Blog Posts
Most of the posts here originally appeared on the Holy Trinity Church blog. When the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020 forced us all into quarantine there was a deep need to stay connected and give voice to that with which everyone was wrestling. We solicited posts from pastors, staff and members of the church and it remains a source of strength and encouragement. I’ve indicated the posts that were published there first.
COMMUNITY IN QUARANTINE: CULTIVATED IN THE SOIL OF COMMITMENT
The Downtown congregation of Holy Trinity Church (HTC), where I am a member, has a unique and simple strategy for cultivating community in our urban environment. Pastor Jon Dennis encourages us: “If your lease is ending soon, consider moving within a 10-minute walk of other HTC congregants.” I could have never imagined the impact that vision would have on my life when I joined the church 5 ½ years ago.
DISCIPLESHIP AS COUNTER-FORMATION
The culture is continually trying to form us to a vision of the good life that’s fulfilled through money, sex, and power. Christian discipleship must counter-form us by showing that it is actually being poor in spirit, sacrificial in giving, and a servant in our leadership that leads to the good life now, and will be fully revealed as such when Jesus returns. We can’t think our way into living that different story. We need to be saturated in liturgies and engaged with a community that shows us a different story that molds our hearts and aims our loves.
BEYOND COPING STRATEGIES AND QUICK FIXES: WHY TRUSTING THE LORD IS BETTER (AND HARDER)
In a moment of clarity, it occurred to me that this fall is not going to usher in a brand new season with the fresh winds of change that I want, no, need it to. And suddenly all of my coping strategies and go-to distractions that have helped me survive this pandemic, seemed to be crumbling all around and threatening to plunge me into a pit of despair. I was left wondering in what, or in whom, have I actually been placing my trust?
QUARANTINE AND SINGLENESS: THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE GOSPEL IN EVERY SEASON
I hate that this lonely season shines a terrifying spotlight on an area of my life that is already a struggle to embrace: singleness. A call to embrace this season feels like wrapping my arms around pain and heartache, and honestly, I’d prefer to hug a cactus.
HYGIENE HABITS AND HYPERVIGILANCE: WHO AM I BECOMING?
When I realized that I was afraid of an elderly couple in Walgreens buying cough medicine and angry at two carefree and unmasked guys for invading my six-foot bubble on the sidewalk, I started wondering: how are the habits I’m forming in this pandemic shaping me?
A TIME TO LAMENT
It is a time to lament. It is a time to bring all of these things before the Lord and be reminded that He hears our prayers, He holds our tears, He is grieved over this brokenness too.
