Tag: the gospel

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Crossing Cultures Memoir

Hopewords

Last year, I saw a random ad for a writers conference called HopeWords. In Bluefield, West Virginia. 

Glancing at familiar and not-so-familiar names of presenters, I somehow knew—I’d be there in April 2024. 

I recruited my friend and fellow writer to sign up. It’s not like other writers conferences, we were told. But then, having never been to one before—what did I know?

This past week, I’ve been reflecting on those 24 hours of HopeWords Writers Conference 2024. Remembering Bluefield’s generosity: homemade desserts, excellent musicians, rides on the trolley. Considering the words of Travis Lowe, Daniel Nayeri, Mitali Perkins, Jackie Hill Perry, Hannah Anderson, and more. 

And feeling thankful for that not-so-random ad.

Some of the authors and books at HopeWords 2024.
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Crossing Cultures Devotional

Public square

The words of Isaiah resonate. 

“Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far off.
For truth has stumbled in the public square, 
and honesty cannot enter.
Truth is missing,
and whoever turns from evil is plundered.”
Isaiah 59:14f

It sounds like a reading of our day.

Truth has stumbled in the public square. Image by Jose Martin Ramirez Carrasco on Unsplash
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Crossing Cultures Devotional Memoir

What’s your name?

“What’s your name?” I ask. And the man stumbles over his answer. 

Gives me one response. Then another. 

At first I think it’s miscommunication. I’m still learning culture and language, after all.

But soon I hear the story behind the struggle. 

His story. 

What’s your name? Image by Bady Abbas on Unsplash.
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