Holiday Hopefulness
2025 Thanksgiving is behind us, and there are many reasons to give thanks. As I write in my office today, I am reminded of just how blessed I am. These last few years have been filled with struggles, challenges, near-death experiences, and constant change. Yet, I can sit on this side of all of it and see all the places that God worked, intervened, and carried us.
There were countless times when the right people were in the right place to ensure the best for Katie and me. Whether it was family members, friends, medical personnel, or even strangers (the Delta stewardess who recognized I was having a stroke), they all seemed to be there when we needed them most. Their presence, kindness, actions, love, well-spoken words, and care made all the difference. I am here today because so many stepped in to care for me.
Even my employer at the time, OneWorld Health, went to great lengths to ensure that I could continue working during my health crisis. They made space and patiently worked with me to ensure I had time for oncology appointments, rest, and the medical care I needed. I am forever grateful for the way they made room for me. Many companies would not have been as gracious.
In the same way, I never thought I would walk back into the pastorate. When I walked out of a Nazarene pulpit for the last time in 2017, I assumed my days in full-time pastoral ministry were over. Yet, here I am serving in a wonderful Methodist church with an amazing senior pastor, staff, and congregation. I am proud to be working in a place where the people are committed to loving God and loving their neighbors (without exceptions). It has been a wonderful transition, a beautiful reminder of what the church is called to be in a world filled with conflict.
In these moments, I am constantly reminded of Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, an Old Testament theologian from Asbury College. He eloquently spoke about God’s place in our lives. He described it something like this: we are not able to see the future, but God does. All we as people can see clearly is the past. Thus we walk backwards into the future holding the hand of the God who sees everything in front of us. That’s what makes the future so uncomfortable and unnerving for us. We find ourselves walking backwards into the future, hoping for the best. What we must never forget is that we are holding the hand of the God who walks confidently forward. And while we can only see the past, there is a calm assurance that He will be there every step of the way.. That He will care, guide, and lead us as He has done so many times before. The same God who has been faithful in the past will be faithful in the future. The same God who has provided and cared for me before, will do it again. The same God who held my hand then, holds my hand now.
So, as you celebrate this holiday season, I invite you to walk confidently knowing that God is with you, others love you, your best days are still in front of you, and you have many reasons to be thankful. God bless and choose your best!