There was once a great flood and the river rose to the point of overflowing its banks. In the confusion of the flood, a small fish and a monkey were both swept away by the current. As they struggled against the raging waters, the monkey passed under a tree with a low-lying branch and she managed to pull herself up and out of the water. While she rested in the security of the branch, she noticed that the fish continued to...

by Jill Bennett For years I read the Old Testament only when absolutely necessary. As a woman, I misunderstood and hated the violence and cruelty of the people of that day. More disturbing and confusing was that the same loving God I worship today could have commanded (in some cases), and condoned (in other cases) so much of the violence and cruelty. Wars, animal and baby sacrifices, slavery, beheading, rape, incest, killing...

by Jean De La Fontaine (cir 1600) A vain stag saw himself reflected While standing in a crystal pool. His antlers like a thicket spread But when he looked below he rued The sight of his narrow limbs Which thinned to nothing under him. "My legs do not match my head" He said in sorrow regarding his form. ...

Have you ever looked at yourself naked? That may strike you as a completely unnecessary thing to read on a church web site.  But I don’t mean nude in the mirror.  Have you seen what you look like to God? Not through the eyes of God, nor to see yourself as God sees you, but to see yourself in the state He sees you. Will I be able to stand the sight of myself stripped bare, without pretense, without mask? Do you and I...