People influence us. Voices in our minds put us down. Voices around us judge us based on where we are from, how we speak, how we dress, even their skin color. These snap judgments can prevent us from being open and accepting and can create an environment of silence that can be even more hurtful […]
Music and the Gospel: “You Say,” Lauren Daigle Read More »
“All who make little of themselves will be lifted up, but all who make much of themselves will be brought down.” (Luke 18.14) It is difficult to work hard on achieving a goal or building a team only to find out we’ve been “benched.” “Got It In You” is about losing what we think is
Music and the Gospel: “Got It In You,” Banners Read More »
According to the United Nations, 1 in 5 children between the ages 6 through 17 are unable to attend school. The number of girls who attend school falls short in matching the number of boys. In South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa cultures expect girls to get married and start families at very young ages. Schools
Music and the Gospel: “Girl,” Maren Morris Read More »
Jesus’ encounters ten lepers in Sunday’s gospel. Lepers experienced people shunning them. The lepers in the gospel call to Jesus, ask him for compassion, and Jesus grants it. The voices in “Beautiful People” feel second class to those with more money and things. The need for superficial things can blind some people to the beauty and
Music and the Gospel: “Beautiful People,” by Ed Sheeran, ft. Khalid Read More »
The gospel this Sunday asks us “What is faith?” Like a good song, faith can move us and connect us to the world and people around us. Faith in ourselves, our friends, teachers, and parents gives us strength to overcome difficult moments and climb mountains. Faith sets our hearts on who gives us life and
Music and the Gospel: “Sunday Best,” Surfaces Read More »
SPIRIT Online is the only religion program for teens that links the Sunday Gospels to their lives. And it is all online—ready for teens on their phones and tablets. Ready for you to forward to parents and Confirmation sponsors. SPIRIT begins on October 6th this year. The autumn issues feature a series on prayer. Advent
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When someone we love dies, the relationship can seem lost. Spirit this week deals not only with loss but also resurrection. The stories in this issue tell us that while someone is no physically be with us any longer, their presence within us stays and lasts. Louis Tomlinson’s song “Two of Us” reminds us that
Music and the Gospel, “Two of Us,” Louis Tomlinson, Easter Sunday Read More »
Holy Week is time to reflect on the last days of Jesus’ life—his last supper with his friends, his trial, crucifixion, and death. Throughout his ministry, Jesus teaches humility, compassion, and forgiveness. In his final actions he lives out his message in wholehearted love for us. The song “Becoming” expresses how we look to Jesus
Music and the Gospel: “Becoming,” Jason Gray Read More »
All relationships start out on a foundation of trust. We have a right to feel safe and secure. If we don’t, the relationship becomes toxic. Breaking trust changes not only how we view ourselves and others, but it can also leave permanent scars. Sometimes we have people we can turn to, people who will support
Music and the Gospel: “Learn To Let Go,” Kesha Read More »
Throughout our lives we make many decisions. Some are no-brainers. Some are difficult and scary, even painful and heartbreaking. Spirit follows the inner workings of one young woman’s thought process as she weighs her options, her conscience, and the advice of those around her to make the best choice possible for all involved. The song “Light
Music and the Gospel: “Light On,” Maggie Rogers, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »