Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell explores the moment that many Christian parents anticipate from when they first become a mom or dad: their child making a profession of faith. So when her son made his earnest and heartfelt desire to be part of the church global, why did she find a mix of melancholy and even anxiety creep over her?

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell reflects on why our kids need church in ways that extend far beyond Bible stories and learning to be nice. There is no doubt our teens are being overcome by waves of anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt – so how can the local church help without being just “one more thing” that teens have to keep up with or feel obligated to?

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell makes the case that as we feel the pace of the world quickening again, it is our obligation to fight the urge to keep up. Reconnecting to our wonder allows us to spend time with God in a way that is not transactional.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell examines how the technology that rests at our fingertips can be used as a spiritual practice. After all, many of us only made it through the isolation of the pandemic because of some well-timed memes on group chats.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell offers us a poem as tribute to those who have had their lives changed by the pandemic. The struggles have been different for health care workers, parents, pastors, teachers, teenagers, the immunocompromised, service workers, and more.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell examines why in the midst of pandemic uncertainty and disruption so many people choose to take on more responsibility through pet ownership. Something was awakened deep within us that connected us back to earlier times where our care for creation was much more direct and, frankly, necessary for survival.

What can Disney’s hit movie, Encanto, teach us about church and the priesthood of all believers?

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell reflects on knowing and using names as a spiritual practice. Calling people by name can bond us to each other, create community, acknowledge the worth of each person, and share part of our story.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell explores the many ways family traditions and rituals are an important part of faith formation for children. Traditions and rituals allow us to look back and appreciate what has come before as well as contemplate what our own legacy will be.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell reflects on how there will always be times of humanitarian crisis where the needs are immediate and tremendous. However, in any long-term service project, we must look for ways to make personal contributions for the good of the community.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell explains how cross country running provides valuable lessons in raising children. In an age of helicopter parenting, she details the ways that kids can benefit from parents who act more like a cross country coach.

From the sea breezes of coastal South Carolina to the views from the river bluffs of central Missouri to the fall foliage on the Furman campus in the mountain foothills to the azalea blooms in the sandy soils of Augusta to the towering oaks of the city of trees, Charlotte, NC, the places we live have a way of working their way into our souls. How has place shaped your faith journey?

Columnist Sarah Blackwell discusses how can we better discern when to open our mouths or when to keep them shut — particularly on social media. This means exploring the question: when is saying nothing the path to winning?

Baptists know the healing and restorative power of sharing a meal together, yet traditionally, have not incorporated communion into weekly services. Here are some suggestions for making the spiritual practice of breaking bread together a more vital part of your faith community.

For the first time, parents of this generation have gotten a “halftime” as the global pandemic has shut down many “life-as-usual” activities. Here are five things to do to make the second half the best it can be.

The Christian church stands on the brink of major change. Here are two ways to encourage beneficial mutations.