The Court Case There has been a lot of media coverage about something called affirmative action lately. Specifically, the news has focused on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the use of race in college admissions. While the recent court case dealt with support based on one specific characteristic, it appears to me we can look…
Lighthouse Congregations In my opinion, my church, The United Methodist Church has come to an unfortunate crossroads. Without going into a lot of detail, members of our denomination have a disagreement about including certain groups of individuals in the participation of church activities. As a result, the church has gone so far as to split…
The Sun Will Rise In Castaway Tom Hanks stars as a FedEx manager who spends four years on a deserted island when his plane crashes. After he is rescued, he confides in his best friend how the picture and thoughts of his girlfriend [who he intends to marry] sustained him and helped him to survive.…
As we approach the end of the school year, there will soon be opportunities for measurements, awards, and recognition. Grades, test scores, athletic letters, music awards, best this and outstanding that. I am troubled by recent debates which seem to be in conflict. On the one hand, there are those folks who believe we should…
The film, We Are Marshall tells the story of the tragic plane crash that killed almost all the members of Marshall University’s football team in the fall of 1970. The movie focuses on the following year when the school, the coaches and the community struggled to rebuild from the ashes and carry on. Some Inspiration…
A Parable A farmer lived by himself on a distant rural road. News came that a terrible rain storm was headed toward him with the likelihood of flooding. The local authorities suggested all residents in the area evacuate to higher ground. The farmer said to himself, I am not worried about rain or floods, my…
Recently I had the unexpected opportunity to use the services of our local emergency room and hospital. I actually had a long list of tests and procedures performed and slept in a hospital bed. Although my symptoms and condition gave us cause to be nervous, I have been fully released and the impact will not…
Recently, I shared a copy of my book, Take Them by the Hand with an old friend. Our conversation reminded me of a chapter that I think is particularly relevant in our world today. Sometimes we need to reflect on the past in order to enhance our perspective for the future. This excerpt from my…
Recently, on PBS I watched a “Brief but Spectacular” moment about a woman named Rose who had been the store manager of a small town hardware store for some thirty years. Responding to how she had been able to help customers solve problems and fix things, she explained that her parents had instilled in her…
Early on Christmas morning I received an email from one of my best friends. Included was a picture of a beautiful sunrise he took while on his morning walk in North Carolina. His note to me and others read “May this day be a blessing to you and those you love. Merry Christmas.” Later that…