The words “please” and “thank you” are great equalizers. When we use them, we’re saying to another person, “I am asking you to do something as a favor to me, and I am grateful for your willingness to do it.” … Continue reading
“I feel at home here.” When someone says this, most people instantly understand what they mean. They feel welcome, safe, accepted, free to be themselves without judgment or criticism. They are surrounded by people who love them, things that matter. … Continue reading
We are an agitated people. Surrounded by media, saturated with “news,” inundated by commentary and analysis, we begin and end and live our days in an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, us versus them, right versus left, and this right … Continue reading
When we live too much in the imaginary world of TV, movies, and social media, we start to believe that fantasy is reality. Take friendship, for example. In the land of myths, six to eight young, attractive, witty men and … Continue reading
Real life doesn’t look like the movies. It looks real and deep and genuine. Continue reading
Mother’s Day was brutal. Not because it was a bad one at our house — it was wonderful, filled with warmth and family and love, elements that make every day, and every holiday, special. No, it was the posts streaming … Continue reading
Christ’s words are challenging for us to believe, as is evidenced by the number of sermons attempting to explain away statements that seem fairly straightforward, like, ask and it will be given to you; or, don’t be anxious about what … Continue reading
For years I struggled to believe two opposite statements that cannot possibly be true at the same time. But because they are standard teaching in evangelical church Christianity, and since for too long I believed that these statements reflect what … Continue reading
Too many Christians believe that they are unsatisfactory to God, and His primary purpose is to punish them for wrongdoing — in order to make them “better.” Why kind of father thinks like this? Continue reading
Frequently, we joke about things that actually matter to us. Perhaps this is because we are insecure with our ability to make sound judgment, based upon our intellect, acumen, and instinct. After all, we are trained from the cradle — … Continue reading
