My Indigenous heritage comes from the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the T’hono O’dham (Papago) of southern Arizona through my father and from the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) of north-central Idaho. Having grown up in Phoenix, Arizona, I can speak to the experience, a bit, about the desert (wilderness). Contrary to the
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“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 Every day the world bombards us with an endless conveyor belt of new possessions and experiences to enjoy. At times it seems this culture of treasuring is not merely a lifestyle choice but is rather necessary to
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Is it possible for us to understand story from a different perspective? We may not realize how much “perspective” we actually bring to the story. Worldviews are the unseen and often unconsidered lenses through which we process and interpret the world. This week’s reading will help us consider and become
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Greetings, my relatives, my name is Lenore Three Stars. I am Oglala Lakota, one of the seven bands of the Oceti Sakowin or the Seven Council Fires, also known as the Great Sioux Nation. I was born on Pine Ridge Reservation in S.D., where my father was born. My mother
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In the Gospel of John 4:5–42, we read of a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan Woman. Jesus and his disciples are traveling through Samaria. While this was not an altogether uncommon route for Jews, we do know that Jewish travellers would often make the slightly longer trek down
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1 Samuel 16:1-13 – Psalm 23 – Ephesians 5:8-14 – John 9:1-41 It is difficult to get away from our beginnings. I’m thinking about this a lot lately. The experiences and places that exist within our foundational years are deeply embedded in the fabric of who we are and how
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Ezekiel 37 Why involve me? I entreat Creator. Surely, Yahweh who said, “Let there be light!” and there was light, could say to these bones, “Live!” and they would live. I am wholly unnecessary to this transformation. So, why involve me? Why make me walk among the dead? Why immerse
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Palm Sunday, a day recognized by Christians around the world as the Triumphant Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Many congregations will begin their Sunday Service processing in and waving palm branches and shouting Hosanna. Others may pass out the palm branches during the children’s time and fold them into crosses
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Out of the Hollows I love to name things. All sorts of things, like new businesses, fresh stories, puppies, a friend’s artworks. I sometimes have an idea for an invention and part of the fun is giving it a catchy name, although I’ve never built a prototype for any of
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Recently, a friend of mine, Dr. Casey Church (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi) shared on social media that he was feeling down as he reflected upon the challenges he was facing in ministry. In his post, he expressed his frustration and dissatisfaction with just how many obstacles he faced throughout his
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In my Christian tradition, I was not raised to participate in Lent, or in many of the other worldwide faith traditions based on the Christian calendar. So I find it humbling to write a few thoughts on this ancient practice. Like many First Nations people, I was not raised in
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He aliʻi ka ʻāina; he kauwa ke kanaka. Land is a chief; man its servant. – ʻŌlelo Noʻeau O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds. –Psalm 116: 16 My name is Mari Elia Kianikaimalino o Hanalei, and my
MoreI will not ask you to sit in the tension of Good Friday or glimpse the despair of the early church as its spiritual leader was slain by empire. I will not ask that you resist the coming promise of Easter morning. If you are like me, you’ve been asked
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Footsteps, Foot Races, Foot Traces Prov 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 1 Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? 2 On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3 beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals
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Raised With Christ Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10 HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED! Today, nearly one-third, of 31.2% of the world’s population, celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is now the most significant world event in all history – God’s affirmation of his Son,
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