The story of Louis Zamperini, as told by Laura Hillenbrand in the book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, is … one of heroism, cruelty, suffering, determination, remorselessness, redemption, faith – and forgiveness.

"A long time ago, bad things happened..." I recently had a conversation with a 95-year-old woman I met 20 years ago. Our last discussion many years ago was harsh as she expressed her disappointment in the church and the leadership's choices. On a September evening 13 years later, she was no longer cognitively coherent. But there it was: an apology from her soul.

We keep score at this time of year. From Thursday night through the following Monday night, we keep score of the many football games being played … Sadly, people are keeping score in another way…

All of us probably have a “happy place” that brings a unique calm to the stormy thoughts of our daily life. One of my favorite happy places is a little vineyard that is about a 7-minute walk from our apartment. In my vineyard, I observe the seasons unfold. From barren vine stalks…

I have a vivid memory from nearly 30 years ago of attending a retirement party for a beloved local band and orchestra director. The celebration was on the floor of the gymnasium at the junior high …

One of my favorite things in the world is a Disney movie. A few of my best-loved include Beauty and the Beast, Encanto, and Enchanted. … These movies came to mind for a specific reason. …

When I was in college, I took a class in design. I was fascinated by the way random colors, materials, and ideas would come together and form a cohesive piece of art. A designer must assess all the elements within the design to better understand their relationships and how they interact with one another. …

I have officiated weddings since 1984 … hard to believe 38 years of them. (Myself, I dread weddings and welcome funerals—I never had anyone complain at a funeral.)  … Common to many wedding ceremonies is an element of unity: a symbolic act demonstrating the joining of two into one, united for life. …

Has there ever been a time when you have identified with the guys in the photo? Your ministry team is in a meeting and a topic has been presented that is causing members of the team to be working against one another instead of with one another. …

In the quest for unity, one might think the United Nations would be a good place to start. Afterall, united is part of the name. However, given the seeming corruption and constant discord evident in that global organization, unity seems a distant dream.  Or what about the United Center in Chicago? It, too, has united in its name …

One of the most important aspects in the biblical job description of an elder’s work is to protect the congregation, to oversee, to manage, to guard at all costs the life, health, and unity of the church - especially the unity aspect of the body. I was invited to consult with a congregation in Indiana regarding serious conflict. I traveled to the church and …

Unity is defined as the quality or state of being one. God calls His people to live in unity with one another, so we must make every effort to live together in agreement with those around us. God commands us to act in love. Life is messy … so we can end up hurting each other and ruining the unity we have worked for. …

Listen to a country song or watch an episode of any reality tv show and it’s easy to think “at least my family isn’t that dysfunctional.” But what if your family really is that dysfunctional?

Welcome to Labor Day weekend! Since 1894, Americans have enjoyed this holiday weekend when we celebrate the labor movement in our country by doing no labor. … As we move into this new month, we want to LABOR with a new good word, and that word is unity.

Occasionally, history will remember a great moment of oration. Those speeches of passion and urgency often inspire action and bring about much needed change. …

“What I feared has happened to me; what I dreaded has come true.” Job’s words (Job 3:25) ran through my mind. I was reading a text no mom wants to receive. “Hey Leah, it’s Jim. Call me, we have an emergency.” …

The best gift we could give to the children in our life is the understanding that they are sinners, and to recognize the urgent and desperate need for a savior. Our “do what makes you happy” culture sets us up to feel that …

I grew up on a dairy farm in southwest Wisconsin. I knew from an early age the importance of urgency, steadfast commitment, and dedication.  As dairy farmers, my family had to milk the cows …