Whiteboards and Pulpits

    The Introduction:             Theological precision has its rightful place, and with equal footing, the serving of these truths must be compassionately timed, especially within intimate relationships. Eclipsed by my own pride and ignorance, I stumbled in this area many times early during my marriage. Desperately wanting to convey Godly leadership within my family, I found myself weighing every conversation to guard against baneful theological regurgitation and the impact it might have without thoughtful consideration. Oftentimes I would be paralyzed by own frustrations and excuses. On one hand never fully trusting the Lord to give wisdom on certain situations and on the other hand never truly knowing how or when to present what I believed to be the woman I loved.   This became fully realized on an autumn morning during our first year of marriage. A chilling wind rushed into our lives in August, which left me staggering for theological balance.   I received a call in my offic

To the Reader, You may have gone down this path or know someone who has. If so, I pray that this ceremony can bring comfort in such times.  ~John Ritual of Healing for a Disrupted Adoption Chaplain John L. Craven 18 FEB 2013 This ritual of healing is primarily for a couple that has recently experienced a disrupted adoption. Due to the nature of the event’s intimacy, I recommend that this ritual be performed with just the couple experiencing the grief and loss. A recommending place for this ritual would be an open park with view of the skyline toward the west. A place where the couple can see the sunset would be fitting and beneficial as well, but not necessary. Place: A neutral (preferable not familiar) secluded place/park with view of the western skyline. Time of ritual : A few minutes before sunset, 10 minutes. Items: A helium-filled balloon with weight, picnic blanket, flashlight. Instructions: Place the blanket on the ground comforta