Posts by Richard Parrish
A Faithful Presence in a Fractured World
We don’t have to look far to notice fractures. They show up in public discourse and private conversations, in families and congregations, in social media feeds and at dinner tables. Tension has become so familiar that many of us no longer ask why things feel divided—we simply brace ourselves for the next moment of misunderstanding…
Read MoreThe Loneliness No One Sees
I first recognized loneliness as a child in Newton, Kansas. Forced to move again, I told myself, “There’s no point in making friends.” I was in fifth grade and had already attended four different schools—from Washington to Michigan and beyond. Stability seemed out of reach for this eleven-year-old boy. When my parents told me we…
Read MoreDo Weary Shepherds Contribute to Weary Sheep?
I recently received a call from a pastor. He asked, “Do you have time to meet with me?” I could immediately tell from the sound of his voice that this wasn’t a “Hey, let’s get together” invite. I heard the ache behind his request—I’ve heard it many times from my friends and colleagues. We scheduled…
Read MoreBeing A Non-Anxious Presence in Anxious Times
As we come to the final reflection in this series, it’s important to name something honestly: fear is not only something we experience internally. It shapes our conversations, our reactions, our tone, and even the way we see one another. We live in anxious times. That anxiety shows up in many ways—harsh words, quick judgments,…
Read MoreFacing Fear with Faith
I’m slowly easing into a new year. I’m noticing that I still want to default to writing 2025, rather than 2026. But that’s not all I’m noticing. I’m also noticing something else: fear does not magically disappear simply because the calendar has changed. In the first two reflections of this series, we’ve acknowledged that fear…
Read MoreWhat Fear Reveals About What We Trust
Someone once shared with me that there are 365 commands in the Bible telling us not to fear. While I’ve never personally verified that number, I do know that “fear not” is a recurring reminder throughout the Bible. I’ve yet to meet a person who has entirely escaped fear. It’s something we all experience. The…
Read MoreA Year of Fear—or Faith?
The start of a new year often brings a mix of hope and anxiety. On one hand, we embrace the hope of new beginnings. On the other hand, we carry questions that feel heavier than we want to admit. What’s coming? What will change? What will stay uncertain? For many people, fear isn’t just an…
Read MoreThank you for Standing with Us in This Season
Dear Friend, Philippians 4:10-19 has been especially meaningful as I’ve reflected on God’s goodness this past year. Paul’s words have helped me see the Lord’s hand in my own journey. Let me explain. On June 5th, after nearly twenty years of serving in a ministry I deeply loved, I was released from my position due…
Read MoreForward Together: Hope, Calling, and the Work Ahead
The days between Christmas and the New Year invite a particular kind of attentiveness—one year loosens its grip while another quietly waits to be received. It is a threshold moment—an opportunity to give thanks for what has been, while listening for what God may be bringing into being. As I look toward the year ahead,…
Read MoreWhen God Draws Near to the Weary
Christmas has a way of slowing us down—if only for a moment—to notice the places in our lives where we feel weary, stretched, or in need of hope. It is no coincidence that the story of Christ’s birth begins in darkness: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isa. 9:2, ESV). …
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