20 Comments
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Dave Karpowicz's avatar

Jeff, Thank you for the powerful insight into Psalm 130. I hope Tristan and you grow through the process. D

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Debbie Buckmaster's avatar

Thank you for sharing your deep insights. So enjoyed the audio links. Theology and writing would be what I’d specially like but I find all your writing interesting

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

Thank you so much! Do you have any particular questions about theology and/or writing? Things you'd like to discuss?

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Debbie Buckmaster's avatar

So sorry for replying so so late!

Discipline in Writing regularly, tips and good routines ?

My church disbanded a few years ago and I’ve still not found a replacement.

I’m just getting used to Substack, not a regular user yet but hope to be soon

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Debbie Buckmaster's avatar

I guess how to stay motivated with writing ?

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Lorraine Ma's avatar

Q: How do you work through disappointment, especially when you feel let down by someone close to you?

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Na's avatar

Since you asked…

There have been deaths in my family as well and it’s been really hard on my mental health. Though, what does mental wellness look like? My psychiatrist wants me to get back to “my baseline” and is throwing every known medication at “the problem.” I’m wondering if I am supposed to be the same extroverted person I was before these deaths? What if grief changed me - how do we evaluate “wellness” in the midst of metamorphosis?

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Dawn's avatar

What a beautiful reflection of psalm 130. Wow! I, truly enjoy all your writing and am happy to read on any of those topics. Continuing to pray for you and Tristan as you grieve in these coming days. I hope spring gives you the chance to do some make-believe farming. That often helps me with grief.

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Sharon Huey's avatar

How do you hold an “evolving faith” and navigate denominational structures and policies?

What are your rituals around grief and death? How do you think churches might develop and nourish these rituals so that the dying are companioned?

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Maria's avatar

Thanks again for your writing, it is comforting to me.

My question, how do you deal with your insecurities in your relationships? How do you keep being kind to yourself when all the insecurities keep shouting out to you?

Thanks for your time.

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annabel_henley@comcast.net's avatar

I guess I don't have a question. I just miss Rachel so much and wonder what she would be saying and doing about all the difficult things happening in the Tennessee State Legislature. I just read Bishop Curry's book again about Love being the way. I am just struggling to respond in love to what is being called the slate of hate in Nashville. Dr Curry says to get people to agree that we treat people in the same way that they want to be treated. I am not sure how to do that. What would Rachel say!?

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Polly Davis's avatar

Thank you

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Daniel Meeter's avatar

From Oman: A marvelous post. Thank you. I love Psalm 130. I love the Palestrina, the Luther, and the Bach. I don't have Spotify, so I couldn't hear the sax, but I believe you. I LOVE THE ICON! For another Psalm 130, try one of the Sweelinck settings of the Genevan tune. Much love to you, Tristan, and Fozzie. Daniel

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kate bremer's avatar

Thank you for this! Toxic polyphony 🤣! That amazing sax and all of your words..

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ECee's avatar

Sharing my thanks for your writing. I often use your words as a springboard for my yoga classes (with credit to you). The inspiration for grief and not alone ness this week is beautiful- the song having been sung before but every time its own music. Thank you. If you wonder if your words are important, if they make sense, if they change lives, I answer yes repeatedly and with gratitude.

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Jenny Bakke's avatar

During the Bible Study on the Psalms, you encouraged me to "connect with my Ancestors". What guidance do you have to implement this as a Spiritual or other practice? So grateful for presence with us during deep grief.

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Lee Ann's avatar

I experience your writing as reliably thoughtful, deep, with a thread woven throughout. I get the sense you may be someone who meditates. What practices/life tools do you use to cultivate your ability to observe so thoroughly and weave your observations together so regularly?

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Lisa Strader's avatar

This was a lovely post— I've bookmarked the links and am excited to listen to all the musical interpretations of the psalm.

I have a couple questions, related to each other:

Do you write poetry?

Do you have a favorite poem, or a poem that really sticks in your mind?

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