Author Archives: LJones

In a season of heightened social dialogue and activism, as followers of Christ we are challenged to ask, “What would the Lord have us do?”  This includes moments when we encounter those who are frightened or hurting as well as … Continue reading →

Much of my adult theology was formed before I entered kindergarten.  Long before I sat in a reading circle in Mrs. Ping’s class, I came to know the Creator of the universe, discovered the origin of the stars, sun and … Continue reading →

During the second half of my year-long Chaplain Residency at the Hampton Veterans Administration Medical Center, I served in a hospice care unit.  Three months into my assignment, the air-conditioner in the Hospice facility broke down, and residents (patients) were … Continue reading →

During my Chaplain Residency, I served for 6 months in a psychiatric ward.  My work involved ongoing spiritual assessments of new patients (referred to as “residents” in the VA Medical Center), providing appropriate resources such as Bibles, and engaging people … Continue reading →

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.  “I know you are, but what am I?”  These classic playground taunts contain profound truths and are closely related.  Allow me to explain. In 1946, a British … Continue reading →

Have your internal messages ever conflicted?  In other words, has a part of you wanted one thing while another part of you wanted another?  In answer to these questions, you might say, “Well, of course!”  But did you know these … Continue reading →

Archeologists devote their lives to “unlocking the past”.   They dream of groundbreaking artifacts like the Rosetta Stone, which helped linguists decode ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.  New insights into the past can help us understand the present, and possibly create a better … Continue reading →

During my first 6-month rotation as a Chaplain Resident, I was assigned to a psychiatric unit.  My supervisor was doing double-duty as an interim department lead, and since we had worked together in the unit during an earlier Internship, she … Continue reading →

On September 20th, I completed a year’s Chaplain Residency at the Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia.  The program included four Clinical Pastoral Education units, which are the basic building blocks of Clinical Chaplaincy.  As I pursue some additional credentials … Continue reading →

Fall is that time when the air grows crisp, the days grow shorter and our lives are fill with…leaves. We have several trees in our yard, which means I rake and blow a lot of leaves.  Fortunately, my city has … Continue reading →