Losing Everything: Jenny Offill’s “Dept. of Speculation”

What does it feel like to lose what matters most? It feels like life is askant, disoriented, even though you are surrounded by friends, children, and meaningful work. That’s why Jenny Offill’s Dept of Speculation (Vintage, 2014) works.

Methodists and Infant Dedication

Yesterday was the first anniversary of my youngest son’s baptism. Infant baptism is the norm among United Methodists today. But many of my non-Methodist friends practice “infant dedication.” In fact, while the two practices are different, they function (in many respects) similarly in Christian faith communities: each marks a moment when family and congregations commit to raising a child to grow into a relationship with Christ.

Women and Weddings

I’ve always known that John Wesley and (some) Methodists were progressive-thinking folks, but did you know that Wesley’s revision of the marriage rite helped advance the state of women?

After You Left: A Letter to My Pet

Dear Friend,

Life hasn’t been the same since you left. I know it wasn’t your choice. Still, I can’t stop thinking how suddenly it was all over. Unexpected, really.