The American church is slowly waking up from a decades-long slumber. Many of us have been sleeping snugly under a thick blanket of individualism for far too long, embracing a guarded theology as a pillow for our sleepy little heads. The mission of Jesus to care for “the least of these” has largely suffered under American…
‘SJW’ and the Call to ‘Do Justice and Love Mercy’
I got entangled in the messy business of loving my neighbor about seven years ago, and I had no idea what I was getting into. Whether it’s referred to as social justice, economic justice or humanitarian outreach, I just saw it as fulfilling a desire to love marginalized people who had been dealt an unfair…
Oh God, Do You Hear Their Prayers?
It’s the middle of the sweltering Bangkok workday, and I’m wrestling with God in the back of a taxi on my way home from prison. I’m slipping around on hot vinyl as my theology gets pressed and squeezed like the limes at the juice stand outside my window. I’ve just visited my friend Nina.* She…
Crucifixion of the Warrior God, a book review
The Crucifixion of the Warrior God is an endlessly thought-provoking and spirit-challenging work. Don’t read it if you want to stay comfortable with what you already know.
Driving in Bangkok
I’ve been living in Bangkok for a year and a half, and I am finally feeling brave enough to drive in this country. Actually, my husband gets credit for pushing me to do it before leaving for a month-long trip. Up until now, I have dragged myself and three kids around in taxis, trains,…
The Little Rock Nine Still Call to Me
If you’re an Arkansan, chances are you recognize the picture. It’s one that makes most of us cringe and close our eyes in embarrassment. Not our finest moment in Arkansas history, and one we wish never happened. In 1954 the Supreme Court decided in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka that segregation in…
Rainy Season and a Cloud of Witnesses
Rainy season. It’s that time of year in Thailand when I crank up the AC and curl up by the window with a book, cup of tea and a blanket and pretend that it’s winter. It’s an art of mental foolery. I see the clouds and listen to the rain. I invoke images of a…
We Live at the Circus
A friend and I lamented over coffee the other day about how we are cheating our kids a healthy, “normal” childhood by living in Bangkok. The lack of green space, fresh air, digging dirt, and the great outdoors–are we damaging them? After some thought and consideration, I’ve decided that we are actually living at the…
Euro Trip Part V: Rome
As far as big cities go, Rome may be the best. Travis and I couldn’t stop talking about it the entire trip. Rome has it all. The food, the weather, the mystery, the architecture, the history, the charm, the people, the soul. If I could pick one city to plant myself in, Rome might just…
Euro Trip Part IV: Lake Como, Italy
After a 6 hour train trip from Nice, France, we arrived in Como, Italy–the most scenically beautiful leg of our trip. Mother was singing The Hills are Alive and indeed they were. We stayed at another perfect AirBnB find that I’m pretty sure was owned by my childhood penpal, Paola, who’s sexy face was blown up…
NATALIE TOON PATTON 