Brandi Diamond

So often I hear stories of exclusion in the church for a variety of reasons. Sadly, I've experienced this as well. Other times it sounds like the church has lost the thread of its most important and most compelling message. It's not about exclusion or hate - despite what people say about faith stories. What gets repeated so much in the Bible is LOVE. Ultimately - it's a love story. 1 John 4:7-21 sums it up really well - take a moment and read this passage with care. Let it simmer with you....

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Over 260,000 attended the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The US honors King on the third Monday each January, but today, January 15, is his actual birthday. As we head into this long weekend, may we be reminded of the power of his words. Sixty three years later, we still have so much to learn and accomplish from King's dream. There are many beautifully...

Today marks a new year - it's time for 2026. I am not much of one for resolutions - they are too easily broken. And, I'm not so much into finding a "new me" - I'm more interested in discovering the me I already am and taking care of her. But I do love to dream and plan - and I find January to be a good time to take stock of what a new season of life might hold. Maybe you feel similarly. What are you dreaming about for the year ahead? When I think about dreams, I also think about Joseph in the...