Do you remember how you landed your last job? For me, it was a process marked by cautious optimism, fueled by trust in Someone who had my best interests in mind. I fretted over my resume and application, making sure everything was perfect. I sealed the envelope, stamped it and then laid my hands on it and earnestly prayed. “God, bless this effort.” A few weeks later, the thrilling call for an interview came in. More preparation and prayers followed.... Read more
What are we afraid of? The modern mantra is that the workplace should be “inclusive.” We have heard repeatedly that America’s “strength is its diversity.” However, in the rush to purge racism and prejudice from our world, faith, normal opinion and discourse are unwittingly muzzled. Who would have guessed that religious discussion would one day be labeled hate speech? Surely our forefathers would have objected. They firmly believed in the power of the public square of discussion. The founders of our... Read more
A strange dichotomy exists all around us. The vast majority of Americans claim to know Jesus. But they call themselves “spiritual.” They have a visage of a Savior who has good moral teachings. He might have even come to them in a moment of personal trial to lift them up. To them, he’s an olive-skinned Galileen who slept in a manager, dressed in a robe, and got treated badly by the Romans. They might even go to church, claim to be... Read more
I work in the world of public affairs. There is much debate in our circles about “spin” versus “telling the truth.” Those who spin try to extract the one shred of good news to soften the bad news. “Sure our vehicles don’t always brake properly, but the good news is that when you do slam into the car in front you, our airbags and safety restraints are industry leaders.” “I understand that our mine collapsed, but we have great promotional opportunities... Read more
The amusing story of a fugitive macaque monkey is worth our attention. It’s from an unknown origin and has been scampering around the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area for several months making surprise visits to pool parties, stealing fruit and causing double takes all over the area. Captors from the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation have been called out more than 50 times to try to snatch the little guy, but they are no match. He just eludes them. He’s been shot several times with... Read more
“One question I’ve had to ask myself repeatedly is this: Am I even open to the possibility that I could be wrong in my beliefs? If so, would I have the courage to change my actions? — Francis Chan, “Forgotten God” When I read the above from Francis Chan, who pastors Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, CA, I have to be honest. My first reaction was towards others. I thought of everyone else in my life who I think... Read more
Life’s difficulties are often purported to be solved in easy solutions. 12 Steps to an Alcohol-Free Life. 6 Ways to a Thinner You. 8 Shortcuts to more time. The 90-Second Cook. I have subscribed to many formulas in my life, looking a quick fix. I want something sweet to make me happy and a little treat in the box to give me goose bumps.I want a combo-meal existence. I want one price to meet all my needs and wants. I... Read more
“A man sits on the dock with head in hands, wailing for the ships that have sailed—as he is missing the ship that is sailing.” So begins the poignant column by World Magazine’s Andree Seu. “This is a story of my life, of living in regret over past losses, even as I am losing the present moment’s possibilities,” she continues. This set off a chain of emotions, of memories, of regrets. Relationships that I have let slip away. Decisions I haven’t... Read more
It seems that many Christians end up on American Idol, the long-running talent competition on Fox. I think it’s a natural outworking of our music-infected worship. Each Sunday, we give thousands of musicians the chance to sing and play while they lead worship. There’s plentyof God-given talent out there and the church helps it grow. Jonathan Acuff, the seriously funny genius behind “Stuff Christians Like,” asked the question, “How do you know if that contestant on American Idol is a Christian?” There’s... Read more
Flowers. Mom has always had a passion for flowers. She believed they could brighten any drab room, liven any conversation, and change any dour mood. For 20 years, she took this vision earnestly each Sunday at the First Baptist Church. As the flower coordinator, she turned the plain wood altar at the front of the church into a dazzling display of God’s creation. A negligible budget prevented floral shop arrangements, only provoking the creative mind of this resourceful woman. Every... Read more
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