March 2, 2024

The mindset of autonomy, objectivity, and detachment dominates so many aspects of our society. I often see it on display in the medical community and in the marketplace.   Philosopher Charles Taylor’s concept of the “bounded” or “buffered” self in his magisterial work, A Secular Age, not only reflects the secular age’s view of humanity in relation to a transcendent or spiritual realm. It also manifests itself in our relation to one another (For a brief reflection on his treatment... Read more

February 3, 2024

One of the most important endeavors in life is to stimulate a meaningful response in someone for personal growth. But what happens if they are not interested, or do not demonstrate an ability to signal a meaningful response? This post reflects on this subject and highlights the importance of stimulation motivated by compassion and grace. As an educator, I work hard to try and motivate student interest on a topic. Take, for example, the modern philosopher and ethicist, Immanuel Kant.... Read more

January 22, 2024

This post is about the need for providential thinking. As important as positive thinking can be, all the more important is providential thinking. It makes a keen difference not simply when we take personality tests, but also when we endure tests to our persons in life. Yesterday marked the third year ‘anniversary’ since our family’s lives were turned inside out and upside down. On January 21st, 2021, we received a crisis call from our son Christopher’s wife Keyonna that Christopher... Read more

January 20, 2024

This post reflects upon my family’s journey with TBI and how it’s important for all of us to be on the lookout for hints and clues in support of holistic health. We need to pay close attention. I was speaking with our family medical consultant and palliative care specialist, Dr. Robert Potter, the other day. Dr. Potter (M.D., Ph.D.) had called to receive an update on my son Christopher’s situation. Christopher endured a traumatic brain injury on January 21, 2021.... Read more

January 7, 2024

Today marks Epiphany, which means “manifestation.” Epiphany highlights one, two, or three biblical accounts depending on one’s Christian experience and tradition. It features one or more of the following events: the wise men’s visitation, worship, with giving of gifts to the toddler Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12); the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (2:13-17); Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-12). We find in each account that... Read more

December 25, 2023

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas, “Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting—that is, of hopefully doing without—will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment.” So true. Advent, which ended last night, is all about waiting. Not only does Advent entail waiting for Jesus’ birth, which we celebrate today. It is also about the Second Advent, when Jesus comes again. Such waiting is “austere,” that is, severe and harsh. But... Read more

December 18, 2023

Yesterday marked the third Sunday of Advent. This is the third of four reflections on Advent in 2023. The first reflection focused on Abraham who waited faithfully for the fulfilment of God’s promise involving the Messianic hope. The second focused on Zechariah and Elizabeth, who waited faithfully for God’s promise to give them a son who would prepare the way for the Messiah who would provide salvation for God’s people. This third reflection features Joseph, Mary’s husband, and the father... Read more

December 10, 2023

Today marks the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is all about waiting, and waiting often involves mixed emotions. Waiting is so hard to do in any season of life, and in any age. Perhaps it is most difficult today in an instant gratification culture, where “we want the world, and we want it now” (Jim Morrison, lyrics to “When the Music’s Over,” The Doors). No matter how young or how old, it is difficult to wait and cope with mixed... Read more

December 3, 2023

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is about waiting. But it is far more and very different from a waiting game. The Cambridge Dictionary defines “waiting game” as a “situation in which you delay taking any action, so that you can watch how a situation develops and see what it is best for you to do.” Those of us who are experiencing crises don’t have the luxury to engage in such waiting games in which no action is... Read more

November 24, 2023

Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness is life changing. There’s a major difference between seeing life as a cup half empty (or less) and life as a cup half full (or more). This post is about seeing Thanksgiving not just as a day. Giving thanks is a way of life. We are nearing three years since my adult son’s catastrophic brain injury. I will not hide from the fact that so much has been taken away from him, his wife and... Read more


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