The Common Thread

My Comfortable Life

My Comfortable Life

Years ago my grandfather use to own a chair. It was HIS chair. He watched TV in it, enjoyed company while sitting in it, rocked his children to sleep in it, and eventually rocked his grandchildren to sleep in it. One day however, my grandmother bought him a new chair for their house. One that matched a little bit more with the decor. She offered the chair to me and I quickly said yes. . . I say all this because I feel like I've sat in my grandfather's chair long enough. My life has been comfortable for a long time.

Grace: To Fear and Fears Relieved

Grace: To Fear and Fears Relieved

Whether you grew up “in the church” or not, these words, published in 1779 by Englishman slave trader turned abolitionist and Gospel preacher, John Newton, most likely ring familiar. This hymn is arguably the most well-known and well-loved of all liturgical tunes. With its timeless theme of redemption—something all people, at some level, long for—its universal appeal is obvious. While the entire song is packed with sucker-punch truths, for me, the beginning of the second verse is striking