“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” I wanted to share some reflections from a homily I gave at our most recent faculty retreat, and share a book recommendation in the process. I’m starting with this declaration from Jesus in John 10: “I came that they may have life, and have…… Continue reading Abundant Life as an Integrated Life
Category: Relationships
Becoming a Good-ish Person, Fighting Bias
I just finished a fantastic book, and be warned: I have the zeal of a recent convert! The book is by Dolly Chugh, and it is titled The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias. The premise of the book is quite straightforward: it is applying a “growth mentality “–a concept popularized…… Continue reading Becoming a Good-ish Person, Fighting Bias
The Importance of Disruption
If you are like me, you probably have been to at least a few different anti-racism training workshops. And, if you are like me, you probably have had mixed reactions to them. Well, on Monday afternoon, here at Wartburg Seminary, I was fortunate enough to have participated in one of the very best I have…… Continue reading The Importance of Disruption
Atlas of the Heart
I just finished another Brené Brown book, Atlas of the Heart. it is a beautiful book, with great illustrations, and some of the best quotes in the book are highlighted in big colorful type on their own pages. Emotions often get such a bad rap: I mean, if someone calls you emotional, it’s not usually…… Continue reading Atlas of the Heart
Choosing Love over Contempt
I just finished a great book that I have been wanting to read every since I heard a podcast about it a few weeks ago. The title is Love Your Enemies, and it is by Arthur Brooks. The gist of the book is very simple: we live in a culture of contempt that is destructive…… Continue reading Choosing Love over Contempt
Yom Kippur and Forgiveness
I meant to share this great piece on forgiveness last week–Yom Kippur began on sundown, September 15th–but after reading it again today, I decided that “better late than never” definitely applies in this case. For those who don’t know, Yom Kippur is one of the holiest [some would say the holiest] days in the Jewish…… Continue reading Yom Kippur and Forgiveness
Saying Sorry
If you read the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, you be will be familiar with the “four words” that are guideposts for Gamache as he navigates both his work and his personal life–Penny works them in to almost every one of her mysteries. The phrases are: “I need help,” “I don’t know,” “I was…… Continue reading Saying Sorry
Sheltering in (a dangerous) Place
If you are like me, your biggest challenges these past two months have been frustration with zoom meetings, cabin fever, loneliness, anxiety and occasionally desperately needing some space from the other people in your house. One thing I have not had to worry about, however, is getting beaten, threatened, or killed by my partner. My…… Continue reading Sheltering in (a dangerous) Place
Earth Day 2020: In Gratitude
Today, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and in a time of COVID-19, I am giving thanks for the body of the earth with a new sense of gratitude and deep appreciation. As I have said before, I am finding this new world of social distancing, self-isolation, and face masks very alien and challenging…… Continue reading Earth Day 2020: In Gratitude
"Reach out with your Heart"
A friend of mine [thank you, Janelle!] shared this poem with me, and I loved it. I hope you love it, too! Stay safe and be well. “Pandemic” What if you thought of itas the Jews consider the Sabbath—the most sacred of times?Cease from travel.Cease from buying and selling.Give up, just for now,on trying to…… Continue reading "Reach out with your Heart"
Happy Lutheran 