To look at Casey and Kim, one might assume they were siblings. They looked like siblings; same unruly blondish-brown hair, same build, and almost matching facial expressions. Likewise, they held the same social skills, which were extraordinarily few. Their matching personalities also lacked warmth and concern for others. They were not narcissistic – they were …
As a single parent, Marcy gave her two children much love, much attention, and much parental direction. She never missed a parent-teacher night at school. And, unless she worked extra hours, she never missed a single one of her son’s four years of Little League games. She never missed any of her daughter’s gymnastics events. …
I am an extrovert. I talk to everyone. I know the grocery store staff by name. Yet, as much as I exude outwardness, I greatly value my quiet time. Typically, with a coffee, a delightful bonus. I appreciate both my outward zeal for life and my inward journey. Indeed, we all need to learn to …
Canada was rocked and shocked by École Polytechnique, Φ Bang, bang – lives end but the pain stays. Columbine High School shocked us, and we cringed. ΦΦ Bang, bang – but change does not happen, only sadness endures. High School after High School, the story is the forever same, Bang, bang – never much change, …
Today, one of the most well-loved hymns of evangelicals and various other Protestant churches is (“Give Me That”) “Old-Time Religion.” It is more than a hymn, or valued tune and lyrics. It is a battle cry that resonates with the call to restore “family values.” In an age of family disintegration where personal needs often usurp one’s …
I love to talk with people. I also like to think and write. I enjoy my quiet, reflective, and creative time. Typically, a mug or two of black dark roast coffee is likely present. Writing helps me think, and thinking helps me write. Quiet, reflective, creative writing, and thinking continue to mold me. I am …
We live in a topsy-turvy world. Advances in information, technology, etc., are reversing many historical, traditional, social morés. Instead of a conversation, we are often confrontational. Instead of seeking negotiated solutions, we now act as if we must win at all costs. We may take great delight as others lose. The world of the past …
A Sort of Poem – Bowed heads and Closed hands by David John Robson ¨ When I was a lad, I bowed my head to pray. My elders taught me to pray for those sick, and to pray for the world. I was encouraged to go outside or beyond myself. With hands held together, I …
Consider the following metaphor. This fanciful, provocative, but fairly accurate illustration of Western Society should stimulate you to ponder what is taking place in your life, your various communities (can we tribes?), and society. A mere fifty years ago, I bought the film for my modest modern single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera. Depending upon my financial abilities, …
Explore the “who am I,” and, “who we are,” questions circling the postmodern world? I am glad you are interested in who you are, fittingly concerned about those around you, and Western Society! Much suggests that we are living in the greatest reformation in history. Consequently, we need to observe and ponder a great deal. …
