Posts by M. R. Conrad
On Reading Widely: Are You Stuck on One Shelf?
How widely do you read? Do you get these references from literature? “In the late 1920s, Gladys Aylward worked as a British parlor maid but had dreams of becoming an actress. At that time, many working class women would serve the wealthy, as depicted in Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot mysteries.” “As a well-off aristocrat, Lilias…
Read MoreLiving with the Unanswered “Why?”
“The question was not ‘why’ but ‘what?’ God, what would You have me to do?” writes Ellen Vaughn in her excellent biography, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot. “For Betty, whether God told her to go confront Pharaoh or go to live among the Waodani, she determined to do it, regardless of the results.”1 Vaughn’s recent biography of…
Read MoreLonging for the World-That-Was
Backing into 2022 2023: Longing for the World-That-Was (Original modified title) Note: Dr. Conrad wrote this article for the year that was, just before 2022 dawned. I ran across it this week and thought it was appropriate for any year, though it does allude to the recent unpleasantness we all experienced. No matter what trouble…
Read MoreMotivation: Why We Serve
The intrepid newspaper reporter, Henry Stanley, and his flamboyant entourage marched into Ujiji, a rustic African village in modern-day Tanzania. Had he finally found his man? In the autumn of 1871, the western world awaited Stanley’s report. Other search parties had failed to locate the long-lost explorer, but now an African man pointed Stanley to…
Read MoreNothing Like a Millionaire: For What Are You Known?
William Borden was famous.1 His parents were millionaires. They were prominent members of the Moody Church in Chicago. The newspapers of the early 1900s reported on young Borden’s activities. Every door of opportunity swung open for this privileged youth. However, those who knew him at Yale and then at Princeton saw a very different picture.…
Read MoreIs Waiting on God Worth the Wait?
Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. During some seasons of life, the path ahead seems to disappear into a mist. The illusion of certainty that often calms our days falls away. Visibility reduces to a step-by-step distance. Longstanding questions remain unanswered. Our prayers seem unheard. Which way do I go? Why has this happened? When will the obstacles…
Read MoreWhose Quotes Litter Your Conversations?
Who said it? Can you match these quotes to their source? (answers at the end) “I can do this all day.” “I shall return.” “Inconceivable!” “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” “You are a lioness.” “I’m lovin’ it.” “You shall not pass!” How often do you find yourself quoting snippets like…
Read MoreCancel Abraham
Cancel Abraham. He owned slaves and even impregnated one of them. Cancel Sarah. She enabled her husband’s escapade and persecuted the victim. Cancel David. His behavior is only acceptable in a movie. Samson and Jephthah? Let’s not even go there. How can God exalt such obviously flawed people in Hebrews 11 as examples of faith?…
Read MoreFading Joy: Am I Seeking an Experience or a Relationship?
The lights dim as the music begins to play. The energy in the crowd seems to almost crackle audibly. You feel a surge of anticipation for the songs you know, the empowering words you always hear, and the inspirational, larger-than-life people you see standing before you. At a well-designed worship service, Bible conference, or summer…
Read MoreAm I Worshiping Myself During My Devotions? Narcissism & Spiritual Dryness
“I need some me time,” says everyone these days—parents, employees, even Olympic athletes. In the current vernacular, time with God could also be viewed as spiritual me time. Without even realizing it, we can begin to substitute personal wellness for closeness to God—but they aren’t the same thing. If we make that switch, we will…
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