Month: March 2025

A Story of Friendship (Remembering Kristi)

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I met my best friend, Kristi, as summer was ending in 2000. We were moving into our apartments to start seminary. From that moment, we were friends. It was friends at first sight. For four years of seminary, we were usually together. (She did spend a year doing an internship in Virginia during this time-don’t worry we talked on the phone and emailed regularly).

Then we graduated and we both took jobs as Associate Pastors. I was near Milwaukee, and she was near Cleveland. We used to joke that my weather would be her weather the next day. During this time, we did spend two weeks together in Scotland when we worked on our application for The Amazing Race. I still think of the fun we would have had running the race each time I watch it!

She officiated my wedding. There were more moves. I officiated her wedding while she was sick with stupid cancer. And I was there with her 13 years ago as she took her last breath.

There are so, so many details I left out in this short description of our friendship. I am thankful to have had a friend who loved me for who I was, who supported me in pursuing my dreams, and who never doubted the possibilities of what each of us could do.

It seems hard to believe that it has been 13 years since I said goodbye to my buddy. Today in her memory, why not tell someone you love them? Or do something kind for someone else? I will be working on my kindness, telling my people how much I love them, and enjoying some tasty food in memory of my best friend, Kristi!

Kristi and I in Scotland in 2005!

Lent is here! Woohoo or maybe just woo.

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The season of Lent (the 40 days not including Sundays that lead up to Easter) begins today. Very few people call this their favorite season of the church year. On the Everything Happens podcast, Kate Bowler called Lent a “bummer” because we know what is going to happen. Jesus is going to be betrayed. Jesus is going to die.

Lent is a bummer and also a realistic season. Parts of our lives have been a bummer too. Things don’t always work out like we planned. Life is hard. Somedays we are lonely, sad, mad, frustrated, and so many other “negative” emotions. We have learned over our lifetimes that happy emotions are good and sad emotions are bad. Nope. They are all our feelings. There are not good emotions nor bad emotions…just emotions.

So, join me in embracing this season of real life. Let’s sit in the sad. Let’s mourn what has been lost or never was. Let’s give up the idea that our life must be perfect. And let’s commit again to following Jesus even when where he leads isn’t exactly where we’d prefer to go. Let’s follow Jesus together.

Faithful God, these ashes on our heads are a reminder that we have failed and that is okay. These ashes are a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that is okay. These ashes are a reminder that you created us and we are all made in your image and called your beloved. In these next forty days, walk with us Jesus as we go where you lead. Forgive us and remind us to forgive ourselves. Amen.