I'll Have The Curry.

An Ash Wednesday Homily For the people of First Baptist Church of Austin February 22, 2023 Photo by  Jeremy Thomas  on  Unsplash On Ash Wednesday, we gather to reflect on the changing seasons, a time to recall our mortality, to remember the ends and the beginnings, all as we prepare for the death and resurrection of Christ. The constant rotation of the church calendar cycles on, even if our lives aren’t in sync with it and yet, lent returns each year ready to remind us that we are stamped with an unknown expiration date. And in the midst of so much death around us, preparing for lent this year has me pondering my own mortality in ways I hadn’t before.   I’m coming to terms with the fact that I too, will cease to exist one day, no matter how much I love living life and am determined to live to age 100. Death is a reality I cannot control.   But with death, life is the prerequisite. There is no death without there first being life. Nothing can die without having first been given a star

 A Sermon for First Baptist Church Austin February 5, 2023 Matthew 5:13-20 Photo by  Jason Tuinstra  on  Unsplash Stay Salty I have spent days reflecting on the privilege and burden a preacher has to address her congregation in the midst of all that happened this past week.   What do you say when so many people in the congregation didn’t have power for days, including at my own house? How will anyone receive your words?   This past week’s winter ice storm has us relieving the trauma from 2021’s epic storm….and it’s a lot for anyone to endure.  Whether or not you were affected by last week’s storm, I want to acknowledge that we are all here this morning having experienced that collective experience.  This is a safe space.  A place where you are allowed to feel your emotions.  A place where you can sit quietly and cry if you need to.  A place where you can gather strength from your community around you.  You have permission to process how you feel you need to. But first, let’s take a few