We have much to learn from the story of Elijah's ascent and how he takes a healthy departure from someone he has mentored.

This week we found great relief in hearing Jesus's parable of the sower and being reminded that the good news can only take root on ground that is ready to receive it.

Though the woman in this story is unnamed, Jesus lifts her up as an example of the type of love that is born out of our own healing.  More information about the CEB Women's Bible.

Having the important relationships in our lives restored and healed might be the greatest miracle we could ask for.

In work with foster youth, as in most acts of healing and teaching, we may not ever see the miraculous taking place in front of our eyes. But if, like the centurion in this week's story, we believe in the possibility and the authority of healing, we will see the results. 

  The Apostle Paul believed in a deep hope that transcends what we know in this world, a hope that was held in community. We have found that same hope reflected and shared in our Cards of Hope program to send birthday and holiday cards to youth in group homes.

We have learned at Braid that "family" is much more than biology, and often the relationships we choose have the most to teach us about what it means to be family.

How can the church offer a standing invitation to wholeness in a world that tells us we have to ask for help? Read Ethan's post on the Braid blog.

How do we answer Jesus's invitation to healing that isdeeperthan all we desire?