We often admire the glamor of those whom God uses greatly, but rarely do we ever pause to consider the grief it cost them to get there.

Two years ago today, January 8th, 2022, I packed up everything I owned and moved to Chicago to serve as a pastor.

Two years later, here are some things I am learning (key word) about myself, life, God and people.

Revisiting John Onwucheckwa’s great piece on beginning the year. It hit different this year.

Feeling like you ended 2024 on empty just to start 2025 below empty? Read this piece and be free.

When in God’s Country…

The day after Christmas often feels like a deep exhale.

The excitement of unwrapping gifts has passed. The house is quieter. The fridge is filled with leftovers. And the hurried preparations have given way to a slower, unstructured rhythm that guides our days until after the New Year.

I am a sucker for political dramas, from West Wing, to Scandal, House of Cards and The Diplomat. I started Designated Survivor yesterday, and I am trying to figure out why hasn't anyone recommended this to me yet?

Merry Christmas!

“Christmas reminds Christians like me that we should set aside our quest for earthly power and instead entrust our future to a God who joined his tears to ours, both in his nativity and later upon the cross.” @esaumccaulley.bsky.social

This Christmas Eve, may God give you the grace to take the next step of faith and trust God for big things, and resolve like Mary in the face of impossibility, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

My reflections on my November, Advent and Waiting.

I confess: I am not into fiction and have been struggling to find something I enjoy. I started a novel today, and am 12 pages in and I’ve never been so captivated—in heart and mind—by a story so soon. Like, your boy almost shed a tear sitting in this coffee shop. 😅

Nothing like a slow Saturday morning catching up on Abbott Elementary, a show that lifts my spirit and makes me laugh.

What are you reading these days?

First snow of the winter in Chicago…Will this Texan ever get used to this? 🙃

Anyone on Substack? Drop your link below! Would love to connect!

Early morning essentials. Excited to start @malcolmbfoley.bsky.social’s forthcoming work. Timely and necessary. Meticulously crafted, deeply compelling, and rich with insight. A significant contribution to a conversation we can’t afford to ignore. Review forthcoming.

Pre-order here: a.co/d/iafZWUG

Chicago: Support a great cause by purchasing a meal at Lem’s BBQ on 75th! All of today’s proceeds are donated to the Black Boy Literacy Campaign that ProgressiveChicago and SalemChicago lead. We help get 3rd-5th grade boys excel in reading. We believe literacy is liberation! They’re open until 8PM.

Coffee and a book. Best way to start a gloomy morning in Chicago.

Hello BlueSky, I’m Samuel—coming to you from Chicago. I serve as a pastor at a Black Baptist church on the South Side and will celebrate two years there this January. I’m passionate about preaching, church ministry, and thinking theologically about life’s most pressing concerns.