Jun 21, 2023 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
by Steven Norris “Listen to advice, but follow your heart.” So said the great country artist, Conway Twitty. You could turn to countless other self-help websites or advice columns and find similar injunctions. There is no end to such popular wisdom, but is it a...
Jun 14, 2023 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
by Steven Norris There are a number of cringe-worthy sayings that people throw around as if they are indisputable truth. We are often convinced that the Bible says these things…until we go looking for a specific reference. One such saying goes something like...
Jun 7, 2023 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
by Steven Norris Over the past two weeks, I’ve suggested that there are some sayings we should avoid when speaking to a grieving family. Too often, we revert to platitudes and cliches that reinforce unhelpful ideas about God and the role of suffering. The French...
May 30, 2023 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
by Steven Norris Last week, I suggested five statements that you should probably avoid when you find yourself in receiving line at the funeral home. I want to follow up with additional sayings to avoid that stem from bad theology — ideas about God and the...
May 24, 2023 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
by Steven Norris The math is pretty convincing: one out of every one person will die. At some point we will all find ourselves in the receiving line at a funeral home because someone we care for has experienced loss. What do you say in those moments? How can you...
May 17, 2023 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
by Steven Norris For years, I have been fascinated by the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu.” Traditionally held in a “chashitsu,” or tea house, one would find minimal furnishings inside — a few mats on the floor and small table on which to...
