If negative space so benefits art, music, publications, talking and listening, imagine how much it must benefit the soul.  

I often think of Jesus being among the outcasts of his day when I encounter Algren’s work, except this time it’s not in first-century Palestine but rather in the streets and alleys of the city I love dearly.

Let us never cease to remember our history and let us keep walking with peace and love. May we learn or re-learn to be relational and not transactional as we encounter others along our paths.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

Lydia established the beginnings of a church at her home, offering her hospitality and welcome to other new believers. Whereas we might expect leadership to emerge only under certain conditions, the Spirit always empowers new leadership.