We live in a world that moves too fast, that values productivity over people, and that often refuses to slow down long enough to see the suffering of others. But I believe one of the greatest things we can offer someone in crisis is the simple gift of recognition—to look them in the eyes and acknowledge their humanity.

The idea of an ongoing conversion is not a denial of God’s grace—it is an embrace of it.

If we desire to practice the kind of religion that is “pure and undefiled” before God, we must be willing to move beyond comfortable service within the church and step into the real, messy, and beautiful work of walking with the broken.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 5:3)

In the prologue of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we find this profound statement:

"The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love."

My first year working at a rescue mission was an eye-opening experience. Until then, I had been somewhat naïve about the business side of ministry.

love the raw honesty of the Bible. It doesn’t sugarcoat human experience or edit out the uncomfortable details. If the Bible were merely a human creation, many of its stories would have been polished to remove the moments of doubt, failure, and struggle. After all, how often do we omit the painful or embarrassing parts of our own stories when sharing them with others?

Mahatma Gandhi once famously said, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” While the authenticity of this quote is debated, the sentiment rings true. Too often, people are drawn to Jesus but turned away by the actions of His followers.