One of the exciting things about being a little Lutheran girl was getting to be an acolyte.

Government was always part of God’s plan.

He came from a prominent Christian family. He was charismatic. He was funny. And he was cruel.

Her name was Pleasant, Naomi, in Hebrew. The sound of it alone made people smile. If names were prophetic, hers was a blessing. 

My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray

I have watched Christians leave the church, one-by-one. A few rejected the faith outright. Others expressed their frustration or dissatisfaction with church. Some had been abused.