Archives For How Should We Now Live

How Should We Love Broken People–with Grace or Truth?

smgianotti@me.com  —  August 4, 2015

I tear the envelope open and unfold the jury summons. Grumble. The secretary double books my 11:00 appointment. Complain. I feel lonely on a Friday night. Grumble. Complain. Grumble.

 

Hi, my name is Shannon, and I’m a complainer. 

 

Nearly ten years ago, I signed myself into rehab with the Holy Spirit. Since then, I’ve made good progress, but still have frequent relapses. No, let me call it straight. I still sin. I rob God of worship when I complain and refuse to acknowledge his goodness. 

 

2241989981 bb800c8b2a bPhoto courtesy of bored-now via flickr.com

 

I find it strange that hardly anyone comments on my complaining, let alone reminds me that it’s a sin. Well, except my mom, and only rarely. Usually, my friends and family (mom included) listen and empathize.


Maybe they’ve forgotten that complaining is a sin. Or, maybe they’ve chosen to extend grace and believe that God works in broken people, too Continue Reading…

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7 Ways to Love People Better

smgianotti@me.com  —  July 14, 2015

“Any dates lately?” I ask. 

 

The sunshine skitters across the waves. A biker speeds past us. 

 

“A couple,” she says. “Nothing serious, though.”

 

“Guys or girls?”  

 

I wait for her answer. Uncertainty swirls around me. What if she says girls?

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Photo courtesy of Daniel Santalla via stocksnap.io

 

I’ve talked with my friend about her same-sex attraction before—at the local bakery between bites of cherry pie, over steaming bowls of tikka masala. Some months, she fights against her feelings Continue Reading…

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Share the Good Life, But Maybe Not the Infomercial

smgianotti@me.com  —  July 7, 2015

A 23-year-old Sunday school teacher converts to Islam after hours online with Faisal, a Bangeldashi man living in England. He tells her, “I know someone who will marry you but hes not good looking, 45 bald but nice muslim,” and Alex plans to fly to Austria to meet her future husband. 

 

What makes a church girl in rural Washington willing to gamble everything on the advice of a man she’s only ever met on Skype? According to an article in The New York Times, Alex longed for community and a more robust faith, and Faisal spent hours answering her questions. This approach, according to an expert, matches the advice given in an Al Qaeda recruiting manual: “Listen to his conversation carefully…share his joys and sadness.”  

 

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Photo courtesy of Brandon Doran via flickr.com

 

I can’t believe I’m saying this; but, maybe we can learn something from Al Qaeda.

 

Listening deeply, entering into a person’s joys and sadness, investing hours and months—this almost sounds like love. Unfortunately, though, it’s not always how we introduce people to Jesus Continue Reading…

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Can America and Christianity Still Be Friends?

smgianotti@me.com  —  June 26, 2015

Ever since the Mayflower put down anchor, Christianity has enjoyed a place of privilege and respect in our country—a sort of friends-with-benefits relationship to government. But, for a lot of people, the spark is gone. They’re ready to cut ties and move on.

 

Like any break-up, the aftermath is ugly. Both sides feel demonized and both sides feel hurt. A loss of intimacy is never easy; but, as mainstream culture dumps Evangelical Christianity I’ve been wondering—will Christians respond with grace?

 

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Photo courtesy of Sharon via flickr.com

 

The moral landscape in America has changed and we Christians need to reconsider our message—not the core truths about Jesus, but how we package them. Many of our neighbors and coworkers no longer believe in absolute truth, let alone the Bible’s authority to determine their identity and behavior. Like the Apostle Paul, we need to tailor our message to each audience. Otherwise, we might fail to make contact Continue Reading…

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