City Life Starter

Background: We are going through a series on the values of our church. In order to help us think about these values, our City Life Houston Starter Team will answer questions related to each specific value. Let’s see how they do!

Authenticity

Tell us something that you are working through in your faith right now?

I’m working on having a childlike faith in Christ!

Faith is not having the answers; sometimes it is simply choosing to keep your eyes on Jesus when you have none. When everything else fails, Jesus remains. And that is enough.

When all hope seems lost, when you are being targeted by people and circumstances, and when you are left with more questions than answers, look to the Cross. There is a temptation to become angry, wallow in self-pity, or keep searching for answers within yourself with self-help gurus. But I’ve learned that nothing compares to the comfort of the risen Savior walking beside you. You cannot control everything. You cannot fix every situation or understand every “why.” But there is one thing you can do: look to Jesus, worship Him, let God hold your hand, and declare that God is still seated on the Throne.

Generosity

When has someone’s generosity toward you or how you have been generous towards another changed how you see God?

When I traveled to Stockholm as a postdoctoral fellow, I wondered how I would get groceries during my first few days. My accommodation was far from the town center, and I didn’t know the language. My mentor greeted me at the airport with a bag full of groceries and supplies, enough for more than a week. She simply said, “Within a week, you’ll find your way around; this will help you until then!” Her kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness reminded me that God cares for us through people who care enough to think ahead. When I later came to the United States, I did the same for my trainees. I learned that sometimes we don’t need to be asked to help; when we see a need, we can simply care.

Excellence

(2 parts) What is one verse that has inspired your walk with God this year? Now, write the shortest reflection and application you can possibly do with the verse stated above.

Scripture: Psalm 46:10. Be still and know that I am God…

Reflection: Fathom the unfathomable. Imagine the unimaginable. Touch the intangible.

Application: It’s not what you know, but Who you know.

Creativity

Write a paragraph using the words, City, Life, and Houston, but that makes no mention of the church.

Houston is a city that has life and gives life, a melting pot of people, places, flavors, and spices. From Downtown to the Medical Center to the Energy hub, from music and sports to museums and the arts, we’ve got something for everyone! Our food scene is so good, you name it, we’ll fry it! We’re hotter than a jalapeño long before global warming was even discovered. The intersection in our city is larger than Vatican City. Our parking lots can hold more cars than some countries have cars! Houston: big, bold, diverse, delicious, and always ready for one more adventure. Just walk out, and you can make lifelong friends in Houston City. Houston speaks every language, reaches near and far; we have direct lines not just to the astronauts above but also to God!

Diversity

(2 part Question) Given that we have a diverse church as well as a diverse writing team, what stands out to you most about being a part of this team? Why should someone read what we write compared to other Christian blogs?

Biblical Truth is objective, but we often perceive it through subjective filters shaped by our culture, experiences, and perspectives. Understanding these nuances and contexts are essential. Scripture-based Christian orthodoxy is not monolithic; it carries diverse cultural expressions. As a diverse Church and a community of diverse writers, we each bring unique flavors to how we understand and express faith in our lives.

Boldness

I’m not afraid to answer these 6 questions…

1) What’s something about your faith you used to be embarrassed to admit, but aren’t anymore?

I wish I could memorize Scripture as much as I’d like to and despite reading the Bible daily, I am not great at it. But I’ve stopped worrying about how much I can memorize. I simply keep reading often in different versions and let God’s Word take root in me.

2) The one area of weakness in your writing?

My writing tends to be academic and plain, so I have to work at making it more personal and engaging.

3) Your favorite pizza topping is…?

All the meat you can get, please…

4) What was the last thing you watched on your TV before answering this question?

Nature Documentary

5) You write the best when…(place and time?)

Mornings at my study.

6) If you had to choose a place to live outside of Houston, where would it be? (Has to be within the U.S.)

Somewhere in the mountains of Tennessee.