A Valentine’s Day Themed Reflection for Those Who Don’t Live in a Fairy Tale.
What Do You Live For?
The Search for Fulfillment in the Limitless Possibilities of Young Adulthood, as Told by Search Party
Thou Shalt Be Needed but Never Needy: Sad Clowns, Lonely Husbands, and COVID Friendships
Middle Age is Not the Time of Maximum Mastery. It is the Time of Maximum Need.
Introducing “Dear Gracie”: The Mockingbird‘s Advice Column
Where in your life do you need help giving, receiving, or understanding grace?
In plain English, grace can be understood as a gift with no strings attached. When it arrives, it can be the most powerful surprise in a person’s life. But giving grace to others is harder than it sounds. During our most complicated moments — moments of grief, or a fight with a difficult roommate, or a confrontation with a philandering lover — grace can seem confusing at best. Especially for religious people. Of course we want to be kind, loving, and patient, but truthfully we also want to lay down the law when appropriate.
In the weeds of life, sometimes we all need a little guidance.
The Mockingbird is here to help. In our upcoming issue, we will introduce our first advice column featuring readers’ real-life quagmires. Behind the keyboard is Gracie — that is, Sarah Condon — with an opinion or two.
Send questions, with a pseudonym and general location, to magazine@mbird.com. While we can’t promise a response for everything, all emails will be kept confidential. We will only reprint your question, pseudonym, and general location. But no matter your circumstances, the word of Gracie is for everyone.
Mixed Drinks and God’s Word: The Ordering of Law and Gospel
“The Gospel is 100% ‘Yes,’ and if There’s a Hint of ‘No,’ then It’s all ‘No.'”
“Remembered by Love”: On Isolation and Christian Community
“Loneliness — Not Obesity, Cancer, or Heart Disease — is the Nation’s ‘Number One Health Crisis'”
Elevator Encounters
Perhaps God Chose Us to Be the Ones to Face the Rage Because We Know that We Do Not Face it Alone
Sticking Our Necks Out: Judgement in the Age of COVID Phases
Confessing Quarantine Sins and Looking to Hope beyond Sanitation