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“Our” Wine

Last time I talked about my vineyard. I traced a personal response to Jesus’ story about a vineyard owner. It’s the way Americans tend to view most lessons, because we’re an individual-oriented culture. As I learn more about Jesus, I’m not sure it’s the best perspective. He spoke frequently in the context of community. The […]

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Noisemakers

Principles written on paper aren’t worth much. Unless, of course, they’re backed up with action. High-sounding honor codes mean nothing if they’re not reflected in tough choices. It’s the behavior that’s matters. I’ve told you before that in later years my classroom operated on a single principle: Everyone (including the teacher) gets treated with dignity […]

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Cool To Be Kind

“We can choose to be kind…rather than right.” Very cool guidance from an expert on dementia care – when dealing with someone who struggles to remember, we can give up our right to be right and choose kindness instead. We frequently tend to forget that elderly people who struggle to remember details because of dementia […]

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Not How I Would Do It

A tiny baby in a manger. Vulnerable. Poor. Experienced gossip, injustice, discrimination. He could’ve come with an army of angels, but he chose to be born and to live among the marginalized and disenfranchised. Christmas isn’t about the conquering Savior. It’s about sacrifice and service and strength in weakness. It’s probably not how you and […]

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It’s Hard To Avoid…

…becoming cynical. …the temptation to fight back. …dividing the world into winners and losers. …believing winning matters more than anything  else. …letting disappointment become anger. …letting the anger effect other parts of life. …refusing to let it go. …demonizing everyone on the other side. …the desire to go beyond winning and harm your enemies. …losing […]

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Just Listen

“Why don’t we just listen?” Heard that question a lot lately. Someone has a difficult story, and others wonder why simply listening seems beyond our cultural capability. I get it. Even in ideal circumstances, deep, non-judgmental listening takes a great deal of effort. Put the story in an emotionally-charged (or politically-charged) situation and one has […]

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