by Cathy Boyd Byrd | May 19, 2016 | conflict, The Church
One opinion expressed a few weeks ago about the 2016 General Conference of the UMC was that it would either contain well-controlled political maneuvering or, alternately, be at risk of becoming a chaotic riot. There seemed to be hopefulness Tuesday night and Wednesday...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | May 2, 2016 | recovery, redemption, religious movements, repentance, responsibility, self examination, self worth, self-awareness, The Church, theology, thorns, Uncategorized
Part of my call to ministry and passion in gifting is in addressing the social and institutional stigma directed at individuals with mental health diagnoses of depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, unresolved grief immobilization and others. I was blessed to have...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Apr 25, 2016 | The Church
Ever since six days of hospitalization in 1997 for a profound depression that had been undiagnosed for at least a couple of years, I have been an advocate for the diagnosis, treatment, and support of those with depression and other mental health challenges. My own...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Apr 21, 2016 | community, The Church
I have continued to ponder Phyllis Tickles’ thesis on the 500-year-cycle of transformation of the church….This interview with British sociological academic Linda Woodhead, specialising in the sociology of religion, gives some insights into the last century...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jun 25, 2015 | The Church
WHEN THE LEFT SNARLS (By Dr. Bill Bouknight) “When liberals are a minority, they usually talk about diversity and tolerance. But when they form a majority they often snarl at their conservative opponents. Conversely, I cannot think of a single...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jun 7, 2015 | The Church
Several times during the Annual Conference meeting of the Alabama-West Florida UMC Conference, as deacons were talking among themselves I heard references to “compassion”. Compassion is part of the specific ministry of deacons, according to our church’s Discipline....