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The White Chip
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
“The White Chip” He said she’d not make a good poker player. She only played once, now one’s for the taking. The white chips— for the lowest wager— and she’s still gambling on a turnaround. No more conceit. No more lies. “Double or nothing?” Sure… when your life is at stake. She’s in the…
Existential Schizophrenia
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
Maybe the universal human dilemma can be summed up in the following question: how do I live between the two poles of, on the one hand, my own insignificance and the transitory nature of my finest achievements, and, on the other, my potential for greatness and capacity for eternity? If you’ve been able to answer…
“What Have I Done to Deserve This?”: Jesus and the Fig Tree, Weird Sayings Continued
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no…
The Haves and Have-Nots: Weird Jesus Sayings Continued
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
“You’ve been given the gift of knowing the secrets of the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus replied, “but they haven’t been given it. Anyone who already has something will be given more, and they will have plenty. But anyone who has nothing- even what they have will be taken away! That’s why I speak to them…
Telling Secrets, a.k.a. “Confession”
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
Almost ten years ago, I, at the time a seminary student preparing for ministry in the Presbyterian church, confessed my sins to a Catholic priest and received the sacrament of reconciliation: I cried tears of repentance, received absolution for my sin and was then challenged to go do one good work as “penance.” I walked…
Skeleton at the Beauty Parlor: Weird Jesus Sayings Continued
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 Every Halloween my neighborhood with its white picket fences and wrap-around porches magically transforms into an ethereal, other-worldly realm of flying ghosts, cackling witches and lit-up pumpkins. This year was no different. With one exception. This time one lawn boasted something I had never…
For a Saint Named Betty
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
For all the saints, who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!… Betty died peacefully in her sleep last week. She was 88. I had coffee with her husband of 58 years the other day. The two of them have spent their lives pouring…
5 Ways to Stay Spiritually Grounded When Fantasy Calls
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
Addiction and fantasy can often go hand in hand. An alcoholic friend of mine will often say that there are times when he “gets stuck in his head.” I know what he means. While I have never craved the bottle, I know what it feels like to get stuck in my head, too. Many of…
The Difference Between Grace and a Sears Appliance Warranty
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
The $400 Kenmore Inteli-Clean vacuum cleaner I bought last year as part of a crusade on dog hair and allergens is on the fritz. Again. When I turn it on, it squeaks, moans, whirs, shakes and does nothing. If Jesus were here in the flesh, I would ask him to exorcise it. Since he is…
Mess Happens
By
Kristina Robb-Dover
A friend likes to say, “Small people, small messes. Big people, big messes!” Have you ever wondered where God is in all of it? One of my favorite stories from Scripture is of the woman at the well (John 4). If there were anyone who walked around with a great big sign on her forehead…
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