WGA blog
Loving God, Self and Others: Love of Self into Love for Others (Part 3)
“It is only after a reasonable sense of identity has been established that real intimacy with others can be possible. The youth who is not sure of his or her identity shies away from interpersonal intimacy, and can become, as an adult, isolated or lacking in...
Justification: Are We Moving Forward or Making Excuses?
When we are struggling with sin, it can be easy to get wrapped up in our own mind games, making excuses (justifying) our choices. Stopping and considering the full weight of our sin, that Jesus died on the cross for, is a heavy place to dwell. So instead of bearing...
The Outcome Isn’t Ours
“So, what’s the goal?” The question is a familiar one. It is usually asked after a WGA presentation or after our monthly orientation meeting, during the Q&A time. I always ask for clarification to get a better handle on what the speaker wants to know: “What do...
Loving God, Others and Self: Movements Towards Wholeness (Part 2)
“How can you draw close to God when you are far from your own self? Grant Lord, that I may know myself that I may know Thee?”--St. Augustine Jesus to the Rescue In a previous blog, we discussed when Isaiah refers to “binding up the brokenhearted” in chapter 61....
Reentry Anxiety: Are We Returning to a “Normal”?
It has been over a year since COVID-19 forced us to go into quarantine for two weeks. I remember thinking, “Okay, I can quarantine for two weeks. Two weeks isn’t that bad. I sure am looking forward to things going back to normal after this!” Well, that two weeks...
Pulse Night Club Shooting Remembered: 5 Years Later
Introduction: I originally wrote this article soon after the Orlando Shooting in June of 2016. June 12th marked the 5th anniversary of that horrible day. This attack on the LGBTQ+ community took the lives of 49 people and injuring over 50 more, which is the 2nd...
Thoughts, Feelings…… What’s the Diff?
The difference between thoughts and feelings and how we work with them, or more to the point, how they work on us, is really important—really, really, really important, …. Really it is! Lest the reader think I have abandoned all rules of proper communication—or that I...
Changes to the WGA Staff
Just a few weeks ago, we received the news that WGA’s Office Manager, Nancy Dryden, would be leaving our staff. We are sad to see her go! Nancy has been a huge asset to our team for the past 20 years. Plus, she has become a really close friend over that time. We will...
Loving God, Others and Self: Naming the Brokenness Within (Part 1)
In Isaiah 61, the prophet invites the people of Israel to see God differently. Historically, the nation is in exile under the Babylonians, the city of Jerusalem in ruins. Foretold judgement has come, and the people of God are struggling to find hope. Isaiah speaks...
An Exploration of Friendship – Cues from Ancient Practices
This time last year, in the midst of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, I had my first ever “virtual lunches” with friends. I’ve since given up these arrangements because most people refuse to join me in eating over Zoom (it is admittedly a bit awkward). However,...