All posts by Julia Speck
I would have loved for Subway to make a statement that went something like “We are heartbroken over this devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children enslaved in the pornographic industry that they find healing and justice. But our prayers are also with Jared, that he find healing and redemption now that … Continue reading You Can’t Love the Sinner if You Spend All Your Time Hating the Sin
The Church Has No Idea How to Address Violent Oppression
Read Luke 10: 25-37. It’s a familiar parable: The Good Samaritan. Those of us who grew up in the church were taught this many times and always knew that this was the model. Be the Good Samaritan. Help others in need. We can do that, we can be the Good Samaritan in this story, it’s … Continue reading The Church Has No Idea How to Address Violent Oppression
Be Careful What You Pray For
We ran into a beautiful young woman the other night that we’ve had the opportunity to talk to a few times before. She was very friendly, and willing to engage in conversation for a while. But what really stood out to me was when I offered to pray for her. She got this sly smile on … Continue reading Be Careful What You Pray For
Glue for my Christmas
This post is part of the series “Christmas at My House” – reflections on the wide diversity of Christmas experiences. Christmas at my house is….comfort. And peace. And rest. And joy. And togetherness. And connection. Christmas is the one time of year my whole family is fortunate enough to all come back together again. Time has spread us out across … Continue reading Glue for my Christmas
It’s easier to self medicate
I saw K on the track a few weeks ago. It took until about half way though our conversation, when she mentioned her last name actually, for me to remember having met her about two years ago. Two years. Two years and she’s still out on the streets. Drunk. High. Wandering around, not making any … Continue reading It’s easier to self medicate
The Burden of Hope
There’s a girl I keep thinking about. I’ve met her several times out on the track; I’ll call her “Red.” I can’t get Red out of my head because of how defeated she is. And how helpless I feel to assist her in any way, to give her hope or to make a difference in … Continue reading The Burden of Hope