"The worst feeling in the world is to cry for help and feel like no one is there for you." - from a friend struggling with depression The church has an amazing opportunity to compassionately care for those struggling with mental health issues. Many in the struggle turn to the church to find a place of belonging and, as difficult as it is at times to be there for someone trying to balance out their life, the church should prime herself to be that place of welcome without hesit

Today's Sunday Gathering, without going into too much detail, was amazing. Our pre-service began with a manifestation of two demons who were quickly rebuked and sent on their way. In short, we reminded them that they have already been defeated by the work that Jesus did on the cross. We also reminded them whose house they were in. It truly was a blessing to see God at work, as it served for me a great reminder of His Kingdom and the joy it is knowing that His presence prevail

When I think about the many who were baptized in water this past Sunday, I'm immediately reminded of the love that God has for us. I imagine that He jumped giddy with excitement when the dozen and a half folks stood boldly in front of their family, friends and passersby to declare their desire to follow Jesus. I imagine God's heart warmed with passion as each person was submerged into the Long Beach waters and emerged a new person. It truly was amazing to be part of such a wo

I woke up this morning to the surprise of our church (among others) being featured on the front page of our local newspaper, The Press Telegram. I assumed the article would simply be a short blurb in the corner of the middle of the newspaper on modern church statistics. I didn't expect our city's media outlet to highlight the Church's good works in Long Beach, let alone don our efforts on the front page. It was a blessing to see what we do for our city plastered both online a

Our city was just visited by the strength of a soothing thunderstorm amplified across the Southern California skyline. It was as if God plugged in His Bose speakers because He wanted as crisp of a sound as possible so that we would be reminded of His presence. His tears saturated the streets letting us know that He still cries for us. And lightning flashes from His DSLR froze the early morning's beauty just before the day's busyness woke up from its slumber. It felt like the

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7) I frequently stroll around Long Beach, but it's more than just for exercise. And it's more than just for soaking in the great art along the many city corridors. I walk around my city to pray. I pray for folks in my church and I pray for folks around the city. I'll say a q

"You are honest like abandoned warehouses coming to terms with its failed success." I've been writing poetry since 1994 and it has been an amazing literary journey. I get to tap into my imagination on the regular, especially when our creativity seems to vacate our innovative boxes the older we get. I've been blessed to don stages I never dreamed of stepping onto. And I've been honored to publish a handful of books that I'm actually giddy to read. The pinnacle, however, of my