The evils we are witnessing now are not new. We have been living within these systems of oppression, racism, corruption and abuse our whole lives. They just happen to be out in the open now. We are experiencing an apocalypse now—an unveiling—we are seeing things how they really are. How they’ve really been.

Rev Amanda Kemery Inspired: Wisdom Stories Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 & “Woman Wisdom” from Book of Belonging Based on the book Inspired by Rachel Held Evans The Weight of Choice Do you ever get decision fatigue? I mean, truly—exhausted by the sheer weight of having to choose, even something simple? I know I do, and I think we all get decision fatigue sometime. For example, I can make a fairly accurate prediction of how my daughter, Emmie, is feeling based solely on whe

Rev. Amanda Kemery Inspired: War Stories Scripture: Judges 11 (Jephthah and his daughter) Based on the book Inspired , by Rachel Held Evans War Stories War stories... I can’t say I care for war stories. Never really have. Saving Private Ryan , for example—I can logically understand how and why it is widely considered one of the greatest movies ever made, but I can’t watch it . I’ve tried. At some point, peeking out from behind your own hands takes away from the cinematic exp

Rev. Amanda Kemery Inspired: Deliverance Stories Scripture: Genesis 16:1-4, 6b-15 (Hagar) Based on the book Inspired by Rachel Held Evans The Complexity of Scripture Here’s the problem: you can interpret and bend scripture to support whatever it is you want to say. If you’re looking to define marriage as a union between two people, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for scripture to support, let’s say, polygamy—it’s there. Scripture to celebrate and uplift the leadership of

Rev. Amanda Kemery Inspired: Origin Stories Scripture:  Genesis 32:22-30 Based on the book Inspired , by Rachel Held Evans Once upon a time there was a family. Some relatives were connected by genetics, some simply by years of proximity and shared adventures. This family sat down for a meal. The long dining room table was set with linens and fine silverware. The food was decadent and the conversation flowing. A young girl, Amanda, about 7 years old, watched in quiet wonder as