that everything is sacred. Quaker spirituality teaches me to listen and live simply in truth. Progressive Christianity calls me to follow Jesus through justice, compassion, and inclusion. Taoist wisdom adds yet another layer, showing me harmony and flow.

Together, these traditions form the spiritual home I never knew I was searching for. They remind me that faith is not about rigid belief or fear of judgment—it is about relationship: with the Divine, with the Earth, and with one another.

Walking My Spiritual Path: From Dualism to Harmony, Silence, and Love

The Curious PilgrimLeave a comment

I grew up with a strong sense of dualism—the sacred and the profane, heaven and hell, saved and lost. In the Free Will Baptist Church, I was taught the Arminian way, yet it still carried the weight of a worldview where humanity was seen as sinful and bound for judgment. Though I did not embrace the Calvinistic doctrines of total depravity, unconditional surrender, limited atonement, irresistible grace, or perseverance of the saints, I still carried the heavy burden of seeing humanity as broken and stained.

As I have followed the path of Jesus into adulthood, I’ve discovered new streams of spirituality that have reshaped my faith. I have found a home in the Native American way, in the Quaker tradition, and in the Progressive Christian vision. Each of these traditions has offered me a gift, a piece of the puzzle, and together they have given me a spirituality that feels whole.

The Native American Path: Living in Harmony

What first drew me to Native American spirituality was its sense of relationship. Rather than separating the sacred from the profane, everything is seen as sacred: the Earth, the waters, the winds, the animals, the ancestors. The Creator and the spirit world are not distant, but close, woven into every breath. This way of seeing frees me from a dualistic worldview and reminds me that I, too, am part of the sacred circle of life. Balance and harmony are not just ideals, they are ways of living.

The Quaker Path: Listening in the Silence

In Quaker worship, I encountered something profoundly simple and deeply moving. Sitting in silence, waiting for the Inner Light, I found that God is not locked away in heaven but present in each heart. No preacher, no ritual, no performance—just the Spirit speaking in the quiet. This simplicity spoke to me, especially as someone who grew up with sermons heavy on judgment and guilt. The Quaker way reminded me that truth, peace, equality, and integrity flow from the Spirit’s leading. It is not about escaping this world, but about living faithfully within it.

The Progressive Christian Path: Love Made Real

Progressive Christianity opened a different door for me: one where Jesus’ life and teachings are central, not as a dogma to enforce, but as a way of radical love and justice. Here, inclusivity is not an afterthought but a core expression of the Gospel. Worship is welcoming, questions are encouraged, and creation care is embraced as a spiritual responsibility. For me, this way reclaims Christianity from fear and offers it back as love in action.

Where My Path Leads

When I weave these three traditions together, I find a spirituality that feels alive:

  • From Native American wisdom, I’ve learned kinship with all creation.
  • From Quaker practice, I’ve learned to listen for the still, small voice within.
  • From Progressive Christianity, I’ve learned that love must be lived out in justice and inclusion.

In Essence

My path has taken me from a faith of fear and dualism into a spirituality of relationship, silence, and love. Native American spirituality reminds me that everything is sacred. Quaker spirituality teaches me to listen and live simply in truth. Progressive Christianity calls me to follow Jesus through justice, compassion, and inclusion. Together, these traditions help me walk a path that honors the Divine, cherishes the Earth, and embraces all people as sacred.

Living Simply: Lessons from the Quaker Faith

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My ancestor, Peter Pearson, came to America as a Quaker fleeing persecution in England. Today. the Adult Formation Class at St. James Episcopal Church, studied a chapter on Household Economics written by Sharon Daloz Parks from the book, Practicing Our Faith edited by Dorothy C. Bass. The chapter mentioned simplicity as a practice of the Quaker faith. I came home and prepared this blog.

In our busy, consumer-driven world, the idea of “simplicity” can feel out of reach. We are surrounded by messages telling us to buy more, do more, and strive for more. Yet centuries ago, the Quaker faith—also known as the Religious Society of Friends—lifted up simplicity as one of its central testimonies. For Quakers, simplicity has never been about deprivation, but about creating space for the Spirit to move freely in daily life.

“Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle, freely chosen, is a source of strength.”
— Quaker Faith & Practice

What Simplicity Means to Quakers

The Quaker testimony of simplicity is rooted in the belief that truth and divine guidance are best heard when the noise of excess is stripped away. Early Friends practiced “plainness” in speech, dress, and possessions. They avoided extravagant clothing or titles, choosing instead direct language like “yes” and “no.” Their goal was not to reject beauty or joy, but to remain honest, grounded, and free from distractions that could cloud their spiritual vision.

Simplicity, then, is not a rigid rule but a guiding principle. It calls people to focus on what truly matters: truth, love, and spiritual depth.

A rare 125 year-old photograph of Philadelphia Quakers at Old City’s Arch Street Meeting House during a Meeting for Worship in April 1900.

Living Simply in Daily Life

Though few modern Friends wear plain dress today, the call to simplicity still shapes how many live:

  • Plain Speech & Honesty – Speaking truth without exaggeration or flattery.
  • Mindful Living – Choosing quality and usefulness over excess and waste.
  • Centeredness – Making time for silence and reflection, letting go of unnecessary busyness.
  • Community & Equality – Valuing people over possessions or status.

“Simplicity is the right ordering of our lives, placing God at the center and leaving space for what matters most.”
— John Woolman

(

A simple table with bread, fruit, and tea—a visual reminder of nourishment without excess.)

Why It Matters Today

In many ways, the Quaker testimony of simplicity feels more relevant now than ever. Our culture equates success with wealth and consumption, leaving many stressed, overworked, and yearning for meaning. Simplicity offers another way—one that emphasizes contentment, sustainability, and peace.

By choosing to live simply, we lessen our dependence on material goods, reduce our impact on the environment, and free ourselves to focus on relationships, service, and spiritual growth.

“A man is rich in proportion to the things he can afford to let alone.”
— William Penn

A Personal Invitation

The heart of Quaker simplicity is not about what you give up, but about what you make room for. When we release clutter—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—we create space for what nourishes us most deeply.

Perhaps ask yourself: What could I set aside to make space for stillness, connection, and joy?

“Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations… then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”
— George Fox

A family or community gathered outdoors, sharing in simple joy together

Devotional Reflection on Matthew 6:12

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I heard the hymn “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” by Rosamond Herklots today, and it stirred something deep within me. It reminded me that forgiveness lies at the very heart of our faith.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He included a bold request: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Those words are both comforting and challenging. They remind us that while we long for God’s mercy, we are also called to extend that same mercy to others.

Forgiveness, however, is rarely easy.
We carry wounds from hurtful words, broken promises, and painful betrayals. Sometimes the anger or grief we feel seems too heavy to release. Yet, when we hold on to resentment, it begins to hold on to us. Our hearts harden, and our relationship with God suffers.

Jesus made it clear:

“If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 6:14-15)

The hymn captures this truth beautifully. It acknowledges our struggle and pleads for God’s help:

“Cleanse the depths within our souls
and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread Your peace.”

Forgiveness is not pretending the wrong never happened, nor is it excusing sin.
It is releasing the burden of anger and leaving justice in God’s hands. It is choosing to live in freedom rather than bitterness. And just as God forgives us freely, He calls us to pass on that gift of grace.

When we forgive, we experience healing. Relationships may be restored, peace replaces turmoil, and we begin to reflect Christ’s love in a broken world.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there someone you need to forgive today — or someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?
  2. How have you experienced God’s forgiveness personally?
  3. What steps can you take to let go of resentment and trust God with the outcome?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
thank You for the mercy You have shown me.
I confess that I often struggle to forgive others.
Cleanse my heart of bitterness and pain,
and help me to extend Your grace freely.
As You have forgiven me,
so let me forgive others,
that Your peace may reign in my life.
Amen.

Finding Joy in Life’s Trials

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Scripture Reading:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Reflection

Life rarely goes according to our plans. There are seasons of deep joy and peace, but there are also times when our world feels like it’s turned upside down—loneliness, loss, uncertainty, or the weight of responsibility.

James, the brother of Jesus, understood this well. Writing to believers scattered across many nations, he encouraged them to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials. At first, this sounds impossible. Who could ever be joyful about pain or struggle?

But James wasn’t saying we should be happy because of the trial itself. Instead, he invites us to see trials through God’s perspective. Difficult seasons test our faith, but they also strengthen it, just as resistance strengthens a muscle. When we keep trusting God in the middle of hardship, our perseverance grows—and with it, our character and spiritual maturity.

James also reminds us that when we feel confused or overwhelmed, we can ask God for wisdom. He promises to give it generously and without judgment. The key is to trust Him fully, rather than doubting His goodness or being tossed around by fear and uncertainty like waves in the ocean.

Your trial today might feel heavy, but it is not wasted. God can use this very moment to shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. What seems like a setback may actually be a setup for growth and deeper faith.

Life Application

  • Look at trials differently. Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What is God teaching me through this?”
  • Pray for wisdom first. Before making decisions, take a moment to seek God’s guidance.
  • Stand firm in faith. Refuse to let doubt or fear define your response. Trust that God is with you, even when you cannot see the outcome.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being with me in every season of life. When trials come, help me to see them as opportunities to grow and to trust You more deeply. Give me the wisdom I need to face today’s challenges, and strengthen my faith so that I am not shaken by doubt or fear. May my life reflect Your love and bring You glory, even in difficult times.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought

Trials will come, but so will growth. When you persevere through challenges with faith and courage, you will discover a deeper joy—one rooted not in your circumstances, but in the unchanging love of God.

The Journey of a Pilgrim

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Scripture:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

When I was in high school, my English and Literature teacher, Mrs. May Ruth Ishee, assigned me to read Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and give a report to the class. At first, I saw it simply as another school assignment—a book to read, a report to prepare, and a grade to earn. But as I turned the pages and followed the journey of Christian, the main character, I began to see something deeper.

Christian’s journey was a picture of the spiritual life—a path filled with challenges, temptations, and victories. He faced moments of doubt, times of weariness, and battles with forces that sought to turn him away from his goal: the Celestial City. I realized that my own walk with Christ was very much like his. The Slough of Despond reminded me of my own times of discouragement, while Christian’s meeting with Evangelist echoed the mentors and encouragers God placed in my life—people like Mrs. Ishee, who helped guide me in faith and learning.

That book planted seeds in my heart that have grown over the years. It showed me that being a follower of Jesus is a journey, not a sprint. There are mountains to climb, valleys to cross, and burdens to lay down at the foot of the cross.

Looking back, I see that Mrs. Ishee didn’t just assign a book; she gave me a tool for life—a story that continues to remind me that I am, and always will be, a pilgrim on the road home.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Where are you in your spiritual journey right now?
  2. What burdens do you need to lay down at the feet of Jesus today?
  3. Who has been an “Evangelist” or encourager in your walk with Christ?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for teachers, mentors, and friends who guide us along the journey of faith. Help me to walk faithfully with You, even when the road is difficult. May Your Word always light my path and lead me toward Your Celestial City. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Loving God with all we are

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In December of 1964, at just fourteen years old, I preached my very first sermon at Lee’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church near Laurel, Mississippi. The text I chose was Mark 12:30-31:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There is no commandment greater than these.”

I remember standing in that little country church, nervous and excited, trying my best to share God’s Word. Afterward, my Uncle Cleo, who was married to my Aunt Bess (my dad’s sister), told me I had delivered a good sermon — but if I had slowed down a little, he might have actually understood what I said!

At the time, I didn’t realize how deeply these verses would shape my life. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that this commandment isn’t just about feelings or words. It’s about giving our whole selves to God — our heart, soul, mind, and strength — and letting that love spill over to others.

Loving God with All Your Heart

The heart is where love begins. It’s the seat of our emotions and desires.
To love God with our heart means giving Him our deepest affections and loyalty. It’s not a half-hearted love, but one that says, “Lord, You come first in my life.”

This is where many of us struggle. Our hearts can get divided between God and the things of this world. Loving God with all our heart is a daily choice to make Him our priority — to let His love shape how we feel, what we value, and how we treat others.

Loving God with All Your Soul

The soul represents our very being — the essence of who we are.
To love God with all our soul means surrendering our entire life to Him. It’s saying, “Here I am, Lord. Use me for Your purposes.”

This isn’t just about Sunday morning worship. It’s about living every moment as an act of devotion. Whether we’re at work, at home, or serving in our community, we honor God with our lives. Loving Him with our soul means we are His — completely and forever.

Loving God with All Your Mind

Our thoughts matter. What we think about shapes who we are.
Loving God with our mind means filling it with His truth, His Word, and His wisdom. It means studying Scripture, reflecting on His promises, and rejecting the lies that try to pull us away from Him.

When we love God with our mind, we seek to understand His ways. We let His Word guide our decisions and shape how we see the world. In a world filled with confusion and competing voices, this kind of love brings clarity and peace.

Loving God with All Your Strength

Finally, loving God with our strength is about action.
It’s about using our energy, abilities, and resources to serve Him and others. This love isn’t just felt or thought about — it’s lived out.

Whether we’re helping a neighbor, caring for family, volunteering at church, or standing up for justice, our strength is a gift we give back to God. It’s how love becomes visible and tangible in the world.

The Second Commandment: Loving Others

Jesus didn’t stop at loving God. He added, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
True love for God always flows outward into love for others.

This is often where the real challenge comes. Loving people can be messy, difficult, and sometimes even painful. But when we love God fully, His love gives us the strength to love others — even when it’s hard, even when they don’t love us back.

A Lifelong Journey

As I look back on that December Sunday in 1964, I realize how much I’ve grown — and how much I still have to learn. Loving God with my heart, soul, mind, and strength isn’t something I mastered at fourteen, or even now. It’s a lifelong journey.

Every day, we have new opportunities to love Him more deeply and to love others more fully. And when we do, we find the very purpose of our existence — to be vessels of His love in a world that desperately needs it.

So today, take a moment to ask yourself:

  • Am I loving God with my whole heart?
  • Is my soul surrendered to Him?
  • Are my thoughts filled with His truth?
  • Am I using my strength to serve others?

These are the questions that can shape not only our faith, but also our legacy. Just as that verse shaped my first sermon, may it shape your life — now and always.

The Seeds of Love: Lessons in Relationships and Faith

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When I was a boy growing up on a small farm in Greene County, Mississippi, my father gave me a handful of corn seeds and told me to plant them beneath an old oak tree. I had asked him why we couldn’t grow crops in the cool shade rather than out in the hot sun. Dad just smiled, handed me the seeds, and let me discover the answer for myself.

As you might expect, the corn never grew under that tree. What I didn’t realize then was that my father was planting more than just corn—he was planting a lesson. Over the years, that experience became a powerful image for me: some truths, like seeds, take time to grow and bear fruit.

The First Seed: Four Basic Relationships

After high school, I enrolled at Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tennessee (now Welch College). There, Dr. Leroy Forlines taught a course on Biblical Ethics that left a lasting impression on me. He said there are four basic relationships in every human life:

  1. Our relationship with God
  2. Our relationship with others
  3. Our relationship with ourselves
  4. Our relationship with the universe (the world and creation around us)

At the time, I understood these words only on an intellectual level. It wasn’t until years later—and after some failed relationships and painful lessons—that I began to grasp their true meaning.

The Second Seed: Love as the Heart of Faith

Thirty years later, while studying at Memphis Theological Seminary, another professor, Dr. Barry Bryant, built upon the foundation Dr. Forlines had laid. Dr. Bryant challenged us to see the Bible through one central theme: “Love God and love your neighbor.”

He helped me to realize that life is not primarily about rigid rules and laws but about how we live in relationship with others. Loving God fully means loving with every part of who we are—our physical, spiritual, rational, and emotional selves.

Jesus simplified it even further:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Dr. Bryant pointed out something that profoundly shifted my understanding: before we can truly love our neighbor, we must also learn to love and value ourselves. Only then can we extend genuine, grace-filled love to others.

The Growth of the Seed

Looking back, I see how these “seeds” of wisdom were planted at different stages of my life. At first, they lay dormant beneath the surface, like that corn beneath the oak tree. It took time, experience, and even hardship for them to take root and grow.

The lesson is simple yet transformative: our faith is lived out through relationships.

  • Our relationship with God is the source of our strength and guidance.
  • Our relationship with ourselves shapes how we see and treat others.
  • Our relationship with others is where our love is tested and expressed.
  • Our relationship with creation reminds us of our responsibility to care for the world around us.

Living Out the Lesson

Today, I strive to live with this understanding: loving God means loving people. It means listening with compassion, forgiving freely, and walking humbly. It means seeing others—not as problems to fix or enemies to defeat—but as fellow travelers on life’s journey.

Just as that corn needed sunlight to grow, our relationships need the light of God’s love. Without it, they wither. With it, they flourish and bear fruit.

So, I ask myself daily: Am I planting seeds of love today? Am I nurturing them so they can grow into something life-giving?

Growing Strong in the Heat of Life

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
— James 1:2-3

Growing up on a farm in rural Greene County, Mississippi, I didn’t much like hoeing or picking cotton under the hot, blazing sun. One day, as sweat dripped down my face, I asked my dad why we couldn’t grow crops in the cool shade of the trees around our farm.

Instead of giving me a direct answer, Dad handed me a handful of corn seeds and told me to plant them beneath the old oak tree near our house. He hitched up our mule, Kate—who had a stubborn streak of her own—and plowed up a small patch of ground. Together, we planted the seeds, and I eagerly checked on them every day.

Before long, little green shoots began to poke through the soil. I was thrilled at first, imagining they’d grow tall and strong like the corn out in the open field. But as time went by, I noticed the plants under the tree stayed weak and stunted. They never grew tall or full.

That’s when Dad explained, “Son, life isn’t easy—and neither is growing good crops. Corn needs the heat of the sun to grow strong, just like we need challenges to grow in life.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson. Just as the corn needed the sun, we need life’s trials to strengthen us. When we go through hardships, God is shaping us, deepening our faith, and preparing us for the work He has called us to do.

The next time you face a difficult season, remember: it may feel uncomfortable, but it’s part of your growth. Just like the corn in the sun, you’ll come out stronger, rooted in faith, and ready to bear fruit for God’s kingdom.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You in the heat of life’s challenges. When the trials feel overwhelming, remind me that You are using them to strengthen my faith and grow me closer to You. Amen.