I Had Such Good Intentions
In which I bail on my intended topic and offer interesting links instead.
The Best-Laid Plans
I had plans to write up another post focused on God’s view of women, specifically looking into the “created order” issue. But when I sat at the computer with a short stack of books to reference as needed, I could not get my brain to engage. Whoever said the Bible is easy to understand hasn’t parsed a Greek verb or researched the history of interpretation. Jesus as Lord and Savior comes across clearly enough, yes, but some issues take deep study.
So instead of beating my brain into submission, I bailed. I’ve written on the topic before, about two years ago, so I’m adding the link to that one (I have further thoughts but this is fairly thorough).
You’ll also see a link to a recent podcast in which Sandra Glahn interviews fellow Dallas Seminary professor Glenn Krieder on The Chick Report. As the author of the chapter on Eve in Vindicating the Vixens, Dr. Krieder explores how scholars through the ages have unfairly maligned our first mother and the implications of a more accurate understanding of her. If she wasn’t the deceived yet deceptive seductress (as so many theologians have painted her), what does that mean for the way theology—and the church—understands women in general?
If you have time for only one link I include today, choose this first. (Then go back to the others. 🙃)
Beauty from Ashes
My friend Mary DeMuth has a new book out, and today you can watch/listen an interview with her on “Honestly, Though.” Rebecca Carrell invited me as a guest co-host, and together we chatted with Mary about the topic of Restory Your Life. When life follows a path you never imagined nor wanted, the process of “restorying” can bring healing and restoration. Mary examines the power of storytelling, the biblical foundation of suffering and redemption, and practical steps for trusting Jesus to pen a different story. Her book—and our conversation—offer hope, encouragement, and biblical insights that apply to every facet of life’s journey.
Speaking of Beauty
Yesterday, the ministry team at Grant Village, Yellowstone, held their first worship service of the summer. I, as mom to one of the team members, got a flurry of texts and photos describing how it went down. And I was delighted to see this update in my inbox this morning, so now all of you, too, can read about the ways God is moving in Maggie’s life and in the lives of those she’s meeting.
Read all about it here, at Maggie's Summer on Mission:
What’s Coming
I am taking the rest of this week off, shutting my computer down to escape the tyranny of the keyboard. But later this week, I’ve scheduled the final episode of my DMin series. When I planned that series, I knew it would interest only a certain segment of my readership, but I’d hoped it would encourage those in master’s programs as they considered moving into a doctorate. I also wanted the stories of each woman to inspire someone that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. And perhaps their specific dissertations would pique the interest of certain readers.
I’m happy to report that all of those hopes came true! Thank you to all who have sent me notes about the series. If you’ve watched and been impacted in any way, I’d love to hear from you, too.
Here’s a quick glimpse of my conversation with Dr. Cynthia Hester.
Thanks for reading along!