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Hounded by Freedom

In 4LTR WORD: FREE by Mandy Smith

Melancholia is my warm bath. It draws me into its depths with, “No one understands,” and, “No one helps.” I sink into it, sighing, so true, so comforting. And I’m drawn deeper in as it invites me to comparisons: My …

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The Benevolence of Beaches

In 4LTR WORD: GIFT by Mandy Smith

Beaches are generous places. Well, I suppose it could be said that the breakers bring the gift and the beach just presents it. I’ve lost track of how many gifts I’ve received from beaches—tiny bird skeletons bleached by the sun, …

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Home Isn’t a Place

In 4LTR WORD: HOME by Mandy Smith

It’s my day of rest—so instead of gulping down my tea and diving headlong into the day, I’m sipping it slowly, taking time by the window as my neighbors dive into their days. Cindy has driven from her house two doors …

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Tell Me the Old, Old Story

In Exploring Faith by Mandy Smith

There are certain things we just don’t say in Christian settings. Perhaps a few choice words come to mind. Well, today I’m going to be bold—I’m going to say some of them. Here I go (take deep breath): “God Bless …

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Duck-Face vs. Derp-Face

In The Church by Mandy Smith

I’m guessing you’ve seen the duck-face? Urban Dictionary defines it as, “The face made if you push your lips together in a combination of a pout and a pucker, giving the impression you have larger cheekbones and bigger lips.” It’s …

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Hipster Hope

In Culture by Mandy Smith

As the pastor of an artsy, university church which has its own fair-trade cafe, I’m positively swimming in hipsters. And I love it. Let me first define what I’m talking about. In my mind, there’s a difference between a hipster …

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Yet

In Exploring Faith by Mandy Smith

Yesterday I listened to a radio show which asked callers to share the day their life changed. One woman gushed about the day her husband died and she was finally free. He had been terribly abusive and she feared that …