What’s your role in the story? The villain harms someone, but it’s never his fault. He refuses to take responsibility, so he re-casts himself as a victim. We’re asked to feel sorry for this villain-turned-victim. Most of us would have a difficult time casting ourselves in the traditional, idealized role of hero. But in a […]
Continue readingThe Demanding Altar Of Right Now
Training happens slowly. You can’t rush the process of preparing for a marathon, a long-distance bike ride, performing surgery, playing a symphony. Training requires time and sacrifice. You can’t “cram.” We all knew friends (not us, of course!) who waited until the day before the test to study. The all-nighter, ten cups of coffee, and perhaps […]
Continue readingWhy Resistance Isn’t Always The Answer
Lots of conversation these days about resistance. Makes sense, I suppose, to fight something you oppose. But be careful. You tend to steer where you look. Focus on the thing you hate, and you end up immersed in a whole lot of hate. Focus on what you love, what you’re willing to fight for, and you […]
Continue readingWho’s Gonna Win In 2017?
Suppose Bob and I enter a race, winner gets $50. Bob wins a tough contest and collects his money. The race director approaches and shakes hands with both of us. “Great race! You guys put on a great show.” Then he hands me a $50 bill. Bob’s angry, grumbles under his breath about how this “everybody gets a trophy” […]
Continue readingAbout That Line In The Sand
A silly math joke: there are 10 kinds of people–those who understand the binary system, and those who don’t. You don’t have to appreciate the joke to understand the tendency to draw absolute lines. Yes/No. Either/Or. This/That. In/Out. With us/Against Us. Binary thinking makes things simple. Two categories, no muss, no fuss. Cross my line […]
Continue readingWhat’s New?
It’s a new year, and What’s New? is all the rage. What’s New? might be creative and cutting-edge. Or it might be marching in place, saying nothing in ten thousand words. Better question: What’s Next? Let’s make sure What’s Next? actually matters. New or not, let’s make sure What’s Next? moves the ball down the floor. New ideas. Excellence. How to invite folks to […]
Continue readingWhat To Remember about 2016
It’s time to look forward and to look back. Year-end recaps and New Year’s resolutions are the big thing. Yesterday I talked about remembering to be grateful. I thought of some other things I want to remember. I want to remember to be kind. Kindness is a priceless gift that costs me nothing. I want to […]
Continue readingA Year To Forget?
By many accounts, 2016 wasn’t a good year. As I read and listen to various summaries of the year just passed, the general consensus appears to be don’t let the door hit you in the backside on your way out! Seems like most folks can’t wait to move on from what they perceive as a year […]
Continue readingChristmas, Freedom, and Justice
A Journey for Freedom And Justice That’s the tagline we carried on the back of the FREEDOM TOUR jersey. The tour’s about bringing a bit of freedom and justice to some kids rescued from the horrors of human trafficking. I realize this week, as Christmas approaches, how easily I get caught up in doing the […]
Continue readingObedience Might Be Kind Of Simple
I heard an interesting take on obedience recently. Our culture’s not big on obedience. We sort-of want folks to follow the rules, but we admire the John Wayne types who ignore boundaries and “do it their way.” For those of us who follow Jesus, there’s a bit of internal conflict. There’s that good old USAmerican blaze your […]
Continue readingWho Needs A Second Chance?
The FREEDOM TOUR helps some kids who need a second chance. Things didn’t go so well the first time. Mothers trafficked, living in brothels, not the sort of beginning any child should receive. We get the opportunity to partner with the staff at the HOME OF HOPE and offer these kids a second chance. They […]
Continue readingLet’s Talk About Heroes
Who are the strong people? I watched the 2016 CNN HEROES Awards and learned about ten folks who saw injustice and decided to do something about it. Ten ordinary people doing what they can, where they are, with what they have. (Click here to see videos.) An 87-year-old man who uses his horses to give special […]
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