Yesterday I listened to one of my favorite podcasts—“Hidden Brain.” This episode was about empathy, and it is definitely worth a listen, even though it is a little long. It is especially important in the current context to think critically about empathy, since the data shows that, in general, in the United States, empathy has…… Continue reading Expansive Empathy for all God’s Children
Category: Life and Living
The Danger of Silence
Here we are, again. Once again, we find ourselves in a place we have been all too many times before, and only too recently. Here we are, again, mourning the tragic, senseless loss of life in a mass shooting. This time, at a mosque. Last time at a synagogue, and before that, at a church, and…… Continue reading The Danger of Silence
Why Talk about Sin?
So, what are your views on “sin”? Much of how you might answer that question depends on your background–how you raised, and whether you were raised as a Christian (or Jew or Muslim), and what kind. I have written about sin before, but I was prompted to do so again by this article in The New…… Continue reading Why Talk about Sin?
Rest in Peace, Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver died today, at the age of 83 [read about it here: Mary Oliver Obituary], and the day has been diminished; the world, in fact, has been slightly diminished. If you know anything about me at all, and have read any of my work, you know how much I love Mary Oliver. I have more…… Continue reading Rest in Peace, Mary Oliver
Choosing Creation in 2019
This is a belated New Year’s blog post, because I was on a plane New Year’s Eve, flying to see our Swedish relatives. I had a great time, and it was a wonderful way to start the new year. However, I’m definitely one of those people who likes to use the beginning of a…… Continue reading Choosing Creation in 2019
The Parliament of the World’s Religions
I just returned from The Parliament of the World‘s Religions and I’m still processing the whole experience. It was my third time to go, and I think this was the best time yet, because I had six Gettysburg College students with me. I was so proud of them: they engaged the whole experience with enthusiasm,…… Continue reading The Parliament of the World’s Religions
Rosh Hashanah & the Optimism of a New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holiday season, began Sunday night. Like last year, I attended the Monday morning services at Gettysburg College, and once again, I was deeply moved by the beautiful liturgy. We use the Mishkan Hanefesh, the machzor from the Reform Jewish Community.…… Continue reading Rosh Hashanah & the Optimism of a New Year
Being Loved & Being a Sheep
So, John and I went up to Burlington, Vermont for a week of vacation (a gorgeous city!), and while we were there, we finally got a chance to see the documentary on Mr. Rogers, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? I had been looking forward to the movie, because I remember Mr. Rogers very fondly from…… Continue reading Being Loved & Being a Sheep
Vocation for All Ages
It has been awhile since I’ve posted–this summer has bee especially crazy with lots of travel: most of it for work, but a couple trips to see family as well. Right now, I am in Colorado with my mom, getting ready to celebrate her 80th birthday; and last month I was in Phoenix to visit…… Continue reading Vocation for All Ages
Happy Mothering Day
Mother’s Day is tomorrow: if you haven’t bought a card or flowers by now, you better move to plan B. I don’t know exactly what it is that makes Mother’s Day feel so different from Father’s Day, but it does–and I’m not saying that as a woman; I think it is true for most…… Continue reading Happy Mothering Day
Happy Lutheran 