sighs too deep for words

I realize that the internet is littered with blogs and that the last thing it needs is another one.  Therefore it is no secret that I enter the blogosphere with some hesitation.  What else could I possibly add to the conversation about theology, scripture, and Jesus? 

As the clergy person staffed to evangelism and outreach at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama, I have thought a lot about what evangelism means in the context of the church today especially when it comes to the use of technology.  What else am I supposed to say?  What hasn't been said?  What if someone takes offense at my words?  How can my feeble words possibly capture the beauty and wonder of God?   

These questions give way to the title of my blog and this post:

sighs too deep for words

I remember praying these famous words from the Apostle Paul right before I was ordained to the diaconate.  These words are taken from Romans 8, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible (Paul was in high gear at this point in his letter).  Romans 8:26 says, "the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words."

This prayer also raced through my mind as I stepped into the pulpit for the first time at All Saints'.  This prayer from the Apostle Paul reminds me that no matter how sloppy or eloquent my words are the Holy Spirit intercedes for me with sighs too deep for words and the Spirit does the same for all of us.  I hope and pray that God helps us all hear what we need to hear and forget what we don't need to hear all for the sake of the Gospel.

While I might be somewhat hesitant to start a blog and to put myself "out-there", I know that God is calling me into conversation with others about the mystery and wonder of God especially as it relates to Jesus.  I hope that this blog helps me respond to God's call to spread the Gospel into all the world.

As for now, I intend to post sermons; theological reflections on the daily office, books, and articles; and maybe some material from Christian Formation classes that I teach.  I hope you'll join me in conversation (silently or aloud) about the transforming power of God's love as made known through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.