In a leadership training years ago, we were randomly divided into two groups, each given a set of norms and beliefs. We assumed the other group had the same document. We were then givenRead More…

I’ve been writing weekly essays for several years now. Writing helps me get to what I’m thinking and feeling. Some people think on their feet; I think through my fingers on theRead More…

In March, a French politician asked that the Statue of Liberty be returned to France. He said, “It was our gift to you. But apparently, you despise her. So she will be happyRead More…

It’s a weird time to be an American. I feel like the Tom Hanks character in “Castaway,” sobbing as the unreachable Wilson just floats away.​ Our beautiful country is caught in aRead More…

In these times when angerIs turned into anxietyAnd someone has stolenThe horizons and mountains, Our small emperors on paradeNever expect our indifferenceTo disturb their nakedness. They keep their heads downAnd their eyesRead More…

In May of 2024, journalist Norah O’Donnell interviewed Pope Francis. One of the things he told her was that every evening at 7:00 pm, he called the Catholic parish in Gaza toRead More…

One of my favorite quotes is this: “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.” It’s attributed to St. Benedict.  I bet Benedict was old-ish when he wrote that, so IRead More…

A few weeks ago, during my stunned phase, I began waiting on God for my marching orders. And the wait was worth it. The “rising up” has begun and has brought withRead More…

The final piece of armor we’re encouraged to take up ​(in Ephesians 6) is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. But frankly, it seems like the words of another areRead More…