Right vs. Feels Good

Dear Josephine, Rory, and Wesley,

Former First Lady Michelle Obama said it best: “When they go low, we go high.”

I wish I could say that taking the high road is always going to come naturally, but it doesn't. Sometimes your inner voices will cry out for retribution instead.

I promise you, from experience, that following God’s Light on your path will be worth it… even when the desire to be petty is pretty strong.

Mama (Guest Writer Faith Taylor)

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 10 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2026

Genesis 25:19-34 / Psalm 119:105-112 / Romans 8:1-11 / Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Summary of Psalm 119:105-112

Psalm 119 is a long psalm praising God’s Word and its goodness. Verse 105 holds words that may be familiar to many of us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

This portion of the psalm continues on to further praise God for the Word - and how setting the psalmist's heart on God continues, despite the storms of life.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

When you look closely, there are lots of mixed feelings represented in this psalm. Sure, the main idea is still reflecting on the goodness of God’s Word.

However, life is not so straightforward and we hardly ever feel only one way about something.

Overall, the psalmist feels praise for the Word. Yet he also writes of being severely afflicted, needing to learn, and being hunted by the wicked.

I don't know about you, but parts of me feel least like following God's Word when I'm in major conflict with others - especially when I know that I'm in the right.

Just as the psalmist seems to have some wrestling between inclining his heart toward God and letting the stressors of life cause his feet to wander, we often have the same internal struggles between what is right and what feels “good.”

Our family had a very difficult personal and legal situation - one where the judge ultimately ruled in our favor.

When the dust settled, I felt God nudging me to reach out with an olive branch to the other party. We agreed to have dinner together - something several friends said they felt very uncomfortable about. In fact, the friends we were staying with were worried enough they wanted me to check in when possible.

I don't share this to have you pat me on the back. I share this because the parts of me that desired to do what was right were much louder than those that wanted to be extremely petty instead.

This internal struggle is frustratingly and beautifully human. The feelings of hurt and anger are completely valid and deserve acknowledgement and an outlet.

In the end, though, discerning between the cacophony of inner voices comes down to continually inclining our hearts toward God and God’s Word.

Seeds Everywhere

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

It is easy to get frustrated with yourself; old patterns, new defenses, rookie mistakes, and missed opportunities. And then it gets worse when you ruminate on what appears to be failure. However, it’s in this space that grace does its best work. In today’s parable it seems like the farmer never grows weary of spreading “new life” anywhere and everywhere. Oh that we might be as extravagant in our love toward ourselves.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 10 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2026

Genesis 25:19-34 / Psalm 119:105-112 / Romans 8:1-11 / Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Summary of Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

This is a parable that Jesus tells to a large crowd gathered along the seashore, but later explains its meaning privately to the disciples. At first, the story appears to prepare the disciples for the mixed responses they will encounter as they share the Good News. Some will receive it with joy. Others will reject it. Still others will allow it to be crowded out by life's competing priorities. Yet the sower continues to scatter seed generously, suggesting that the invitation of the Kingdom is offered without reservation. Nothing about the sower is selective. The Good News is for everyone.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

Seen through the lens of the inner life, perhaps the soils are not different groups of people but different landscapes of the soul within each of us. There are places in every soul where old wounds, fear, or the shadow quickly steal away new possibilities before they have time to grow. There are places where enthusiasm outruns depth, where difficult circumstances expose shallow roots, and where anxiety, ambition, or the pursuit of security slowly choke what once seemed full of promise. These are not signs of failure. They are invitations to greater awareness.

The goal of the inner journey is not to condemn the rocky places or uproot them by force. It is to bring them into the light, and to do so with curiosity and compassion. The hardened path, the shallow soil, and the thorn-filled ground all reveal something about the ways we have learned to survive. As they become conscious, they no longer remain obstacles. They become participants in our transformation. The very places that once resisted growth begin to teach us what the soul needs in order to flourish.

Good soil is not a reward for having a perfect personality. It is the fruit of an inner life that has become receptive to grace. The seed was never the problem. The invitation has always been present. As the Spirit gently cultivates every corner of the soul, even the difficult places begin to soften. The seeds of wholeness are not lost on bad soil, but instead expose the unconscious parts that long to be heard, and to participate in the transformation of new life. Nothing wasted. Nothing lost. Everything redeemed.

Independence Day

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Rebellion takes on so many forms. It comes in the posters we make, the clothes we wear, the tea we throw in the Boston Harbor, the marches we walk, the jobs we quit or the rules we break. Rebellion from your family of origin may be the hardest and most important of all. To be your best, and to make the world a better place, I hope you break a few rules and learn to rebel well.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 9 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, July 5, 2026

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 / Psalm 45:10-17 / Romans 7:15-25a / Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Summary of Psalm 45:10-17

Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song. It may have been composed for a specific wedding, or for any wedding that was part of the line of kings that followed in King David's tradition. Generations later it would be used as a way to describe the Messiah (Hebrews 1). To the modern ear it may sound misogynistic, which makes sense given the ancient patriarchal context.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

Every journey of the soul eventually arrives at the doorway of individuation. This is the movement from what we have psychologically inherited to the place where we feel differentiated, or different, from that in which we have been raised or taught. We often think of differentiating ourselves from our family of origin, but we can also talk about individuating from our occupational culture, our political affiliation, or the norms of our friendship group.

In this psalm, the writer invites us to come out from under the protection of our family of origin and step into our own unique character and destiny. It is not a call to ignore the past, but rather to allow the beauty of our own ideas, perspective, gifts and calling to emerge and shape our future. We honor what formed us without allowing it to define us. The fruitfulness of this movement is on par with the riches of the most adorned city, and worthy of the courts of the most powerful kings.

Living into the unique nature of our soul can be a source of joy and gladness. However, there is inevitable pain in separating from what has been. And conflict often ensues as one voices ideas and opinions that push against the status quo. But that is the path of growth and change. And then, the other parts of the self are provided with opportunities to contribute to the expression of the soul.

We inherit beliefs, fears, loyalties and prejudices. Individuation does not mean that they are all bad, but it means they are all up for evaluation and examination. The old self is left behind, and even the parts that may be retained are viewed in a different way, because the soul is emerging with new eyes. The stabilizing part offers wisdom and continuity. The transformer side imagines new possibilities. The initiating energy provides the courage to leave familiar ground. The responder voice holds compassion for those who remain behind. Even the shadow contributes by revealing where fear still governs us. The emerging soul (the bride) moves away from the psychological house that has formed it, toward the place of integration (the inner palace).

From Fostering Inner Critics to Building Inner Cheerleaders

Dear Josephine, Rory, and Wesley,

More than anything, I want you to know the incredible peace and support that comes from having an abiding relationship with Christ.

But if I were to have a second want granted, it would be that you find peace within yourself long before the ripe old age of 30 when my journey toward inner health truly began. That confidence will help propel you through whatever life throws your way… even when I can’t be there to cheer you on.

-Mama

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 9 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, July 5, 2026

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 / Psalm 45:10-17 / Romans 7:15-25a / Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Summary of Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

In the Gospel reading for July 5, Jesus criticizes the people of his time for how they find nothing good to say about those God sent to them. He points out that he and John were opposites in some ways, yet both of them were criticized by the same people. John was called a demon for fasting and Jesus was called a glutton and a drunkard for doing the opposite.

After this critique, Jesus prays, thanking God for revealing things to infants instead of the wise and intelligent. Turning to those around him, he shares the good news: God’s yoke is easy and burden is light. Instead of heaping burdens on a burdened people, the Messiah offers rest for the weary.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

While Jesus’ criticisms of those in his generation (especially the religious elite) are particular to that time, that dialogue can be an unfortunate reflection of the more difficult parts of our inner journey. We all have inner voices – versions of ourselves with wisdom, insight, and emotions to bring to the table when we face new situations and information.

Sometimes, though, my inner parts feel more like a gallery of critics than a group of supporters. When I fast, inevitably some parts will confuse my asceticism for something darker. When I feast and let loose a little, the cacophony of critics is eager to question my motives.

Yet in the middle of this inner turmoil, we find an invitation to welcome in a Savior who doesn’t add to the noise, but who lightens that burden. Years of inner work, guided by Holy Spirit, have provided maturing parts that don’t stir up chaos, but help me to sort through it.

Years ago, I found myself in an interpersonal conflict. You’ve probably experienced this type of conflict: the type that keeps you up at night, rehashing what you said and rehearsing what you want to say should the conversation circle around again.

In that, however, a major shift in my inward journey happened. Where before I would obsess over how others perceived me, I realized that having peace in my inward journey played a much bigger role than any outward “peace” I could create in that situation.

Two Things Can Be True

(From guest writer Faith Taylor)

Dear Josephine, Rory, and Wesley,

Life isn't always just good or just bad. It's okay to wrestle with conflicting feelings.

The process to bring each of you home meant walking difficult paths, but every step has been worth it to have you here today. You three are the reasons I keep going.

Mama

P.S. I smile because as I write this, Wesley is chewing on my arm and smiling. How perfectly poetic that I can write about hard times while seeing the proof of God’s work in my life in the smiles looking up at me.

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 8 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 28, 2026

Genesis 22:1-14 / Psalm 13 / Romans 6:12-23 / Matthew 10:40-42

Summary of Psalm 13

In this psalm, David cries out to God for deliverance. He begs God to rescue him, asking how long he will have to suffer what he's going through.

Yet the psalm ends in praise for a God who David trusts. Not only does David trust God, but sees God’s hand of blessing on his life.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

My high school Sunday school teacher had an intense dislike for the psalms. He frequently criticized David, who seemed to flip flop from the depths of despair to songs of praise in the span of a verse.

Yet it is psalms like these that so perfectly mirror the soul during the turbulence of life.

When my (adopted) sons were born, each had extended NICU stays where they went through opioid withdrawals.

Holding a baby going through withdrawals is, hands down, the most excruciating thing I've ever experienced. And while it would be easy to hold onto anger toward their birth mom, I grieved because I've spent the last 28 years loving her and hate the pain that's led us to this point.

When I read the first half of Psalm 13, it takes me back to those days. Tiny, delicate babies with feeding tubes. Morphine every three hours. Sweats, shaking, grimacing, crying (both theirs and mine).

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Those words could have easily been my prayer on the hardest days of this journey.

Yet I also remember the faithfulness of God from those days. Singing songs of worship as my sons finally rested in my arms. Having nurses and social workers and friends offer words of strength and encouragement. Long hospital days broken up by good food and good company.

The outer life is rarely black and white, only good or only bad. Likewise, we do ourselves a major disservice when we think our inner lives should only reflect one feeling at a time.

We can be in the deepest valleys of life, wondering where God is. And at the same time, we can also feel the warmth of the sun on our faces and reflect on how bountifully God has dealt with us.

What a wonderful blessing we have in Scriptures like this, that remind us how beautifully human it is to feel more than one thing at a time!

Participation Trophy

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

One of the phrases I dislike is “That’s not good enough.” Granted, there are daily examples of when something doesn’t meet the standard or benchmark that has been established. But the only way we improve is to use and exercise our muscles and brain. There is no need for a “participation trophy.” Rather, I hope we all discover the reward that comes from welcoming all of who we are, and then letting ALL the parts of who we are participate in the life we lead. Maybe then we can let go of the phrase, “That’s not good enough.”

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 8 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 28, 2026

Genesis 22:1-14 / Psalm 13 / Romans 6:12-23 / Matthew 10:40-42

Summary of Matthew 10:40-42

These are the concluding instructions given to the disciples before they head out to share the good news in the neighboring communities.  The passage speaks of the rewards of living in kind and healthy ways. Welcoming others is an act of divine grace. Treating others in ways that affirm who they are and the unique gifts they contribute creates a state of openness, creativity and growth. Simple acts of compassion can make a huge difference in the lives of others, and produces rewards far beyond the simple act. Kindness produces miracles even if we don’t see immediate results.       

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul  

The principle of welcoming applies to the inner journey as well. Most of us readily welcome certain parts of ourselves while quietly resisting others. We celebrate the parts that help us succeed and hide the parts that make us uncomfortable. Yet the soul flourishes when all of its healthy energies are welcomed and allowed to contribute. The initiating energy within us brings movement, courage, and action (v. 40). The prophetic voice brings imagination, creativity, and transformation (v. 41a). The righteous or stabilizing voice offers order, structure, and wisdom (v. 41b). The compassionate responder nurtures relationships and notices the needs of others (v. 42). Each carries a gift. Each deserves a place at the table.

Welcoming these inner voices does not mean allowing them to dominate. It means honoring their contributions. When one voice attempts to control the entire system, imbalance follows. But when each is listened to, respected, and integrated into the larger whole, the soul becomes more resilient, creative, grounded, and compassionate. The reward is not merely personal success. The reward is wholeness.

The disciples are sent into the world to welcome others and to receive hospitality from others. In the same way, we are invited to cultivate a spirit of hospitality within ourselves. To welcome what is wise. To welcome what is creative. To welcome what is courageous. To welcome what is compassionate. And in doing so, we discover that grace is not only something we extend outwardly. It is also something we practice inwardly. The journey of discipleship becomes a journey of hospitality toward the many gifts that reside within the soul.

Who Am I?

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Do you think prayer is reminding God of what God seems to have forgotten? Or is prayer God reminding us of what we seem to have forgotten?

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 7 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 21, 2026

Genesis 21:8-21 / Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 / Romans 6:1b-11 / Matthew 10:24-39

Summary of Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

Psalm 86 is unusual because it is one of the few psalms explicitly attributed to David in the latter part of the Psalter. It reads like a personal prayer, woven together from phrases and themes found throughout other psalms. It moves between three key questions: Who am I? What do I need? And, who is God?

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

The psalmist self-describes as poor and needy, devoted, God’s servant, crying all day long, lifting up his soul, in trouble, and calling on God.  His needs are straightforward. He wants God to listen and answer, preserve his life, be gracious to him, gladden his soul, turn to him, give him strength and save him. God is viewed as good and forgiving, abounding in love, and willing to answer. There is no one like God; nothing like God’s works. God is great, and does wondrous things. These are the assumptions the psalmist has about himself, his needs and God. 

We all have assumptions regarding the three key questions mentioned above. Prayer allows those assumptions to be examined, challenged, refined, and sometimes transformed. My view of myself may be distorted. My understanding of God may be incomplete. My evaluation of my needs may suffer from fear, bias, or selfishness. But this is where I begin. I bring the best understanding I have today and place it before the Divine.

I am not certain of anything, but open to everything.

My Prayer: Oh God, take up residence in me. Teach me who I am. Teach me who You are. Teach me what I truly need. Since You are the Creator, have Your way with Your creation. Redeem all that is within me so that I might become whole. And from that wholeness, may I become a redeeming presence in the world around me.

Tough Choices

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Some decision are pretty easy; one choice seems right, and the other does not. Or one choice is invigorating and the other feels exhausting. Other decisions are not so easy; one option feels exciting but the other option feels stable and secure. Or one option will hurt one group of people and the other option will hurt a different group of people. There is not always a “right” or best choice. For those decisions I feel like it is important to pay attention to the wisdom that comes from listening to all the parts that make up who you are.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 7 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 21, 2026

Genesis 21:8-21 / Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 / Romans 6:1b-11 / Matthew 10:24-39

Summary of Matthew 10:24-39

This passage is part of Jesus' preparation of the disciples before they venture into the surrounding towns. The instructions feel like a collection of warnings, encouragements, and reminders. Jesus knows that the outward journey will not be easy. The writings of Josephus tell us that some of the unsettling predictions soon came to pass with the breaking up of families due to faith-based allegiances and political loyalties.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

So, there is a literal aspect to the statement that one's foes will be members of his own household. And there is a figurative aspect to those statements, whereby families become divided along religious, political or philosophical lines, creating tension, division and estrangement.

However, the passage also describes something that happens within every person. The parts of our inner self become divided over competing agendas. The task-driven inner masculine voice feels abrasive to the relationally-minded inner feminine voice. The masculine side doesn't want to waste time, while the feminine side wants to enjoy time. The one part of me has to think about my feelings before I know what I am feeling, while another part of me feels first and has no need to explain why the feelings exist. A part is intrigued by change while another part works hard to create stability. A part of the soul is attracted to the unhinged voice of transformation, but then wants to quickly tame and control it. The soul is not a singular voice but rather a gathering of voices, each with its own agenda, fears, hopes, and priorities.

Our greatest foes are in our own inner household. They seem to betray us more than outward foes ever will. The inner journey asks us to notice the competing loyalties that shape our lives. Which voices are rooted in fear? Which are rooted in love? Which seek control? Which seek connection? Until these voices become visible, the inner world remains confusing and chaotic.

The goal is not to eliminate parts of ourselves but to understand them: The entrepreneurial voice and the security-seeking voice. The task-oriented voice and the relational voice. The voice that wants to protect and the voice that longs to explore. Each carries something valuable. As they are brought into the light, they can begin to move from conflict toward cooperation. The outward journey of the disciples became the catalyst for their inner transformation. The same is often true for us. Life exposes our divisions, but grace invites us toward integration.

Joyful Silence

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

There is an old adage that goes, “Your actions are so loud that I can’t hear what you are saying.” It is one of my favorites.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 6 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) / Psalm 100 / Romans 5:1-8 / Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)

Psalm 100: Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

Psalm 100 is a brief psalm of thanksgiving and praise. We live a couple of blocks from Petco Park, where the Padres play baseball. From our living room we can see the Jumbotron scoreboard, which will often flash the words, "Make Some Noise!" The crowd responds with a roar that crescendos throughout the stadium.

I confess that I sometimes grow weary of all the noise—even joyful noise, which is exactly how this psalm begins. Yet in only five short verses, the psalmist gathers together a remarkable collection of qualities: joy, gladness, singing, belonging, thanksgiving, blessing, love, endurance, and faithfulness. How can a person not be drawn toward a way of living shaped by such things?

Perhaps the invitation of the psalm is deeper than simply making noise. Sometimes the world, and our own particular circumstances, become so loud that we lose sight of what matters most. The inner journey reminds us that joy, gratitude, belonging, and love are not things we must manufacture. Often they are already present, waiting to be noticed. And, ironically, sometimes it is through outward quiet and inward stillness that we finally hear the song the soul has been singing all along.

Lighten the Load

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Filling up a backpack is an exercise in deciding what is needed. And you never know what you will need. So, at some point you make your best guess, zip up the backpack, and start walking. Inevitably you will need something you don’t have, and amazingly, you will figure out what to do. So, maybe it is wise to carry less in life, enjoy the walk more, and trust your inner resources to figure out what to do if something comes up.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A Proper 6 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) / Psalm 100 / Romans 5:1-8 / Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)

Summary of Matthew 9:35-10:8

The gospel reading for June 14 has so much going on: Jesus’s mission (teaching, preaching and healing). The naming and commissioning of the 12. Instructions. Admonition regarding wolves in sheep’s clothing. Being wise as serpents and innocent as doves. A person’s peace and the host of a house or home. And not taking outward resources. It seems difficult to find a focal point. And furthermore, how does any of this translate to the inner journey?

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

This passage is best understood as descriptive of a particular group of twelve followers at a particular moment in history. He is preparing them for a journey that will require courage, discernment, trust, and resilience. It is not prescriptive for every person in every generation. So, while the details of their mission may not apply directly to everyone, the inner dynamics of the journey remain remarkably relevant.

One of the most striking features of the passage is Jesus' invitation to travel lightly. The disciples are instructed not to depend on money, extra clothing, or other outward resources. In other words, learn to trust yourself, your inner resources and others. Pay attention to your intuition, not just your knowledge. This becomes an invitation to examine the sources of security upon which we rely.

Many of us spend years accumulating possessions, credentials, accomplishments, and certainty in the hope that they will make us feel safe. Yet the deepest challenges of life often cannot be solved by what we possess. These challenges invite us to discover the inner resources of wisdom, insight, courage, intuition, compassion, and trust.

The passage also calls for discernment. There are moments when we sense something before we fully understand it. Sometimes the inner voice recognizes openness, danger, authenticity, or deception long before the rational mind can explain why. Be wise as a serpent and as naive as a dove. Both deserve a place in the inner world so that you can function with gentle judgement and tenacious grace when either are needed, or when both are needed. And such a posture is born out of inner work and outer experience. This is how we learn to trust the inner resources that emerge from an integrated life.

Saturday Donuts

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Sometimes life feels very complicated and cluttered. Kind of like waking up on a Saturday morning and thinking this would be a good day to clean out the garage, or organize the basement, or downsize the contents of all the closets. And then you walk into the garage and it feels so overwhelming that you walk right back into the kitchen and have two more donuts. Working on the inner life can sometimes feel the same way. I might suggest not trying to do everything at once. Instead, focus on a couple of things that will help you feel like you are making progress. Then have another donut.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - Proper 5 (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 7, 2026

Genesis 12:1-9 / Psalm 50:7-15 / Romans 4:13-25 / Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Psalm 50:7-15: Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

Psalm 50 is unusual because the Divine is the speaker. The voice that emerges is powerful, expansive, and entirely self-sufficient. God reminds the people that every creature, every mountain, and every resource already belongs to the Divine. Nothing is lacking. Nothing needs to be supplied through sacrifice. The divine Voice almost sounds amused by the idea that human beings could somehow provide something that God lacks.

This creates an important question. If God does not need our offerings, then what does God desire? The answer is surprisingly simple:

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and honor your vows” (v. 14).

Gratitude and honesty. Not performance. Not perfection. Not endless striving. Gratitude and honesty. These two qualities are among the most transformative forces in the inner life.

Psalm 50 carries forward the same theme of gratitude as was found in last week’s Psalm reading. Gratitude does not deny grief, disappointment, anger, or fear. It simply widens our perspective. It reminds us that even in seasons of struggle there are gifts, relationships, moments of beauty, and traces of grace that remain present.

Honesty performs a similar function. It invites us to stop pretending. It loosens the grip of image management, self-deception, and unrealistic expectations. Honest people can establish healthy boundaries because they are no longer fighting to maintain an illusion. Honest people become trustworthy because they are willing to live in reality. The inner journey moves forward when we are willing to see ourselves clearly and compassionately.

Perhaps the deepest surprise of this psalm is that these expectations do not arise from an authoritarian demand, but from a voice that seeks our wholeness. We often project our fears, insecurities, and rigid standards onto God. But Psalm 50 suggests a different possibility. What if grace means that the Divine is continually projecting the values of the Kingdom—gratitude, honesty, freedom, and trust—onto the human soul? If so, the path toward joy may not be found in acquiring more, achieving more, or sacrificing more. It may begin with a shift in perspective. Gratitude and honesty simplify the inner world. And when the inner world changes, the outer world is often transformed as well.

Don’t Plan the Funeral Yet

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

The divine voice continually moves toward the parts of ourselves that have been dismissed, shamed, or declared unworthy. I hope you might consider allowing those parts to pulsate with new life.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - Proper 5 (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, June 7, 2026

Genesis 12:1-9 / Psalm 50:7-15 / Romans 4:13-25 / Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Summary of Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

This passage has numerous characters and scenes. The passage begins with Matthew, a tax collector, being invited to become a disciple, which results in a confrontation with the Pharisees. The setting is interrupted when Jesus is informed of the death of a ruler’s daughter. Jesus immediately makes his way to where the girl is, but on the way he heals a women who has been ill for 12 years.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

The reading is filled with people who do not belong. Matthew is a tax collector. The woman is considered unclean. The little girl is believed to be dead. The disciples seem unable to grasp what Jesus is doing, and the Pharisees are offended by nearly every step he takes. Again and again, Jesus crosses boundaries established by the religious system. The rules give way to the way of love.

The inner world has a similar form. From childhood we learn what is acceptable and what is not. We discover which emotions and behaviors are welcomed, and which are not. Over time, we construct an identity around what seems most successful. Other parts are pushed aside, hidden, or forgotten. The rulekeeper within works tirelessly to maintain order, while the excluded parts drift into the shadows.

Yet the divine voice consistently moves toward those forgotten places. It notices the inner tax collector who has bartered away pieces of the self in order to survive. It sees the wounded child who has been declared beyond hope. It recognizes the feminine voice that has been dismissed or silenced. Even the rigid rulekeeper is not rejected. Love approaches each part with kindness rather than condemnation, creating space where healing can begin.

When we pause long enough to examine the landscape of the soul, we may discover that the funeral procession is premature. The mourners have already gathered. The dirge has already begun. And then love arrives and says, “Not so fast.”

When we perform an inner autopsy, we may discover that some of the parts we thought had died are just waiting for someone to notice the heartbeat. The judgments of others need not have the final word. The stories we have believed about our lack of worth may not be true. And when love reaches across the boundaries we have constructed, takes us by the hand, and calls us forward, we begin to discover that faith is not merely believing in God—it is trusting that every part of us is capable of being touched by grace.

Take a Breath

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

The first rule of stress management is “breathe.” Anxiety, fear, worry, and discouragement all make us hold our breath. So try to create space to just take a deep breath, and then another. And then one more. In those moments, let the muscles relax and your vision expand. Create space for the birth of a new thought.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - Visitation (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 31, 2026

Samuel 2:1-10 / Psalm 113 / Romans 12:9-16b / Luke 1:39-57

Summary of Psalm 113

Psalm 113 is a song of praise. The psalmist speaks of the greatness of God, the majesty of creation, and the care of the Divine for the poor, the needy, and the barren. Yet beneath the praise lies an important truth about the inner journey and the power of gratitude.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

Gratitude is not denial. It does not pretend that suffering isn't real. It does not dismiss anxiety, grief, disappointment, or discouragement. Nor does it demand that we suppress difficult emotions in favor of positive thinking. Gratitude simply recognizes that our pain is not the whole story.

When we are hurting, our attention naturally narrows. The problem becomes all we can see. The wound becomes the lens through which we interpret everything else. The inner world contracts around fear, scarcity, or loss. Psalm 113 moves in the opposite direction.

The psalmist begins by lifting his eyes beyond immediate circumstances. He notices the grandeur of creation, the faithfulness of God, and the surprising ways grace appears in ordinary life. He acknowledges poverty, need, and barrenness, but refuses to let them be the final word.

Gratitude is the practice of expanding awareness. It creates enough inner space for multiple truths to exist at the same time. I can be discouraged and grateful. I can be grieving and hopeful. I can feel lost and still recognize moments of beauty, kindness, and grace. When the inner world feels depleted and the soul has forgotten how to breathe, gratitude gently opens a window. Fresh air enters. The horizon expands. And we begin to remember that the presence of the Divine has been with us all along.

The miracle of gratitude is not that it changes our circumstances. Rather, it changes our perspective and widens the field of vision. It reminds us that there is always a larger story unfolding than the one being told by our fears.

Under Construction

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Theology is a middle chapter. The first chapter is typically an experience of God that begs for an explanation. Theology is an attempt to provide such an explanation. However, there is always another chapter that doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes and categories that theology provides. The movement of God’s Spirit inevitably bursts the boxes we use to try to explain and contain God. Theology is a wonderful thing. It’s just not the final thing.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - Visitation (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 31, 2026

Samuel 2:1-10 / Psalm 113 / Romans 12:9-16b / Luke 1:39-57

Summary of Luke 1:39-57

Luke 1:39–57 includes Mary’s visit with her cousin Elizabeth and the beginning of what is traditionally called the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise. Mary and Elizabeth are both pregnant. When they connect, Elizabeth’s fetus reacts, Elizabeth is filled with the spirit and pronounces a blessing on Mary.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

This passage is filled with the expression of the feminine voice. The feminine voice is creative and procreative. The feminine offers blessing (Elizabeth) and song (Mary). At the core, the feminine side is relational, and finds joy in connection. The masculine voice is silent (Zachariah) and absent (Joseph), yet the voices of John and Jesus are about to burst forth.

The masculine and feminine voices are both essential. Each needs the other. This is true culturally as well as within each individual. Where the masculine sees boundary lines (important), the feminine sees bridges (equally important). Where the masculine sees hierarchy (important) the feminine sees common ground (equally important). When these energies work together rather than against one another, the result is not domination but inclusion. Through integration the rich and poor are both fed. The powerful and seemingly insignificant both have a place. Mercy and grace are for all.

This feminine voice resonates throughout scripture, and particularly in the life and words of Jesus. Mary’s presence is at the beginning of Jesus’s life and at the crucifixion. The influence is unmistakable and the integration is essential. The unification of the masculine and feminine, while maintaining the identity of both, is the path of the integrated inner life.

In this opening chapter of Luke, the temple, priesthood, hierarchy and religious authority have lost their voice (Zechariah). While pregnancy, blessing and relational investment express the movement of the spirit and carry the essence of new life. And the unborn fetus recognizes the power of this moment when it jumps inside of Elizabeth. The body often recognizes a shift, for the good or bad, before the mind has an explanation for what is happening. If allowed, the intuitive voice within creates space where new life can emerge before it is even rationally understood.

Before Jesus speaks publicly, before John preaches, before theology is articulated, the Spirit moves through relationship, embodiment, intuition, and blessing. Two women recognize what the established structures cannot yet see. The movement of God begins not with dominance or certainty, but with connection.

Watching for Whales

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Each of you has confessed that you are more likely to describe yourself as a lake-person rather than an ocean-person. And I’m guessing that it is mostly because what is beneath the surface of a lake seems less foreboding than what might be beneath the surface of the ocean. If given the option, I’m also guessing you both would prefer a clean, clear pool over swimming in either a lake or an ocean. The unknown can be so unsettling!

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - Pentecost (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 24, 2026

Acts 2:1-21 / Psalm 104:24-34, 35b / 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 / John 20:19-23

Summary of Psalm 104 24-34, 35b

Psalm 104 celebrates the vastness, beauty, and interconnectedness of creation, portraying all life as sustained by an ongoing divine presence that continually breathes renewal into the world.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

What if we had the same awe for the inner parts of ourselves as the psalmist expresses for the visible creation?

The first half of the psalm lists the many components of nature, its beauty and interconnectedness. The same could be said of the components of the human soul. It is both a completed whole, and a compilation of many parts. The parts are interconnected and their depth and breadth stretches all comprehension. This includes the shadow parts, as identified in the psalm as the leviathan.

In ancient times the leviathan was a giant sea creature often associated with chaos. The psalmist tells us that it was designed to "frolic" or play, not designed for chaos. Similar to the leviathan, the shadow’s presence in the deep waters of the unconscious contributes to its mystery and to our apprehension. But when we see the shadow as part of the whole, we might begin to see how its energy and capacity can lead to new understanding of the expanse and majesty of creation. We are invited into the frolicking nature of the shadow. Wholeness is not achieved through elimination of the shadow, but through learning to hold all the energies of the soul within a larger, Spirit-filled harmony.

Importantly, wounds, pain and trauma are not to be ignored or minimized. However, neither are they to become the center of our identity. Rather, wounds belong within the whole ecology of the self or soul. The psalmist relishes in the way the Spirit of God enlivens all of creation. Likewise the inner journey is enlivened, and flourishes, when we allow the spirit within to breathe on all that comprises our soul; to bring about nourishment, health and vitality. And this soul includes the divine spirit within. Then, as described in verse 30, there is an expansion of creation by the renewal that the spirit brings.

Many people approach the soul or psyche as a problem to fix, a battle to be fought or a moral project to clean up. The psalmist speaks of all creation with wonder, and therefore invites us not to “fix” the soul, but to behold the soul with humility, wonder and awe.

An Open Door

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Do you remember all of us sitting in the entryway closet during one of the many tornado warnings we had while living in Oklahoma City? We tried to make it fun but probably failed. It was a crowded space; barely enough room for all of us and our anxieties. I now worry that we did a better job of teaching you how to control your emotions rather than how to listen to your emotions. As a result the inner tornados can pose a bigger threat than the outer ones. If possible, open the door and give the wounded emotions space to breathe in grace.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - Pentecost (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 24, 2026

Acts 2:1-21 / Psalm 104:24-34, 35b / 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 / John 20:19-23

Summary of John 20:19-23

The disciples are gathered behind locked doors. The crucifixion of Jesus has left them afraid, confused and uncertain. We can only imagine the atmosphere in that room. Did the fear make them quiet? Did the uncertainty lead to nervous conversation? Jesus’s appearance was likely the last thing they expected.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

The inner journey is filled with mixed emotions. And sometimes our inner reaction to feelings and emotions is to “lock them down.” When we feel out of control, we try to control. When we feel shame, we typically hide emotionally. Guilt can make us retreat. Perceived failure can make us timid. Many of us learned at a young age to control our emotions and to pay attention to what is acceptable and what is not.

Jesus enters the room where fear is hiding. He already knows the disciples wounds, and so he shows them his wounds. He does so in a matter-of-fact way, without a sense of resentment or vengeance toward anyone. He blesses their hiding place, both outwardly and inwardly, with peace.

In this fantastic inner journey, let’s bring together the last verse of the passage with the first verse. If you keep the doors locked on those unwieldy parts of your heart, the doors will stay locked, and you stay separated from the peace that transforms. If you unlock the doors, forgive yourself and others, the doors swing open and inner peace takes over. And when peace and love are in charge, the Kingdom of God has already come.

The Inner Conqueror

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

I know you have witnessed the initiating energy expressed by your kids. It is a trait in all of us and is linked to survival. Infants have no resources, so they have to get your attention to obtain the things they need to survive, like food, physical contact, sleep and protection. Parents try to corral that energy. Ideally, part of parenting is to help direct the energy in positive and meaningful ways. However, the words “ideally” and “parenting” are not often in the same sentence, or in the same moment!

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - 7th Sunday of Easter (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 17, 2026

Acts 1:6-14 / Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 / 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 / John 17:1-11

Summary of Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

In contrast to the high-priestly voice of this week’s Gospel reading, this psalm seems to talk about God in the role of conquering king who destroys enemies and rewards allies.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

If we consider the psalm as a reflection of the inner life, it means there is a voice in us that wishes to conquer and destroy; to reward those who are like us and crush those who are not like us. Inwardly it is a battle with the shadow and anything else that is a threat to the ego. What do we do with the inward warrior/conqueror energy; the part that genuinely wants victory, dominance, and triumph over enemies?

To be certain, there is a healthy form of conquering energy. Without this energy nothing changes; evil is never confronted, boundaries disappear and life becomes stagnant. A healthy dynamic masculine energy protects, initiates, creates order and confronts danger. This is powerfully expressed in verses 5, 6, 9 and 10.

The distorted and immature inner king or conqueror needs enemies, thrives on division and cannot tolerate ambiguity. The person driven by this distortion believes that wholeness comes by destroying what is threatening, inwardly and outwardly. So, shame must be silenced, fear must be crushed, doubt must be eliminated, and the shadow must die. But psychologically, this creates fragmentation. Because what is attacked internally does not disappear—it splits off or fragments. And then the “enemy” is likely to return in disguised forms, such as projection, addiction, anxiety, rigidity, self-righteousness or depression.

The immature king defends ego. The integrated king defends life.

There is a conquering energy within all of us. And its role in the inner journey is integrated when it shifts from a need for domination to a posture of protection and love.

The Inner Priest

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

Finding your own voice seems to be a very important life task. I have spent a lot of energy and time in borrowing a voice from others. I did that through adopting the voice of authors, speakers, teachers, cultural icons, religious leaders, my parents and definitely my friends. I would add in smatterings of my own poorly developed values, insecurities, fears and self righteousness. I am sorry for the many times my parenting was driven by a confusing mixture of that outer and inner mess. I have become familiar with a more cohesive voice within that is connected to grace, peace and love. As a result I think I am better able to see the unique, eternal and incredible voice within each of you. I hope you trust your voice.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - 7th Sunday of Easter (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 17, 2026

Acts 1:6-14 / Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 / 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 / John 17:1-11

Summary of John 14:15-21

In John 17:1-11 Jesus begins what is commonly referred to as the high priestly prayer. Here Jesus moves from instruction to intercession. Though the words “high priest” are not found in this passage, generations of Christian’s have found that this chapter exemplifies Jesus in a high priestly role. And the term is used with respect and honor, not in a demeaning or disrespectful way. Have you ever considered the high priestly part of you?

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

Everyone has this moral voice within. It can offer insight and wisdom. It can cast a vision for the future, and it can interpret the past.  Conversely, it can create fear of change and guilt for the past. The question is, does this voice function from a place of health, or is it out of balance?   

When it is overbearing (out of balance) it can be judgmental, critical or self righteous. When it is ignored or underdeveloped, the inner world loses coherence, and can lead to stagnation, indecisiveness or poor decisions. 

When that voice speaks from a place of health and balance, it is a mediating presence that holds the inner world together.  It becomes an anchoring presence within, and offers a set of values that guides decisions, and nurtures growth. This high priestly voice cares for the community as a result of cultivating an inner intimacy.  

Jesus’s prayer expresses the essence of this inner high priest. Those who listen to its voice get in touch with that which is eternal (verse 3). The voice functions as a revelation of the divine (verse 6). And, maybe most importantly, when the spiritual voice within has found its footing, and is working for the good of the inner life, it brings all the other parts into unity (verse 11).  

When life feels fragmented, stuck, or confusing, consider listening to the inner spiritual voice that often serves as a mediator or bridge to the divine wisdom. It is compassionate, not just outwardly, but inwardly, filled with grace toward the wounded and hurting parts within.   The priestly voice exists to create connection—between the human and the divine, and therefore between all the fractured parts within us.

Admittedly the inner priestly voice can become distorted. Instead of mediation there is inner accusation. Instead of integration there is fragmentation. And the guilt of imperfection can be debilitating.   But Jesus models something different. He speaks the words of this prayer knowing the disciples are about to fail him. And still the prayer is filled not with shame, but with gratitude, hope, protection, and belonging. That’s the voice that leads to inner unity and peace.

What a Journey

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

There is only one 14,000 foot peak that I have summited twice. It has a very unintimidating name: Mount Sneffels. It sounds like a Sesame Street destination, but it is actually a strenuous climb. The summit itself is rather small, with only enough room for four or five people. Though the view is beautiful from the top, I have far more pictures taken on the trail; the four-wheel drive to the trailhead, the meadows, the slide, the saddle, boulder alley, and the key-hole. The summit is the destination that creates the journey, but the journey is what holds the adventure, the challenges, stretches the imagination, and taxes the resources. I have taken hikes where I have not reached the summit. But I still treasured the journey.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - 6th Sunday of Easter (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 10, 2026

Acts 17:22-31 / Psalm 66:8-20 / 1 Peter 3:13-22 / John 14:15-21

Summary of Psalm 66:8-20

This is a psalm of thanksgiving that moves from communal praise to personal experience. The journey described in this hymn is filled with pressure, exhaustion and feelings of being overwhelmed. But it also describes times of spaciousness, prosperity and gratitude.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

The outward journey can often include pressure and exhaustion. So can the inward journey. Fear, anxiety, confusion and anger can feel like immoveable obstacles to any type of happiness or peace. Pain and grief can keep us from moving in any direction, and the inner landscape can feel like it has turned into a desert. The landscape may seem frighteningly spacious, while the soul seems to shrink and struggle for breath.

There are parts of us that want integration without work, transformation without confrontation or healing without vulnerability. However, what constricts us can also uncover us. The things that pressure us reveal the crutches to which we cling. The storms reveal our propped up identity. The obstacles reveal our lack of resilience. And the harsh conditions often reveal our resentments, wounds and protective strategies. There are lessons that can only be learned in the desert.

Maybe the psalmist is inviting us to recognize that the obstacles are not hindrances to the journey, but are actually the journey itself.

Magical Thinking

Dear Sutton and Savannah, 

I don’t know what John 14:14 means, but I think I know what it doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean that putting the tag line, “in Jesus’s name,” on any request will make it so. That’s just magical thinking.

-Dad

Inside Out Lectionary Letters

Year A - 6th Sunday of Easter (Texts, Art, Hymns)

Readings for Sunday, May 10, 2026

Acts 17:22-31 / Psalm 66:8-20 / 1 Peter 3:13-22 / John 14:15-21

Summary of John 14:15-21

This passage, like last week’s gospel reading, is part of a larger discourse of Jesus, given to the disciples in the hours leading up to his betrayal and death. This portion of scripture speaks about that part of God that is described as the Holy Spirit.

Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul

I feel like the setup for this week’s passage is found in the last line of last week’s reading. There, in John 14:14, we find the statement, “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” It seems like this proclamation, attributed to Jesus, has led to generations of christians ending every prayer with, “…in Jesus’s name we pray, amen,” and, producing a crop of disciples who believe in magical thinking. God becomes the genie in a bottle who grants wishes, as long as you ask in Jesus’s name.

I feel like the gaming industry has something to teach us here. The random reward of winning, based on probabilities, is key to the addictive nature of gambling. Similarly in prayer, when our desired outcome comes to pass, we think we have cracked the code, beaten the odds, and won the spiritual battle. In many cases, it was likely just the laws of probability that happened to work in our favor. Does this mean I don’t believe in prayer? Quite the contrary. I believe prayer is a vital spiritual lifeline and an important part of the spiritual journey. However, since the spiritual journey is built upon inward change, what are the implications for prayer?

Jesus tells us that he lives within (verse 19) and the spirit of God, the Advocate, abides within (verse 17). We are invited to do the inward work of coming into alignment with all that God commands, which is to love (15:12). Prayer checks our unloving spirit, whets our appetite for love, and brings all the parts of ourself under the umbrella of love. Prayer enhances our belief in the power of love, awakes us to unloving behavior, and leads us to the kind of healing that only love can produce. Prayer breaks down our own prejudice, exposes our sense of entitlement, and ignites a fire of compassion. Prayer simultaneously holds us accountable while also bringing about abundant freedom.

Here is a simple prayer that might reflect the spirit of John 14, but I could be wrong.: “In the name of Jesus, help me find that inner place of love that changes anything and everything.”

Where does prayer take you?