As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner. The Banner h
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.After World W
When prayers are not answered the way we want, how do I help my child understand?Children sometimes can think of prayer as a way to present God with a list of things they’d like God to do. This makes sense because, in Philippians 4:6 we read, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation
Fall has me thinking of birthdays. Mine and my two siblings’ are within a month of each other in October and November. Last year, a significant round number for me, had me wanting to spend it with them—a rare treat since we live four Canadian provinces apart. This November, as I take my turn for a g
To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.Maddi’s BraceletI enjoyed reading Andrew de Gelder's column about the bracelet he wears to remind him of a spiritual insight (“Maddi’s Bracelet,” June 2025). Many years ago, I picked up a small stuffed rooster at a cra
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.I remember it
"She's a smart and good student; her problem is that she never speaks in class." This was the comment I dreaded hearing from teachers each year growing up. While these comments probably came from a good place, they led me to believe there was something wrong with the way I was. I've always been a na
The landscape of corporate worship has shifted dramatically with the surge of livestreaming. Shortly after our church launched livestream services, along with thousands of other churches following the pandemic, I heard a comment that has haunted me ever since: “I’m so glad our church started offerin
I just dropped my child off at college. I’m not coping very well, and I sense that my child is not either. What can I do?This is a big change for a family. As a college professor, I get a front-row seat to campus visits, move-in day, and the difficult goodbyes. What I also get to observe is how stud
We’ve been talking about the spiritual disciplines at the church I serve. You know, those historic practices of the Christian faith that monks, nuns, and your great-grandma Jean are famous for?As part of that, we recently wrapped up a four-week sermon series on the historic Christian disciplines of
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner. The Banner h
Time is a fascinating topic. On Earth we often think of it as simple and consistent—a straight timeline. For example, in 1776 the United States was founded. In 1876 we marked 100 years. In 1976, 200 years had passed. And next year, we’ll celebrate 250 years. Time seems fixed, and we mark it with cal
On Epiphany Sunday, offering baskets filled with slips of paper with a word and star on each were passed through the congregation. Our pastor of worship, Elly Boersma Sarkany, explained that a star gift, the word we received, might be used by God in the coming year to inspire us on our faith journey
Are Christians obligated to observe Sunday as the Christian Sabbath?Christians sometimes vigorously debate what is appropriate to do on Sundays. Is it permissible to go shopping or eat at a restaurant? To play sports? To do homework? To mow the lawn? Do I have to go to church?Behind such questions i
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner. The Banner h
I was one of nine jurors selected to decide a case brought against a young man accused of making terrorist threats against a high school he had attended. It’s a daunting task to determine the fate of someone you’ve never met and of whom you know nothing. You listen carefully to the lawyers, the judg
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.At the end of
Not that long ago I was hired to be the manager of lands and tax administration at the office of a nearby First Nation. I was somewhat astonished when I walked into the office on my first day to find several of the positions of power filled by Bangladeshi nationals. Initially I was quite taken aback
I never liked rain. In Malang, where I live, it pours heavily, making roads slippery and the air cold. But as a motorbike salesman, I don’t get to choose when to ride. If a customer needs a test ride or help, I have to go, rain or not.One evening, the sky darkened and rain poured down. I was deliver
“I can’t take Allen,” my friend texted me on a Thursday morning. “I’m so sorry; I have Covid.”My stomach clenched. The week was already more than I could handle, with all three of my grown children visiting at the same time and welcoming a new international student, Jared, from China the day before.