@melissa4055.bsky.social
Pastor in Missouri. Friend. Family. Ragamuffin. For the glory of God & the good of the world. melissahatfield.substack.com
“When we are frightened, we want certitude, not porousness. So the voice of religious certitude and the advocates of political domination seem persuasive. It was so in Jeremiah’s time.” Walter Brueggemann, Hopeful Imagination: Prophetic Voices in Exile
06.07.2025 23:57 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Heartbroken over the flooding in Central Texas—especially for the families grieving, those still searching for loved ones, and the precious girls from Camp Mystic. Holding them all close in prayer today and the days to come. O God, may Your mercies rise higher than the waters and carry them through.
05.07.2025 13:13 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0God, the news is heavy,
too much for one heart.
Teach me to hold sorrow
without drowning,
to grieve deeply
and still have room for hope.
“Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.”
Luke 1:78-79 MSG
Merry Christmas!
Fear not! God is with us.
Fear not! The Light has overcome the darkness.
“Fear not! for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. “ Luke 2:10-11
Approximately 8-10k Christmas lights colored and lit digitally on a white page
Approximately 8-10k Christmas lights colored and lit digitally on a white page
Each year, Dec 21–the Winter Solstice—also marks Homeless Day of Remembrance, honoring those who died while experiencing homelessness.
Because we don’t all keep records of this, our best estimates are that between 15 and 45 thousand unhoused people die each year.
“Achievement is often anonymous. Some of the greatest things have been done by people you have never heard of, quietly dedicating their lives to improving your own.” Madam Secretary, S2 E23.
21.12.2024 00:54 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0"Putting religion and politics together is like mixing ice cream with horse manure. It doesn't hurt the horse manure; it ruins the ice cream." Tony Campolo
20.11.2024 17:50 — 👍 6 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0"Everything is on fire, but everyone I love is doing beautiful things and trying to make life worth living, and I know I don’t have to believe in everything, but I believe in that." Nikita Gill
20.11.2024 15:27 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0It’s my favorite Tony story!
20.11.2024 12:58 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Sunday’s coming. Rest in peace, Tony Campolo.
20.11.2024 03:24 — 👍 8 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0TSA folks get a lot of complaints, sometimes deservedly so, but I had the absolute nicest and most helpful agents today in STL. So, shout out to those amazing humans who made the process easy, quick, and even enjoyable!
19.11.2024 21:55 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Artwork from a Ukrainian child. I pray one day soon instruments of war will not consume their art and hearts. Give them beauty and hope and peace once again. Lord, hear our prayer.
17.11.2024 17:39 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Grateful for a visit with my Ukrainian friend. The war persists, but faith, hope, and love endures. To that end, we labor with utmost confidence.
16.11.2024 04:16 — 👍 5 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
