Life is a journey for which we pack when we are very, very young.  Along the way a lot of that baggage is outgrown and has to be let go.

Each of us has an inner twin to doubting Thomas. When we don’t know he’s inside, we’re afraid of the unknown and anything that sounds different from what’s familiar to us. Then our Christian journey becomes a quick return trip from freedom back to fear.

We often act like our beliefs are mass produced, low quality goods. We fear any sharp questions might snag one and unravel our faith.

Thomas was a realist. He didn’t assume everything would turn out well, like the others did. But he was determined to follow Jesus, no matter what.  That’s faith.

Nothing good ever came from Nazareth or any where else, without having to pass the quality control test of the cross.

A confirmed pessimist would rather say “I told you so,” than experience resurrection. An unredeemed optimist will never embrace the cross.

Christians who have recognized their shadow side, can walk in the light, because fear of our doubts, angers, and lusts no longer controls us.

Balance and the acceptance of paradox are the beginning of wholeness or holiness.