CONFESSIONS OF A STARBUCKS PASTOR

The hot topic trending on social media this week is the scoop about a ginormous reality family television show that has been a cable network staple for over a decade. They have so many kids they could form two baseball teams. The family is well-known as being Christian and clean cut. News was leaked that their eldest son as a young teen had sexually abused five young girls some ten years ago. Four being his sisters. Said son is now married with three kids of his own and another on the way. He states that he was wrong, has asked for forgiveness and even stepped down from a prominent public job in a Christian organization once the story broke. As a result of all the negative press, the network has now cancelled the family show. When his sister reported his molestation to his father, dad reported him to the police. Stories have surfaced on the various ways the family responded, where the teen was sent following his confession and how he was not legally charged. Over and over it ha...

Less than a week ago, former Olympian Bruce Jenner made Kardashian-esque news in his exclusive 2-hour interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC. It was then that he informed no one anything new as his ever-altering image has been splayed accross the media for years that "Dude Looks Like a Lady." Apparently, Jenner feels female on the inside and is taking dollars, time and doctors - not to mention press - to correct the joke he claims that God has pulled on him. Yes, I admit I watched that awkward interview where Sawyer positioned herself as if this was a newsworthy story with all the correct "listening" expressions and postures. It was uncomfortable to watch a once-famous athlete seek to redefine and normalize what he is doing. It was uncomfortable to watch a once-famous athlete seek Kardashian "fame". Twice his eyes gave a knowing look as he triumphantly stated that with all the drama in his ex-wife's franchise he "had the real story" all al...

Very well, I've observed over the years. It's the rest of us who have been undone and/or amazed by a fellow human (no matter what their esteemed status) that causes us to ask this question. It might even be prefaced with a "can you believe THIS??" Every time someone tells me about something outrageous that happened to them and concludes their diatribe with "can you believe THIS???" I always respond with the same answer: "Yep, I'm not surprised by people anymore." Those people that have somehow trounced us that we lose sleep over are doing fine, thank you very much. They look in the mirror every day, back their cars out of the the driveway and go about their business utterly unaffacted by the harm they have left in their wake. It is all okay. Because when they look in the mirror, they are unfazed by truth. I doubt it was on their radar in the first place. My biggest prayer for harm-causers is that they become completely aware of their ro...

It saddens me to learn that Franklin Graham is being openly attacked by other Christian leaders. In a social media post, I read that they have even forgiven him. If you are not familiar with Samaritan Purse founder, Reverand Franklin Graham perhaps you have heard of his famous father, Billy? Billy Graham is probably one of the most well-known evangelistic preachers in the world, having spent time with every President since Harry Truman. Billy loves God, period. He is a-political and has spent his adult life traveling the world bringing his simple message to millions of people that God sent his son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that if we believe that, we will inherit eternal life. Son Franklin has become more visible as Billy ages. Franklin is also a humanitarian, traveling the world to provide tangible care for the persecuted and impoverished. Billy did not speak about politics, but Franklin does. More and more as the threat of ISIS continues to explode and our current pres...

Land of the free, home of the brave. We are all aware about some key dates in the founding and history of America (I hope). Microsoft, baseball, McDonalds and Apple Pie describe many aspects of our country. But what else characterizes our great nation in 2015? I've been compiling a list about what I've learned from observing the media. 1. The search for the next big thing. Whether it's a Hollywood movie that doesn't have a "II or III" in the title or the next frisbee, we are suckers for new things that promise great results. Look at how many get rich now resources you can subsribe to, the latest trending game app or viral YouTube video. You only have to note the size of the latest versions of smart phones to see what it is that you simply have to have. Marketers capitalize on this consumer characteristic. There is something about that promise to look better or get it done quicker or have The Latest Thing that gets our attention. (Think E-cig pop up stores...

Okay wow. I had an epiphany today and feel as bright as a block of wood. Did you know that people who subsist on various government program funding can actually file for and receive income tax refunds? I sure didn't until lately. This is my A-ha: People who live on and survive from the government as their "income" can complete a tax return, claim dependents who don't live with them and receive LARGE refunds. Amazing. Story collector that I am,  I recently learned about a combo family (they aren't married, have one kid in common but use the words 'Mom' and 'Dad' to all kids in the house) who will get to file and receive a refund of $15,000. Or, $7,500 each. Yes - that's correct. They plan to receive $15K. They depend on subsidies for their heat, electricity and food and will "get back" enough to pay off other debts. There's another divorced father who has no minor children living with him, hasn't paid child support a...

When I was in 7th grade, James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" was a hit. That was the second album I bought with my early teen money and listened to it over and over.  James' "friend" in the ballad was gonna be there always to brighten up even my darkest day. I memorized every lyric and when the song comes on the radio today, I surprise myself by singing right along. With all the social media labels, doesn't everyone have "friends"?  And more than plenty of them? Yadda, yadda, yadda. But what about people in your everyday life? Maybe they don't live in your zip code but they can be trusted and valued. They are there for you but won't stand by and watch you flush yourself down the toilet without speaking up. They cheer you on and if they do happen to live nearby, make the investment to spend some face-to-face time more than once a year. Anyone less invested is not a "good friend", they are just an acquaintance. Ther...