Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

society

  • The nature of Sabbath is skewed in our imaginations, because we think we can work without ever resting—we should do the opposite.

  • We all get the point of rules. Half of the time we act like rules shouldn’t apply. And half the time we act as if they’re perfect.

  • We have two Christmases. We have the one about Santa, gifts, Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole, snow, generosity, Christmas Spirit, laughter, letting other people cut in line, inviting friends over. The one in which we watch A Christmas Story for 24 hours straight and open presents in Christmas pajamas. The one in which we are…

  • It has come to my attention that someone has recently acted in a prejudicial way. They said or did something that showed prejudice toward one or more minorities. I found these actions deplorable. However, as a Christian, I am confused about how I am to respond. I promise in my baptismal covenant to seek Christ…

  • Was it your Mom, a school teacher, a family friend that first told you that needs are more important than wants? For me, I’m sure it was my Mom. You don’t need that Star Wars action figure. You want it. It didn’t matter that I felt as if I would die without it, she wasn’t…

  • Dropping my daughter off at preschool this morning, I almost got hit by a car. I exaggerated. I did not almost. I could have. Here’s how. My daughter’s preschool is part of a big Lutheran church. They have a good-sized parking lot. We are pretty early and there are relatively few cars. As I walk…