By Christopher L. Schilling   What is American patriotism and how do we define it? I think this is a question that a lot of Americans are asking themselves not just following the recent controversies of NFL players kneeling during football games. But it’s also what many of us are asking ourselves living in what has now become “Trump’s America.” This past year, I began a new call as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve. As an... Read more

I’m a fourth generation Texan. I love the beauty and vastness of my home state. I love the way Texans are instinctively polite and friendly. I love our Tex-Mex and our BBQ. So while most of us in Austin experienced Harvey as heavy rains and a few lost tree limbs, the magnitude of the storm’s devastation has felt very close to home. In the decade my family and I lived in Houston after college, we were spared living through anything... Read more

Since Harvey made landfall, I’ve been amazed by the courage of fellow Texans responding to the devastation. I’ve seen kindness and resourcefulness in the midst of a thousand details clamoring for attention—essential things like meals, potable water, toothbrushes, and clean clothes. I’ve noticed strength and patience as people have waited for power to be restored, met with insurance adjustors, and begun clean up. All the chaos of the aftermath of Harvey, not to mention the fires along the West coast,... Read more

“Reason for your visit?” they asked. “Pregnancy termination.” I said. It’s not the story I wanted or dreamed of. It’s not a decision I ever thought I would face. But not a day goes by that I am not grateful that choice was mine. Read more