iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Thank you James Talerico this is the message that we can get behind! ❤️🙏🏻

Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

So, a picture is worth 1000 words? If so, this one speaks volumes. On July 4, 2026, white nationalists in DC with hidden faces, brazenly ride the Metro with one whose honest face seeks to live in a land whose “Declaration” uses words of freedom for all. May God’s liberty and justice reach us all.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Baseball and World Cup fans may be a sign our country needs now. MAGA does not rule us and its days are numbered. Keep hope alive! #joyasresiliance

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Jesus never made himself an image to be praised. He emptied himself, washed feet, loved enemies, welcomed strangers. If someone claims to be the Savior but wallows in pride, fear, cruelty,and power, believe their actions, not their words or image. #BeUMC

A classic painting from John’s Gospel chapter 13. Jesus washes feet. Loves the one who betrayed. Teaches his followers about leadership and service and gives the command to “Love One Another”.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Gallup’s global research reveals that the 4 leadership needs of followers — hope, trust, compassion, and stability — are universal and enduring. I pray that as we go to the polls this year we support these qualities. I do not see any of these qualities in our current leadership.

The image reveals the four Leadership needs of followers:Hope The need to feel positive about the future and
for leaders to provide a clear direction
Trust
The need for honesty, respect and integrity
Compassion
The need to feel cared about and listened to
Stability The need for psychological safety and secure
foundations during times of uncertainty

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

So this was written by the President of the United States on Easter Morning 2026. His supporters see him as the most Christian president. God have mercy on us all.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Palm Sunday reminds us: Jesus chose humility, not domination (Matt 21). No kings of manipulation and power, only the way of love. “Hosanna”: save us from lies, harm, and fear. #PalmSunday #HolyWeek #BeUmc

Multicultural gathering of people with palm branches on Palm Sunday

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

In 9 short days, the US led war with Iran has killed 1300 Iranians, 168 children, and 8 US Soldiers. This has to stop. #stopthewar #epstein_war #Peace #BeUmc

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

“Just love everybody and do the best you can in your little neck of the woods, you can’t do more than that,” Nina Reeves. Thank you @johnarchibald.bsky.social for these memories and words from Nina. link.al.com/view/61ecbb6...

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Hans and Sophie Scholl died this day in 1943. They were students armed with Christian conviction and leaflets denouncing Hitler. “You (Lord) are my strong shield and I trust you completely” Psalm 28:7 #FreeSpeech

The White Rose Memorial in Munich Germany. It is one of many memorials to the Scholl Siblings who died denouncing Hitler and the Nazis.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

“I am somebody”! Thank you Jesse Jackson. You got my first vote as an 18 year old. Rest in power! #rainbowcoalition

Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign in 1988.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

There seems to be much truth here. Take time for yourself and family. Pray, heal, and stay connected in community. #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

The Christmas story is an interfaith story. We are invited to love our neighbors right from the beginning of the birth. #BeUMC #LoveWns

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

So grateful for the Venerable Monks and their “Walk for Peace.” It was a joy to see them on X-MAS at Foundry UMC in Opelika, AL tonight. Thank you @revphc.bsky.social for your hospitality! #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Giving thanks today that God didn’t arrive with noise or power, but as a humble child. Mary didn’t try and explain it she pondered it. Maybe the holy still shows up quietly, interrupting ordinary lives if we’re willing to notice. #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Public words after a death matter. "Blessed are the merciful" isn’t just a spiritual truth from Jesus, it’s about being a decent human. Even in disagreement, we are called to choose dignity. May we hold the Reiner family in our prayers.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Happy Thanksgiving Bluesky Friends!

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

A Christ the King Sunday prayer: "Gracious God, in Jesus we find an alternative to the monarchs and leaders of history. Help us revere and emulate the Jesus way of living. Guide us with your spirit to live with compassion, to love, serve, and seek justice for all people. In Christ we pray. AMEN"

Icon of Christ “King of Kings” (A. I. Kazancev, 1690)

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Never Forget, Never Again לעולם אל תשכח לעולם לא

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Love this 50th anniversary of School House Rock! No More Kings!

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

Do you know this story? Ten were healed. One turned back and one gave thanks. In a world of division, deportation, where some are called unclean. Gratitude whispers wholeness and wellness. Gratitude is resistance. (Luke 17:11–19) What are you grateful for today? #BeUMC

An infant child grasping the finger of an adult. It exhibits trust and care

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

A message of challenge and hope. Enjoy.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Jane Goodall leaves us a legacy of reverence for all living creatures. Near the Feast of Saint Francis, her life reminds us: "Ask the animals, and they will teach you." (Job 12:7) #JaneGoodall

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Christian nationalist Pete Hegseth invoked Jesus today while preaching the opposite. Read Jesus’s actual words in Matthew 5-7: love enemies, blessed are peacemakers, blessed are the meek. Then compare to Hegseth’s “crush enemies” and “overwhelming violence.” The contrast exposes the distortion.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead Praying for you Greta and the Flotilla!

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

David Brooks reminds us, "résumé virtues fade, but eulogy virtues last"...kindness, honesty, courage, faithfulness. In a world of noise and power, what matters most is the development of our soul and the contribution of the love we leave behind. How is it with your soul? #BeUMC

The cover photo of David Brooks' book, "The Road to Character"

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

“All great spirituality is about what we do with our pain, either we transmit it, or we transform it.” Richard Rohr. In this season of guns, violence, blame and outrage, what helps you choose love instead of passing on pain? #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

“Salt is good, but if it loses its taste, what good is it?’ (Luke 14:34) Don’t let your values go bland. Preserve justice, flavor life with love, and show up fully, not halfway. Love you Helen! #StaySalty #CountTheCost #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

In Luke 14, Jesus noticed people in this world scrambling for the best seats. He flipped the script: no fighting for status, no shutting others out. Imagine a world where everyone has a place, immigrants, outsiders, the overlooked. Pull up a chair. #BeUMC

Backyard cookout with a diverse neighborhood of people enjoying laughter and food together.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

How Long O Lord? Thoughts and prayers are not helping anyone. Where is there sanctuary, really? Move this nation. Stir hearts. Allow rage to bring change. Move reluctant leaders out of the way. Let peace and healing be our only motive. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers. #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Do you know this story? The trees once sought a king, only the thornbush said yes (Judges 9:7–15). A warning: when the good stay silent, the unfit rise. We need leaders of integrity and courage. Speak truth. Step up. Don’t let the thornbush rule. #leadership #courage

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

“Anyone can slay a dragon… try waking up every morning & loving the world again…that’s what takes a real hero.” Brian Andreas 🐉✨ Sharing this artwork as we start a new week. May these words inspire you. #MondayMotivation #BrianAndreas”

The Andreas artwork reads, “Anyone can slay a dragon, he told me, but try waking up every morning & loving the world again…that’s what takes a real hero.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

In Luke 12, Jesus speaks of kindling a fire, not to destroy, but to reveal what’s real. Fire in this way burns what doesn’t belong, making space for a new beginning. What might need to burn away in you so something truer can shine?

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:6) Firing truth-tellers. Praising dictators. Hiding the Epstein list. That’s not love. That’s fear, pride, and cruelty dressed up as power. Love always tells the truth.

A torn and partially burned page of scripture from 1 Corinthians 13

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

History repeating itself? What kind of governance do we choose?

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Psalm 94 has me reflecting: “Can a wicked ruler be your ally?, One who wreaks havoc by means of the law?” (v. 20) When power is used to silence the vulnerable, this psalm reminds us: God sees. God hears. Justice and righteousness will meet again. Until then, we stand, pray, resist. #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

“Those who aim for interdependence know the only way through tough times is together.” —Brian D. McLaren When the systems unravel, we gather. We tend to souls. We protect creation. We make room. Let’s #BeUMC rooted in #CommunityCare, guided by #Interdependence, believing #EverySoulMatters.

A photo from the United Methodist church sharing the beauty of children and diversity.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

When Nathan told King David "You are the man!" it wasn't about politics, it was about power's blindness. Those with authority often don't see or care about their own harm to others. We need prophetic voices willing to speak truth to power, and leaders humble enough to confess "I have sinned."

The painting by Rembrandt is inspired by the Biblical story of 2 Samuel 11-12. The prophet Nathan confronts King David concerning his sin of adultery and murder. The blind spots of power, pride, and prejudice are on full display in the emotion of the painting and in the Biblical story.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” As talk of war grows louder, I’m praying for mercy, for the innocent, for truth, for wisdom, and for peace. I pray this act of war towards our siblings in Iran doesn’t happen. What are you praying for in this moment? #Peacemakers #PrayForPeace #BeUMC

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Giving thanks for the life, leadership, and wisdom of John Wesley today. #BeUmc

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

On the eve of Trump’s military parade and global unrest, peaceful protests are rising worldwide. I hold Kamala’s words close: "Be a joyful warrior. One day when we're asked by children and grandchildren what we did, let’s not just share how we felt, let's share what we did. Let's rise. Let's act."

Image of a young child drawing a blue peace symbol on a sidewalk.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Walter Brueggemann reminded us that biblical faith refuses to cling to the good old days. God is always creating something new, calling us forward into justice, joy, and neighborly hope. Thank you, beloved teacher. Rest well.

Image of Dr. Walter Brueggemman leaning over desk teaching with the Biblical text before him. The years of his life are posted 1933-2025.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

What if the one thing that matters most isn't what you believe, but how you love? Not the easy kind, the kind that forgives, serves, the kind that shows up when it’s hard. When have you encountered this kind of love? #BeUMC

Sidewalk chalk with a hashtag quoting Jesus, "love one another".

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Today honors Julian of Norwich, a medieval mystic who found meaning during “The Plague”. She used a tiny hazelnut to show that even small things matter to God. What seemingly insignificant thing reminds you that you’re connected to something larger than yourself? #JulianOfNorwich #BeUMC

The Icon of Julian of Norwich shows this Medieval teacher, writer, and anchoress holding her cat, symbolizing God’s love for all creatures, and holding a hazelnut, reminding people of God’s mothering care for even the smallest of objects. Her famous quote, “All shall be well” is a spiritual teaching that she contributed to the world.

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Cory Smith @cory-smith.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Picture this: a crowd too big to count of every nation, tribe, race & language, celebrating together. That's God's algorithm of grace: not dividing like our social feeds, but gathering EVERYONE. Even that neighbor you avoid and family you disagree with. You are loved. They are loved. We all belong.

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