Mark Botts
Mark Botts lives with his wife Rebecca and their three kids in West Virginia, where he serves at Bluefield State University as an Instructor of English.
Articles by Mark Botts
Light Forevermore: The Luminosity of Blood Meridian
Blood and violence and death are on every page; however, trace that which has fallen back to its original height, especially the moment in the barn where all the rough…
The Census Taker in a Church Pew, Part 7
His hands remind me of a topographical map. Even now with their nail scars, do Jesus’ hands bear also the marks that come with age and years as a craftsman?
Reflection in a Glass Wall
The reflection looked like a vintage motion picture, only without those stilted movements.
The Census Taker in a Church Pew, part 6
This rural mountain church continues to be good because it continues to do what is necessary.
The Census Taker In a Church Pew, Part 5
Her heart is for those little ones, that they might come to know The One who became a child for our salvation and for the glory of God.
The Census Taker In a Church Pew, Part 4
Yet our little sister does not play the victim. She presses on, a sufferer who labors as best she can while shadows and thorns press in against her. And she…
The Census Taker in the Pew, Part 3
He does not conflate attendance with salvation or sanctification. But empty pews can neither be saved nor sanctified. They never serve in the nursery or children’s services. They never teach…
Only Men
The children’s pastor made his point about who was serious or not when it came to serving God. He could have closed the service, and I would have been out…
The Census Taker In the Church Pew, Part 2
At the time of this writing, W. and D., with W. staying at D.’s side, remain faithful attenders of our church’s worship services and Bible studies. How long will this…
Advisor Wanting: The Absence of Moral Limits in Lady Macbeth
Our best ally should not be a man or woman who lacks the aptitude to discern right from wrong...one should not draw unto himself or herself a companion like Lady…
A Sabbath Reflection on Artificial Intelligence & the Human Body
Will we distance ourselves from machines that, like carnival attractions, buzz and ping and light up with those grand prizes of ease and efficiency so that we might remember Christ’s…
Wisdom Crieth Without: Features of an Inspirational Speech
We speak to connect with ideas and with the Divine. Of all the speeches I have heard in-person and not in a movie, or play, recording, or manuscript, a few…