My latest thoughts on
faith, family, disability,
privilege, and healing
Social Connection in a Time of Social Distance {Ep 102}
Living in a time of social distance means Penny sets up at home for virtual ballet class. In many ways, for families like mine—relatively young,
When God Looks at Us with Love
I was challenged recently to imagine God looking at me with love. When I sat down and closed my eyes and envisioned God looking at
World Down Syndrome Day Movie Night
Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a day in which we celebrate the life of our daughter Penny and of all the women and men
Penny’s Gift of Encouragement is a Gift to Me
Penny’s gift of encouragement is a joy to receive! I received some disappointing news this week (unrelated to the coronavirus) and took out my phone
Coronavirus Crisis and What the Bible Has to Say {New Podcast Season}
The coronavirus and the Bible are separated by centuries. Yet, amidst stock market plunges and coronavirus, the Bible’s ancient wisdom shows us love is stronger
Fear, Fearing the Lord, and Walking in Love
Any biology textbook can tell us that fear brings a lot of energy. In the face of threats (or perceived threats), adrenaline courses through our
How Can We Love Our Neighbors in a Time of Coronavirus?
What does it mean to love our neighbors in a time of coronavirus? Like many Americans, I’ve paid increasing attention these past few days to
Almost-Forgotten Women and Undoing Injustice
Most Americans will never know their names, yet many women, through their actions, have contributed to the undoing of injustice. When we traveled to Montgomery,
A Community’s Work to Participate in Healing
It was a dreary night outside, and a warm welcome inside the library of Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport, CT Tuesday night. After a winter
How to Receive God’s Love
I wrote earlier this week about what a difference it makes when we pay attention to the right things, when we pay attention to love
What Having a Baby with Down Syndrome Taught Me About Distraction, Fear, and Love
When our daughter was diagnosed with Down syndrome, we felt fear for her future, but love carried us all. I’m increasingly convinced that one of
Love: Sentiment or Commitment
“Love is not a sentiment. It is a commitment…” As I drove home from a beautiful weekend in Richmond at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, I
Journaling with My Non-Dominant Hand and What I Learned
I’ve been meeting with a spiritual director once a month for the past few months, and recently she challenged me to observe the season of
Jean Vanier and Abuse: Is His Work Discredited?
Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche community, beloved author, speaker, teacher, and mentor to thousands, winner of the Templeton prize—sexually abused multiple women over the
The Truth About Disability and Siblings
“How do your other children react to having a sister with Down syndrome?” People ask this question frequently, both out of curiosity and also from
How to Start Reading the Bible
Download E-Book I remember when I was in high school and I first wanted to read the Bible. I wasn’t sure what I believed about
Is Not Wearing a Bikini an Act of Modesty or Shame
Is not wearing a bikini an act of modesty or shame? I really don’t like wearing bathing suits. I’m not even talking about bikinis. One-piece
The Ethics of Abortion
The ethics of abortion. Twice a year, I Skype with a class of high school students at the Riverdale School in New York City during
A Model for Race and Justice Events
A MODEL FOR RACE AND JUSTICE EVENTS—It was a tremendous honor to stand alongside my friend and colleague Natasha Sistrunk Robinson last Thursday night at
Race, Sex, Faith, and the Halftime Show
The Superbowl halftime show: salacious or celebratory? Empowering or objectifying? After the halftime show last Sunday, and after noticing really different reactions to it from
Really Good Bacon and the Expansive Love of God
The expansive love of God filled my weekend with the women of White Memorial Presbyterian Church at a retreat in Pinehurst, NC. It was such
Caregiving: The Humble Act of Bathing
In caregiving, the humble act of bathing requires deep trust and deep care. Here’s what it taught me about God. Have you ever washed another
AJB Recommends: Privilege and Race Podcasts
Amy Julia Recommends is a new feature on my blog where I’ll compile recommendations for podcasts, books, articles, etc., that I’ve shared on my social
AJB Recommends: Faith and Family Podcasts
Amy Julia Recommends is a compilation of recommendations for podcasts, books, articles, etc., that I’ve shared on my social media platforms. This edition of Amy
Four Tips on Teaching Your Child with Down Syndrome to Read
Teaching your child with Down Syndrome to read is an opportunity for you to welcome your child into reading with love. Here’s a glimpse of
Harriet: Hope in the Face of Oppression
Harriet’s hope in the face of oppression and injustice—this true story of courage, faith, and hope is worth watching. I used to think that the
What 7 Nights in an RV Taught Me About a Cotton Candy Life
Seven nights in an RV taught me about a cotton candy life and the invitation to a different way, a way that leads to full
William’s Book Recommendations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Book recommendations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Here are some of William’s book picks (plus a few bonus recommendations). One of the fun things
Civil Rights Tour Itinerary
Here is a potential Civil Rights tour itinerary for anyone wanting to embark on a quick tour to learn about the legacy of slavery, Jim
Our Four-Day Civil Rights Tour
Our family took a short civil rights tour through the southeast that included stops at a plantation in Louisiana and various sites and museums in
