The Urban Christian Woman Blog
Restoring the Urban Woman with God’s truth for everyday life.
The Grave of Good Friday: Ezra’s Example of Repentance
As the days warm and flowers bloom, it’s so easy for us as Christian women to jump right into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. This year especially, we are eager for the fulfilled promise of new life. But in order to more fully understand the wonder of the Resurrection, we must again recognize why Christ went to the grave at all.
When Friendship Births Discipleship
As urban women of faith, there are many places in the Bible we can look to examine the topic of discipleship. Within scripture, the people God uses to point us to discipleship may in fact unearth our perceived ideas of what Biblical discipleship looks like.
Suffering with Elisabeth Elliott
While you may not have heard of Elisabeth Elliot before, you’ve likely heard the name of her late husband Jim Eliot, a missionary who was killed by natives in the jungles of Ecuador during an attempt to bring them the gospel.
When the Sun’s Light Fails
I walked under a bright sky once. The day was new and the sun was lending its light, as graciously commanded by its Creator. I accepted the grace not realizing it was a gift and therefore not turning to say “thank You.” I presumed the light would shine on my entire day because, afterall, I had things to do. I went about using the light, enjoying the light, assuming the light would remain.
Sent for This Purpose
I don’t like saying goodbye, but what I really don’t like is being left behind. For the past 26 years of my life, I’ve lived in the same city and watched people come and go. Whether it be celebrities (looking at you, Lebron) or people close to me, I’ve always struggled to not feel personally abandoned when others moved away. It felt like an affront - what could be more important than being here with me?
A Reflection from “An Antidote to Fear” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
My friend Takpor survived a civil war. He was twelve years old when the Liberian Civil War broke out, which lasted fourteen years and took thousands of innocent lives. The aftermath had a devastating effect on families, communities and the infrastructure of the country that Liberia is still dealing with today.
Get Lit for Jesus
I love music! I love to sing ALL the words when I go on road trips. And when I'm in a Sunday service I am much obliged to join with the angels belting out hymns of praise. I'm probably off key most of the time, but the Bible says make a joyful noise, right?
Emmanuel-Christ With Us
A little over four years ago, the day before the U.S. presidential election, I felt my world turn upside down. I wish I could have blamed the sharp pain in my chest on the contentious political race, but I couldn’t. Instead, I was robotically making my way up the elevator to the ICU, worn out from a morning of distress, talking with a surgeon and--along with my mom and husband--numbly praying with my pastor.
Lessons of Discipleship from the Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth is rich with relational wisdom. We learn many lessons from the relationship between Ruth and her Kinsman-Redeemer, Boaz. But another relationship we glean from is the relationship between Naomi and Ruth.
Choosing A King
This week, Americans will have to accept the results of the election, whatever we have collectively chosen. Some will celebrate and some will mourn the man who is selected to represent and influence the nation’s direction for the next four years.
Justice Blindness
How easy it is to think of ourselves on the side of justice and to see injustice simply as a blatant act of “the other”. We turn on the news and see the headlines about the injustices “out there”…the killing, the stealing, the racism, the dirty politics, the greed.
Anna 2020 (from Luke 2)
I remember having my daughter and taking her to church service for the first time. The congregation "oooh-ed and awww-ed" over her plump cheeks and her rose petal lips that pursed together to make the most perfect pucker. We were in love with this little person and we were happy to parade her around for everyone to see.