A few days ago, I came across a Facebook announcement from a Baptist church near where I live. The church was announcing the return of something called Bible 101 at a local public middle school. The post emphasized that the class was optional. That word caught my attention. Optional. It is a reassuring word. Nobody… Continue reading What Does “Optional” Actually Settle?
Category: The Pencil’s Edge
The Life You Were Praised Into
Not every inherited mark comes from criticism. Some come from praise. That may be harder to notice. Criticism often leaves a bruise we can remember. Praise arrives warmly. It gives us belonging. It tells us which version of ourselves receives approval. A child is praised for being responsible, mature, quiet, helpful, smart, strong, faithful, easy… Continue reading The Life You Were Praised Into
The Pencil-Driven Life 