Why we observe Advent and how to join the journey
Christmas is often the most celebrated occasion of the year. Wrapped up in the usual sights, sounds and smells of the season (colorful lights, jingle bells and peppermint hot chocolate, anyone?) is the wonder, mystery and excitement of God sending
The Salvation Army prays in solidarity around the globe for COVID-19
Salvationists and friends from across the world lifted hope-filled prayers to God in response to General Brian Peddle’s call for a Second Global Wave of Prayer for COVID-19. The international leader set aside Sunday 24 October 2021 as a follow-up to
An Enduring Commitment
Certain things stand the test of time. Thank God. The Salvation Army officially arrived in the United States on March 10, 1880, when seven women and one man stepped off the liner SS Australia at Battery Park in New York. They
God’s gift of grace
A long red envelope—subtle enough for a $100 bill to feel extravagant, but extravagant enough for even a single dollar bill to feel elevated. If you’ve ever received one, you know. It’s a thing of elegance and expectation. The red
How to have a ‘collapse-proof’ life
I have never been much of a swimmer. Actually, the real story is, I can’t swim. Once on vacation in Grenada, I was splashing around in the beautiful turquoise water, attempting to swim. I suspect my attempt must have looked
Salvation Army officers consider how to be the Church during a pandemic
Across the West, Salvation Army corps have resumed in-person meetings, with the last corps reopening their physical doors in summer 2021. For some locations, things are almost pre-pandemic normal, COVID-19 guidelines notwithstanding. A Pew Research study from August 2020 found most
Say yes to being set free
All my life I’ve run the hamster wheel of achievement and acceptance; a headstrong, type-A control freak, looking for love. As a child, I earned love by working hard to fit in. At church, I earned love by memorizing verses.
Surviving 9/11: From terror to grace
In September 2001, my husband and I were newlyweds, having been married the year before. We had just moved back to New York City after living that first year in another state where Brian had been assigned a short project
How to eat your Bible: Truly knowing the Word of God
I vividly remember a point in my life when the Bible was completely foreign to me. I had heard and understood the Gospel, confessed my sins to the Lord, believed in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, attended church regularly, prayed
Salvation Army officers aim for growth with goals, accountability and mental health support
While any officer will tell you it’s the greatest joy to serve the Lord through The Salvation Army, there is no denying there are challenges involved—the role is demanding. And that’s not unique to Salvationists. A 2020 Barna research study found
When Trash Becomes Treasure, part 4
A Scripture study from Caring, part four of four. Jesus still did good amid his trials. He had compassion and kindness and love—even to the point of death on the cross. Just as Jesus continued his mission to salvage the lost
When Trash Becomes Treasure, part 3
A Scripture study from Caring, part three of four. Through the Scriptures we’ve seen how Jesus responds to “trash” days. We’ve gained perspective on how salvation is like being salvaged from the wreckage of this world and how God not only