I really like that old Alison Kraus song, “When You Say Nothing At All,” although I don’t really think it’s the best relationship advice in the world. I confess that sometimes I wonder if institutional Church officials of all stripes have to listen to that song for hours on end as part of their training,…
There has always been a lot of misunderstanding about what a flag is. A flag is a symbol of something, quite often a country, though it could be a symbol of a movement or a governmental body smaller than a nation. In America, States have flags, sports teams have flags, cities and municipalities may have…
A popular saying from the 8th century Buddhist sage Shantideva advises us that if we are confronting an unsatisfactory situation that we can change, there is no need to worry – we should change it. On the other hand, if we are encountering an unsatisfactory situation that we cannot change, there still isn’t a need…
We live in an increasingly anti-intellectual era in America. It is therefore critically important that we who understand act according to that understanding. Some people will refuse to do common sense things like vaccinate their children. We cannot compel them, and so we must be sure to vaccinate our children so they will not become…
The world is full of people who, usually responding out of their own suffering and misery, just love to tear down the work, words, personality, and ultimately the identity of others, as if the only way they might get ahead while never leaving their couch is to drag us down so that all we have…
Some random thoughts… Getting the last word in never served anybody well, yet people still seem to value the practice. It’s important in any negotiation to understand who holds the power. If it’s not you, smile and then pucker up. It beats going home empty handed. There’s a lot to be said for living to…
Today is All Saint’s Day. It is good on this day to recall those who have gone before us who have influenced us for the better, both those we had the privilege of meeting personally and those who have influenced us indirectly through their writings, art, or other work. Who are your Saints and Mentors?
