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Rev. April H. Cranford
Faith Columns
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Embrace 'stubborn hope' during difficult seasons of life
December 2023
As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, we all need a dose of stubborn hope to navigate difficult conversations at holiday gatherings or the constant noise of holiday consumerism. And for individuals who are experiencing the death of loved ones, chronic illness, or cancer treatments, they will rely on stubborn hope more than most of us through a season that feels like endless hardship.
As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, we all need a dose of stubborn hope to navigate difficult conversations at holiday gatherings or the constant noise of holiday consumerism. And for individuals who are experiencing the death of loved ones, chronic illness, or cancer treatments, they will rely on stubborn hope more than most of us through a season that feels like endless hardship.
Ten Friends Every Human Needs
October 2023
We cherish the simple gifts of friendships and appreciate how each friend offers a new perspective or fulfills a particular role in our lives. As we grow older, we realize that some friendships last for a season, while others last for a lifetime.
We cherish the simple gifts of friendships and appreciate how each friend offers a new perspective or fulfills a particular role in our lives. As we grow older, we realize that some friendships last for a season, while others last for a lifetime.
Choose Daily to Bring Joy
September 2023
As we survey our community, we become mindful of people like Jennifer Kearney, who, as a faithful photographer, stepped behind the camera lens and captured moments of goodness, love, and joy in the world. Jen began Joy Photography in Waynesboro as a business and a mission project. With a camera in one hand and joy in the other, her presence widened the circle of compassion, and her photos brought joy.
As we survey our community, we become mindful of people like Jennifer Kearney, who, as a faithful photographer, stepped behind the camera lens and captured moments of goodness, love, and joy in the world. Jen began Joy Photography in Waynesboro as a business and a mission project. With a camera in one hand and joy in the other, her presence widened the circle of compassion, and her photos brought joy.
Everyone Has Value
April 2023
Whenever I read the parable of the lost coin, I think back to my teenage years. Like most youths,
my sister and I lost our toys, keys, and homework assignments. Since our father was a stay-at-
home dad, we often asked him, “Hey, Dad, have you seen my keys?”
After all these years, I can still hear his response echo throughout our small 900-square-foot
home. He would say, “No, but I bet if you cleaned up, you would find them.”
More often than not, he was right. After I had cleaned up my bedroom, the living room, and my
car, I not only found my keys but noticed the time spent cleaning the physical spaces had also
restored emotional and spiritual spaces too. Sometimes it takes losing something to notice the
mess in the corners of our homes and hearts. We need time to recenter our lives and reclaim joy
again.
Whenever I read the parable of the lost coin, I think back to my teenage years. Like most youths,
my sister and I lost our toys, keys, and homework assignments. Since our father was a stay-at-
home dad, we often asked him, “Hey, Dad, have you seen my keys?”
After all these years, I can still hear his response echo throughout our small 900-square-foot
home. He would say, “No, but I bet if you cleaned up, you would find them.”
More often than not, he was right. After I had cleaned up my bedroom, the living room, and my
car, I not only found my keys but noticed the time spent cleaning the physical spaces had also
restored emotional and spiritual spaces too. Sometimes it takes losing something to notice the
mess in the corners of our homes and hearts. We need time to recenter our lives and reclaim joy
again.
Fasting and Feasting Draws Us Closer to God
March 2023
In the season of Lent–a forty-day journey for Christians from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday–it seems unusual to focus on feasting with Jesus rather than fasting. Fasting is a practice of self-denial that helps one identify with the suffering of Christ. And yet, both spiritual habits of fasting and feasting, when focused on Jesus, can draw us close to the heart of God.
In most faiths, fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Jesus fasted for forty days and overcame the devil's temptation in the wilderness. After the forty days, Jesus spent much of his ministry around the table. He ate with the wealthy and the poor, the religious leaders, and the sinners. He was different from other religious leaders and called on his disciples to be different too.
In the season of Lent–a forty-day journey for Christians from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday–it seems unusual to focus on feasting with Jesus rather than fasting. Fasting is a practice of self-denial that helps one identify with the suffering of Christ. And yet, both spiritual habits of fasting and feasting, when focused on Jesus, can draw us close to the heart of God.
In most faiths, fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Jesus fasted for forty days and overcame the devil's temptation in the wilderness. After the forty days, Jesus spent much of his ministry around the table. He ate with the wealthy and the poor, the religious leaders, and the sinners. He was different from other religious leaders and called on his disciples to be different too.
Alright, God, I'll Trust You
February 2023
Good ol’ Charlie Brown. Whenever Charlie Brown appears at the beginning of a comic strip, we notice his good intentions and sincere expectations of others to do the right thing. As readers, we cheer him on in the background; however, repeatedly, we find a disappointed Charlie Brown.
Charlie Brown is not alone. In the stories on the printed page and on the television screen, Peanuts’ characters never really get what they want.
Lucy never gets noticed by Schroeder.
Linus never sees the great pumpkin.
Charlie Brown never kicks the football.
Nevertheless, not getting what they want does not stop them. They keep going; their determination is admirable. In the fictional neighborhood, their daily perseverance is one of the reasons we are so fond of them. Each character has a unique personality and offers a sense of daily hope.
Good ol’ Charlie Brown. Whenever Charlie Brown appears at the beginning of a comic strip, we notice his good intentions and sincere expectations of others to do the right thing. As readers, we cheer him on in the background; however, repeatedly, we find a disappointed Charlie Brown.
Charlie Brown is not alone. In the stories on the printed page and on the television screen, Peanuts’ characters never really get what they want.
Lucy never gets noticed by Schroeder.
Linus never sees the great pumpkin.
Charlie Brown never kicks the football.
Nevertheless, not getting what they want does not stop them. They keep going; their determination is admirable. In the fictional neighborhood, their daily perseverance is one of the reasons we are so fond of them. Each character has a unique personality and offers a sense of daily hope.
Here's the Church
January 2023
One of my favorite “Peanuts” strips is “Here’s the Church,” printed in 1989. Charlie Brown teaches his sister, Sally, a traditional nursery rhyme by tangling his fingers together and saying, "Here's the church. And here's the steeple. Open the door, and here’s all the people!"
As Snoopy's ears stand up, Sally says, "That's very clever." She walks away, saying, "Open the door, and here's all the people. That's neat! I like that!" Looking over her shoulder, she continues, "I appreciate having a smart big brother who can teach me all these things."
Charlie Brown turns to Snoopy and asks, "Do you think maybe you could help me get my fingers apart?"
With a traditional nursery rhyme and a handful of characters, Schulz introduces the church without fear, shame, or guilt, but rather, with curiosity and connection. He offers readers the freedom to apply their own understanding of theology, faith, and the church.
One of my favorite “Peanuts” strips is “Here’s the Church,” printed in 1989. Charlie Brown teaches his sister, Sally, a traditional nursery rhyme by tangling his fingers together and saying, "Here's the church. And here's the steeple. Open the door, and here’s all the people!"
As Snoopy's ears stand up, Sally says, "That's very clever." She walks away, saying, "Open the door, and here's all the people. That's neat! I like that!" Looking over her shoulder, she continues, "I appreciate having a smart big brother who can teach me all these things."
Charlie Brown turns to Snoopy and asks, "Do you think maybe you could help me get my fingers apart?"
With a traditional nursery rhyme and a handful of characters, Schulz introduces the church without fear, shame, or guilt, but rather, with curiosity and connection. He offers readers the freedom to apply their own understanding of theology, faith, and the church.
The first songs of Christmas reveal God's goodness
December 2022
Whenever I hear the Christmas song “Silver Bells” by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, I listen to it until the very end. At first hearing, the song may seem lacking in spiritual luster; however, every time I hear it, my mind and heart step into a winter wonderland filled with God's goodness and grace.
While walking down city sidewalks dressed in holiday style, I remember past conversations with sacred stories shared among family and friends. I then recall images of sidewalks lined with numerous luminaries for a Christmas Eve Service and others covered with snow on a Christmas morning. Lastly, I think of places of faith with cracked sidewalks and unfamiliar places of mission with no sidewalks at all.
In listening to this holiday tune, I sense in the air the good news of Christ’s birth with angels singing peace on earth and goodwill toward men. The sounds of children laughing and people passing bring to my mind the smiles of faithful saints from long ago. These silver bells may not be worth as much as gold ones; however, they remind me of God’s simple and humble ways of love in the world.
Whenever I hear the Christmas song “Silver Bells” by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, I listen to it until the very end. At first hearing, the song may seem lacking in spiritual luster; however, every time I hear it, my mind and heart step into a winter wonderland filled with God's goodness and grace.
While walking down city sidewalks dressed in holiday style, I remember past conversations with sacred stories shared among family and friends. I then recall images of sidewalks lined with numerous luminaries for a Christmas Eve Service and others covered with snow on a Christmas morning. Lastly, I think of places of faith with cracked sidewalks and unfamiliar places of mission with no sidewalks at all.
In listening to this holiday tune, I sense in the air the good news of Christ’s birth with angels singing peace on earth and goodwill toward men. The sounds of children laughing and people passing bring to my mind the smiles of faithful saints from long ago. These silver bells may not be worth as much as gold ones; however, they remind me of God’s simple and humble ways of love in the world.
Choose to live from the heart
November 2022
Thankfully, God calls people such as prophets and poets who choose to suffer alongside us, walk with us in hardship, and share God’s steadfast love with us, even if it takes 70 years to do so.
Frances Taylor Gench, Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Union Presbyterian Seminary, writes that Lamentations is not a book that explains away or eliminates suffering but is a biblical witness of how God keeps company with suffering and is a companion to our suffering.
Whenever we read prophets’ words of lament, we experience life through a different lens and can become a companion to suffering as well.
Whenever we choose to keep company with suffering, we discover the profound truth and rich meaning of God’s love by walking hand in hand with those experiencing years of war or exile, seasons of chemotherapy or grief or days of hurt or brokenness.
Thankfully, God calls people such as prophets and poets who choose to suffer alongside us, walk with us in hardship, and share God’s steadfast love with us, even if it takes 70 years to do so.
Frances Taylor Gench, Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Union Presbyterian Seminary, writes that Lamentations is not a book that explains away or eliminates suffering but is a biblical witness of how God keeps company with suffering and is a companion to our suffering.
Whenever we read prophets’ words of lament, we experience life through a different lens and can become a companion to suffering as well.
Whenever we choose to keep company with suffering, we discover the profound truth and rich meaning of God’s love by walking hand in hand with those experiencing years of war or exile, seasons of chemotherapy or grief or days of hurt or brokenness.
God promises to walk with us
October 2022
During my summer sabbatical, my husband, Reed, and I spent nine days on the Isle of Iona. We walked, hiked, and worshipped. We ate, rested, and talked with visitors and islanders. Around day four, we stopped keeping a schedule and stepped into a daily rhythm. Our days began and ended with worship at the Iona Abbey. Between services, we hiked over rocky hills and explored stony beaches. Since we spent many hours together and shared many of the same experiences, we often focused more on our surroundings than our conversations.
In those moments of silence, as we walked without talking, I moved from being a tourist to being a pilgrim. As the rain fell and the winds blew, I wrestled with questions and discovered past burdens that weighed me down. With each step, my questions transformed into prayers, and my burdens were left behind in the meadows among the bleating sheep and grazing cattle.
During my summer sabbatical, my husband, Reed, and I spent nine days on the Isle of Iona. We walked, hiked, and worshipped. We ate, rested, and talked with visitors and islanders. Around day four, we stopped keeping a schedule and stepped into a daily rhythm. Our days began and ended with worship at the Iona Abbey. Between services, we hiked over rocky hills and explored stony beaches. Since we spent many hours together and shared many of the same experiences, we often focused more on our surroundings than our conversations.
In those moments of silence, as we walked without talking, I moved from being a tourist to being a pilgrim. As the rain fell and the winds blew, I wrestled with questions and discovered past burdens that weighed me down. With each step, my questions transformed into prayers, and my burdens were left behind in the meadows among the bleating sheep and grazing cattle.
Rest plays a key role in the renewal of our spirits
May 2022
... During the sabbatical, I will lay down my pen from writing wedding homilies, funeral meditations, weekly sermons, and monthly faith columns for “The News Virginian” to direct time and energy toward serving God and neighbor both near and far from home ...
... During the sabbatical, I will lay down my pen from writing wedding homilies, funeral meditations, weekly sermons, and monthly faith columns for “The News Virginian” to direct time and energy toward serving God and neighbor both near and far from home ...
Discover Freedom in Christ this Easter
April 2022
On Easter morning, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men and women, youth, and children seek sacred places to retell Jesus’s victory over death and their freedom found in Christ. Yet, Christians may learn more about freedom in Christ from hidden places and faces than the places they seek and the people they choose to serve.
On Easter morning, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men and women, youth, and children seek sacred places to retell Jesus’s victory over death and their freedom found in Christ. Yet, Christians may learn more about freedom in Christ from hidden places and faces than the places they seek and the people they choose to serve.
Have ears to hear and a heart to listen
April 1, 2022
Certain people, places, and books allow my ears to hear better and listen longer to God’s voice: the Gospel writer Luke is one of these people. While reading his gospel, my ears hear voices long hushed by society. Although scholars cannot confirm Luke’s profession, his roles of both doctor and writer seem to fit him well. His honest words transformed people rather than attempted to please them. After Matthew, Mark, and John turned in their manuscripts, Luke kept writing. Thanks to his work ethic and perhaps a physician’s perspective, some of our favorite parables appear only in his gospel.
Certain people, places, and books allow my ears to hear better and listen longer to God’s voice: the Gospel writer Luke is one of these people. While reading his gospel, my ears hear voices long hushed by society. Although scholars cannot confirm Luke’s profession, his roles of both doctor and writer seem to fit him well. His honest words transformed people rather than attempted to please them. After Matthew, Mark, and John turned in their manuscripts, Luke kept writing. Thanks to his work ethic and perhaps a physician’s perspective, some of our favorite parables appear only in his gospel.
Begin joyful living by making your bed
January 2022
We all desire a life filled with joy. The question is, how do we achieve that? The answer lies in small, specific, intentional choices that make the world a little better and allow the love of God to overflow into the lives of others.
We all desire a life filled with joy. The question is, how do we achieve that? The answer lies in small, specific, intentional choices that make the world a little better and allow the love of God to overflow into the lives of others.
Counselor of Wonder
December 24, 2021
Whenever we experience Jesus’s wondrous ways, we are changed. The old ways of seeking power and truth are no longer viable because we desire a daily script of wonder in our lives. We strive daily to live in the kingdom in which God intends, a kingdom where peace and wholeness is found through justice and righteousness.
This Christmas, let us consider scheduling a fifty-minute session with the Counselor of Wonder. May we reveal problems which are hindering our celebrations of Christ’s coming into the world and our expectant hope for His coming again. May Christ guide us with wisdom and grace, transforming impossible human plans into possible divine plans.
Whenever we experience Jesus’s wondrous ways, we are changed. The old ways of seeking power and truth are no longer viable because we desire a daily script of wonder in our lives. We strive daily to live in the kingdom in which God intends, a kingdom where peace and wholeness is found through justice and righteousness.
This Christmas, let us consider scheduling a fifty-minute session with the Counselor of Wonder. May we reveal problems which are hindering our celebrations of Christ’s coming into the world and our expectant hope for His coming again. May Christ guide us with wisdom and grace, transforming impossible human plans into possible divine plans.
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