Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell makes the case that in our emphasis over the last four decades to tell our girls that they could be anything they want to be, we missed a critical step: we forgot to liberate the boys as well.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell makes the case that this MLK day, we should honor his great teacher Dr. Howard Thurman by walking in nature, sitting in reflective silence, looking at the ways creation works together, and then applying these lessons to our lives. We might even find ourselves talking to trees.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell believes we are teaching our young people a version of reading the Bible that resembles the game Operation. They often have little concept of “connective tissue” and can only pluck out quotations like the stylized versions of body parts in the board game.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell writes that in our country, we often think about pilgrims in the way that our Thanksgiving traditions teach us — that it is all about the destination. She has always relished pilgrimage stories and dreamed of lacing up her own shoes and traveling by foot to the sacred spaces of her faith. But recently she realized there was nothing stopping her from being a pilgrim within her own hometown.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell offers her thoughts on how the church's model of the larger group tending to the few in need was swept away during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pastors were like skippers left on ships trying to throw out as many lifelines as they could while keeping the whole ship from going down and rescuing their own families. But now it's time to turn back to the boat and give each other some grace.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell contemplates the seemingly insurmountable task that looms over the Southern Baptist denomination regarding what to do about the recent release of an internal database of abusers. Each of the recommended steps to remedy this problem seems so minor, so insignificant — are they even worthwhile?

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell examines how to go about learning who we truly are at our core through engaging in a few specific practices that might help bring clarity to the view from within. There may be an instinctive draw to know ourselves better, but often we do not really investigate or learn about ourselves as a spiritual practice.

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?