With the 4th of July holiday here, we tend to look at the things that make us proud as a nation. We are particularly proud of the way we mobilize and help groups of people when they are in trouble. It’s the American way. Farmers, who play a vital role… Read More »The American Way
My mother was a remarkable woman. A child of the Great Depression, she grew up in a company-owned coal town in rural Pennsylvania. She grew to become a gracious woman who was clear thinking, well-informed, determined, and who always had a kind word for others. Most people today don’t know… Read More »Important Lessons from My Mother
I had fun. We laughed. We told stories. We talked about the problems of the world. It was a good visit with my friend. We met in a coffee shop and ended up spending over two hours together. It was the break I needed from being my overly serious self.… Read More »Pluralism: In Gratitude for My Friends
It happened again. Each time it happens, I am annoyed and not sure what to do. I’ve learned that drawing attention to it doesn’t help. It just makes an awkward situation more awkward. But I can’t ignore it. Let me explain. A couple Sunday’s ago, my partner and I decided… Read More »Living with Racism: A White Man’s Perspective
The events of the last two weeks have given me a great deal to think about. Two weeks ago, the country was poised in vigil waiting the announcement from the Grand Jury in St. Louis on whether changes would be made against Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael… Read More »Advent and the Challenge of Ferguson