RECENT POSTS
When You Say the Wrong Thing
I messed up in my last conversation about social justice and racism. I was talking with a white man from New York who grew up
Truth Can Feel Miserable
“Before ‘the truth sets you free,’ it tends to make you miserable.” —Richard Rohr, Falling Upward Truth can feel miserable. I don’t like seeing the
Body Prayer: Back
A few months into the Covid-19 pandemic, my back became a board. So tight I thought it might just crack open. And all my friends
Pain Is Like a Flashing Light
Pain is like a flashing light, and sometimes, if I pay attention to the message it is sending, the light stops flashing. My physical pain
Christianity Today: Independence Day Calls Us to the Holy Work of Repair
As we approach this Fourth of July, I am thinking about those tattered and threadbare flags that led to an empty flagpole. I am thinking
AJB Recommends: Resources for How to Stop Pain Loops
Sometimes pain gets stuck in our bodies when it doesn’t need to. Our brains try to protect us by telling us we are in pain,
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Mammograms
Is everything about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) these days? That’s the claim—or accusation—a lot of parents are making across the country when it comes
Body Prayer: Eyes
Last summer, a few months into Covid, my eyes started itching. Soon, little dry red patches appeared around them. In terms of connecting my body
How to Go Deeper with God
A friend of mine asked me recently what she could do to go deeper with God. I was tempted to offer her 3 steps to
An Introduction
There are so many wonderful new people in this space these days, so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to you. In
AJB Recommends: 3 Newsletters That Offer Wisdom and Insight
We all have way too much information coming at us all the time on way too many channels and platforms. In the midst of this
In Her Own Words: Penny’s Advice to a Student Beginning Ninth Grade
I asked our daughter Penny to take a few moments to reflect on her experience in ninth grade. We talked about how there are all
The Quartet of the Vulnerable and Justice
Derek Chauvin will come before a judge for sentencing later this week. He, and we, will learn how much time he will spend behind bars
Body Prayer: Shoulders
When I was in high school, my shoulders were so tight that I asked my mother if we could go to the doctor. I wanted
Revelation: I Have Needs
It has been a revelation to me to discover that I have needs. Not just that my kids have needs and my husband has needs
Happy Father’s Day
“I’m fiercely proud of Penny and her two young siblings. They bring the full range of emotions into my life. My particular pride and joy
On Juneteenth, Beyond Anti-Racism
Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the day the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, Texas. It is a day to lament the
AJB Recommends: 4 Great Novels by Mildred Taylor
Summer reading recommendation: check out Mildred Taylor’s lesser-known novels. Novels by Mildred Taylor Many people have heard of Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,
Ableism: 3 Reasons Why I Don’t Use That Term
I think it’s important to use language with intention and care. I think language reflects reality, but I also think language can shape reality. For
Body Prayer: Knees
Sometimes I am afraid of the future. And afraid that my future will be harmed or diminished if my husband’s future goes well. One time,
AJB Recommends: Learning About Uncoupling Dignity From Achievement
“I want to sever the connection between dignity and accomplishment altogether.” So says Justin Hawkins on The Lucky Few Podcast last week. Uncoupling Dignity from
