Two recent news stories caught my attention. An organization matched African orphans with U.S. couples wishing to adopt. Turns out the organization was basically stealing kids from their parents and selling them to unsuspecting couples. The kids, their parents, and the adopting couples were victims of an elaborate child trafficking scheme. Another organization sells service dogs […]
Continue readingCategory: Reflections
Oldest Trick In The Book
If you’re not on our side, you’re on their side. Draw a line in the sand. Rally the troops. You’re either one of us, or you’re one of them. And we all know what they’re like, right? A line in the sand arbitrarily reduces complex issues to black/white, yes/no. We all know most important matters […]
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Soul-Sucking Cynicism
“It’s easier to be a cynic.” A guy said that a few weeks ago after I talked about hope. In his experience, hope opened the door to disappointment and heartache. Easier, he figured, to avoid the pain and resign to the inevitable. I listened. I’m sure I tried to offer some wise-sounding words of encouragement. […]
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What’s The Cost Of Being Right?
“Stone her!” Some reading took me to the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11). I lost whatever else I was studying as I got stuck on this single fact: the Pharisees were willing to stone this woman—to death! Her life mattered less than their desire to trap Jesus and uphold […]
Continue readingWhen The Only Reaction Is WOW!
Today’s an anniversary. Six years ago, Becky and I stepped out in faith on the remarkable journey that became RICH’S RIDE. I thought you might enjoy looking back at what I posted about that wonderful day. # # # Day one of Rich’s Ride…wow! We experienced a gorgeous beginning, a prayer shared with friends and […]
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In It Together
We’re all in this thing together. We awaken this morning to images of destruction as Hurricane Irma grinds its way north. Now begins the massive task of response. I admire those who step forward, who are able and willing to assist their neighbors in the immediate aftermath of massive disasters like Irma and Harvey. If […]
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What To Do About That Boulder?
A modern-day parable (an old tale with a slight twist): A wise king once ordered a large boulder to be placed on a heavily traveled path, then hid nearby to observe how people dealt with this barrier. Almost everyone who encountered the boulder expressed annoyance. Many were simply angry and frustrated about the inconvenience and delay. […]
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Learning What I Already Know
“The most important stuff I learn are things I already knew.” A guy said that yesterday during Q&A after a class. It’s a powerful reality. In 1900 human knowledge doubled approximately every 100 years. By the end of 1945, the rate was every 25 years. Currently it’s 13 months. We long ago became overwhelmed with […]
Continue readingIt’s Gonna Cost Us (Always)
Count the cost. I always learn new stuff when we do a bike tour…mostly it’s not about riding bikes. One big lesson for 2017 seems to be about culture and the cost of every choice. As a teacher I believed every kid could learn mathematics. “Some people just don’t think that way” is nonsense. Research […]
Continue readingThe Next Big Event (Will Change Everything!)
How much time do you and I spend anticipating The Next Big Event? You know, that tipping point when everything will change, all the effort will pay off, we’ll finally be happy. The new job, degree, relationship, or vacation. Graduation. Retirement. The Next Big Event will make it all better, if we can just hold […]
Continue readingTry Just One More Time
A while back I read a book called FAITH IN THE FOG by my friend Jeff Lucas. Jeff’s story revolves around Jesus’ breakfast with the disciples after His resurrection. You may recall the incident—Peter, John, and some of the other disciples fished all night but caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the […]
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Leave It All On The Field?
A true competitor wants to “leave it all on the field.” When the game concludes she wants to know she did everything, gave everything, held nothing back in pursuit of the win. Pain, sacrifice, the next game, the next season–none of that matters. The competitor has a single-minded focus on this game, this interaction, this win. All […]
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