Mid-Days with Doug

Letting go is so tough and, sometimes, really painful. For a number of reasons. And accepting that it's time to let go of something is the hardest part. But I've found more times than not even when it doesn't feel good, it's good for me. It might be for you, too.

I just lost my mom to a long battle with Alzheimer's and though I know the power of the resurrection, it still hurts. I've cried my fair share of heavy tears. I'm really glad I have a savior who knows how to realte to me in that, as well. -Doug

What is worry? There are a lot of different answers to that question, but one of the better definitions I have seen is: Worry is the belief that God is somehow not going to get things right. When I say it out loud like that, it becomes more obvious how absurd worry can be. Because God ALWAYS gets it right. So maybe calling worry out for what it is will help me to stop. –Do you really believe down...

Do want to do something counter cultural today? Something just radically different from what our wold looks like? Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it. Unconditionally. Like Jesus does.

Early last Wednesday morning, my mom, Annemarie Murdock, was received into the church triumphant. A baptized child of our Father, she closed her eyes to this life and opened them to see Christ. We saw her just last night. My wife reminded her that we loved her, that we would be OK, and if she was ready to be with Jesus, we were ready to say “see you later”. We hurt. But we hope and believe. My mot...

Pretty much everything nowadays is filled with hype. Commercials, advertisements, social media. I just feel kind of used to being lied to. That's why God approach is so refreshing.

Good Friday: A day that God was silent. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I've never considered myself much of an expert in high fashion really (nor would anyone, for that matter) but I was recently told of how lace was spun in world-renouned shops in Belgium and it sure reminded me of the provision of God.

Hey there. It's me, Doug Hannah. The man who has found the secret to true happiness. But here's the thing, it's not much of a secret at all.

I saw something on social media that caught my attention .It said, “You can't pour from an empty cup.” There is a ring of truth in that, for sure. Self-care is crucial. The problem still persists, however. Sometimes, LIFE ITSELF empties the cup of our own strength -- and the truth is that's often the best place for us to be.

I don't know what your circumstances look like at this very moment, but I can say one thing for certain. God is good and is worthy of our praise, even if our present looks less than ideal.

Has it ever occured to you that Jesus could not care less what the world or other people think about you? He is all in on you and his actions back it up. -Doug

A flower will bloom when it's pointed in the direction of the sun. I think we could learn a lesson or two from the flower. (Don’t look directly at the sun – that's not a good idea and not the point!)

Have you ever wondered what actually happens when you pray? I love what a guy named Chad Bird has to say about this topic!

You've probably got a lot of stuff on your To Do List today! I sure do. Yeah -- we all do. That’s why – over your objections – I want to add TWO more things to it. I know, I know – but I think you can deal with these. -Doug

I was sitting down with my daughter the other day who is now a mom of 3. Just like the rest of us, she just worried about all that's going on in the world. We talked about it and kind of came to the conclusion that there's alot we just don't have control over. But instead, what we can focus on is doing what we're called to do. The calling that God has placed on us is where I believe he wants us to...

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has contributed articles to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Modern Reformation, The Federalist, Lutheran Forum, and other journals and websites. He is also the author o...

There was an acrobat who was pushing a wheelbarrow while walking on a tight rope across a raging waterfall. But then, something really crazy happened....

Back on September 23, 1857, a man named Jerimiah Lanphier started a noon prayer meeting right in the heart of New York City. About 6 people were in attendance. A couple of weeks later, the largest financial crisis in United States History to date occurred and in the days following, more than 3,000 people gathered for noon time prayer. This prayer movement spread and as a result, over a million peo...

When you must go through trials and suffering today -- as we all will on some days -- you will not be alone.

I guess some would call this ancient wisdom. It is pretty old. (It comes from the 5th century!) However, as you read this – you tell me – is this relevant for 2023? -Doug

Doug here. The bosses told me "Hey! You need to get a podcast episode out!". They were nice about it. I feel bad about the gap in episodes. But the best way to fix that is create an episode! This episode - some reflections on the real faith it takes to be a grandparent, which is very unique to that of being a parent, I have found. Plus, a timeless kid joke - as written by my 5 year old granddaught...