I’ve got big news to share. The Booth family, and Signpost Inn Ministries, are moving to Charlottesville, Virginia. In so many ways this change is truly wonderful! (More details later), But packing boxes has me reflecting on change. I’m reminded of the old wisdom: “Change is always accompanied by grief.”

We humans were designed to have homes. We find security in places, friends, and routines. We like to “settle down” and “put down roots” in a region and a community. A big part of us needs stability to truly flourish. Doing the same job, seeing the same people, having familiar haunts makes a place a home.

So, when we get laid off, or our kids fly the nest, or our relationships rupture, it hurts. Deep. Root deep.

Of course, there’s no life without change. Living things grow. They move. Herds move between pastures or they starve. Rootbound plants have to be repotted or they’ll die.

But that doesn’t change the fact that it hurts. It doesn’t matter if we’re being torn up by life’s tornados or gently replanted. It always hurts to have our roots pulled up.

Rooted Differently

Which is why the Apostle Paul prays that we will be “rooted and firmly established in love” (Ephesians 3:17 CSB).

In the midst of his many afflictions, Paul knew where to find the courage to feel his fear and sorrow and still carry on. He found it in the solid ground of Christ’s love.

Paul had very few roots in the normal things of life. Always on the move, frequently despised and attacked, no permanent family. But no matter where he went, or what storms he faced, Paul’s roots grew deeper and were held more firmly by the rich soil of Jesus’s loving presence.

The more things changed, the more Paul saw first-hand just how long and wide the field of God’s grace is. The more he felt how deep he could sink his roots into Christ’s forgiveness. The more he experienced just how high the river of God’s love can run, overflowing every barrier.

The Conclusion

So, yes, the Booths and Signpost Inn are moving to Virginia. And there are really great things on the horizon for both our family and the ministry. But change always comes with grief.

So, please pray for us. Pray for us as we pray for you:

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. That being rooted and firmly established in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 CSB)

More Details About This Move

So what’s going to change?

Our address, of course. But beyond that, not much. Signpost Inn will continue helping people connect to God and experience him as accessible, responsive, and emotionally engaged. This is actually going to bring many new opportunities for growth.

We already have several new ministry partnerships growing in Charlottesville, including churches, UVA campus ministries, and other Christian ministries.

Our request to you, [[first_name]]

As a faithful reader of this email, you know how important and unique our ministry is. We bring trustworthy theological insights to bear on real life, with real compassion. We always direct your attention to what Jesus is doing for you, not to how you need to do more for him.

Your financial support makes this happen.

You can give easily at: https://www.signpostinn.org/donate. It takes about 2 minutes. Thank you!

Provisions for the Road

Church hurt can cast a long shadow...

If religious spaces or leaders have hurt you, or you work with those who have been hurt, this webinar is for you!

• Saturday, October 24
• Time: 9 AM Pacific | 10 AM Mountain | 11 AM Central | 12 PM Eastern
• Cost: $25 (or Pay What You Want)

Join us for a live, gentle 90-minute webinar designed to help you process church hurt and discover a hope-filled path toward healing. You’ll learn from Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, a trauma therapist, theologian, and spiritual-care practitioner.

Why this webinar is different:

Healing from spiritual hurt requires a unique approach—one built on safety, choice, and zero pressure.

• Private and Safe: You will never be required to speak, turn on your camera, or share with the group if you don’t want to. You can simply sit back, listen, and learn in total privacy.
• Trauma-Informed & Faith-Grounded: Taught by a licensed mental health therapist who is also a Christian, and theologically grounded. Heidi will give you clinical tools that are rooted in theological soil and respectful of your agency, doubt, and story.
• Practical and hopeful: You’ll leave with language and practices you can use, plus clear next steps.

What you’ll receive:

Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, will guide you through 5 waypoints on a pathway out of spiritual trauma:

• Tell: Giving your story time and space.
• Reset: Finding real rest for your mind, body, and heart.
• Believe: Rebuilding a foundation of meaning.
• If religious spaces or leaders have hurt you, or you work with those who have been hurt, Curating beauty, creativity, and pleasure in everyday life.
• Gather: Finding a small, safe circle of trust.

Learn more & register today

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Food for Thought

Things the team found interesting this week, no endorsement implied.

Unmaking Machiavelli’s Modernity

By Casey Chalk at First Things

"A modernity antagonistic to Christianity has returned humanity not only to the glorious aspirations of the ancients but also to their many destructive vices. The ancient Romans, for all their excellences, were also guilty of terrible inhumanity, against their foes and even their own children."

Read more..

Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention

By Duncan Williams at Christianity Today

What if modern life itself is making sustained attention, inner stillness and mental clarity increasingly difficult for almost everyone? The modern world says: consume more, react more, scroll more. The Gospel often says the opposite: slow down, be attentive, learn to listen.

Read more..

Discipleship As The Way of Knowing Jesus

By Alan Hirsch on Substack

[The deepes reality of Jesus' teaching] becomes knowable through participation...  we may observe and describe [it] from a distance, yet we come to know [its] truth most deeply by entering into [it] and discovering what [it does] to us.

Read more..

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