Cities are magnets and amplifiers of human culture
This letter is for Kevin Nichols—singer, songwriter, illustrator, and friend. There’s a pretty substantial difference between playing guitar by the campfire and playing on stage in front of a…
Cities are the engines and multipliers of human flourishing
This letter is for Leeann Yamakawa, whom I always mistakenly call “Liz” but who never lets me get away with it. Leanne works in government. You’re tired of fixing…
Psalm 69.30, 32-36
Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek…
A right spirit can heal our city
I wrote this letter for Kevin and Katie Lavery, godly professionals who have crafted a legacy in Jackson early enough to enjoy it themselves. The Ilitch family[1] is bringing…
We love our cities because we’re lovers, not because our cities are lovely
Scott and Stephanie Robertson are dear friends who love God and are committed to the good of our city. I wrote this letter for them. You could be happy…
Psalm 48.9-14
O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth….
All cities have infrastructure, amenities, and “soul”
I wrote this letter for The Hub Executive Committee, the men and women who give direction to our teen center in Jackson, Michigan. I’m so proud of the investment…
The City of God persists amidst the cities of men
This letter is for Corey and Becca Elder, my friends, who work in law enforcement. You live in the midst of a collision between two worlds. On the one…
Psalm 46.4-7
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break…
God has not abandoned the city, but entered it
I wrote this letter for Jvo, my co-pastor. Your indefatigable creativity and zealous passion keep me in the game. There’s no place you won’t go, there’s nothing you won’t…
The cities of men follow the pattern of Cain
Del and Stephanie Belcher are perhaps the most enthusiastic residents of any town in the history of the universe. I wrote this letter to acknowledge their godly ability to balance…
Ezekiel 11.16-20
Although I have scattered you in the countries of the world, I will be a sanctuary to you during your time in exile. I, the Sovereign Lord, will gather you…