I want to be engaged this year. As of yesterday, I've been on this earth for more than 23 years, and I think it's about time for me to be engaged. But I don't mean I'm looking for a fiancé. I'm as single as a slice of American cheese right now.

When we look at church history, as well as the modern church, it seems to me that many of the problems have grown out of believers receiving a salary from other believers.

I don't love why Planned Parenthood exists. I don't love that too many states allow legislators to restrict women's health. What I love is the dedicated staff of people who are doing the ministry of caring for people. "Care. No matter what." Those are words to live by. As a Christian, I say it proudly: I love Planned Parenthood.

I believe gratitude is a good, even necessary practice. But maybe some expressions of gratitude have a shadow side. Maybe gratitude isn't good when it's a gimmick. Maybe, before we fully embrace that "gratitude-attitude," we need to lament.

The battle to end the rampant and persistent discrimination against women of color in ministry in the American religious community can be won.

"Who in their right mind would want to be a minister?" It's a question I hear a lot nowadays, especially with news reports about how many in ministry experience low pay, high burnout and potential unemployment.