"Not much has changed." Those were the words yesterday of a 73 year-old museum curator and Black Indian activist I was interviewing when I asked her how much, in her estimation, had race relations changed since her childhood in the 40s and 50s. She grew up in a segregated school system, in a race-zoned … Continue reading Not much has changed
The way
I wrote this article back in June about a Catholic priest who led a group of pilgrims on the Santiago de Campostela. This route of The Way began in Portugal and ranged north into Spain, to Catedral de Santiago de Campostela, site of the remains of St. James and pilgrimage destination for tens of thousands … Continue reading The way
Look like Christ?
Does Christian commentary on social media look or feel like the life and teachings of Jesus Christ? If the comments section of your favorite social media platform was all you knew of Christianity, would you choose to be called Christian? I explore these topics in my latest column: Life is a series of choices. One … Continue reading Look like Christ?
Dela-where?
I came across this old column a few days ago and it really took me back to my early days as an east coast transplant in Oklahoma. The culture shock was pretty severe, adjusting to having no water or hills around (yes there are! look at that gypsum rock formation 10 miles away!) and having … Continue reading Dela-where?
A story of growth
Most stories you'll read today about Christian church attendance highlight trends of decline -- fewer people showing up in the pews on Sunday. But, some denominations and local churches are bucking that trend, with Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) leading the way in growth rates in the … Continue reading A story of growth
Praise in faith
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2 NRSV This passage is the beginning of a beautiful psalm in which David praises God for saving him from a terrible illness. David, who felt … Continue reading Praise in faith
Bridging the Gap
What happens when indigent mental health patients are released from in-patient care? All-too-often, after being stabilized on medication and inpatient treatment, they are released with no medication, and weeks to wait for follow-on treatment. What follows is a predictable spiral back into the darkness, culminating in another trip to the emergency room, jail, or emergency … Continue reading Bridging the Gap
The Ex Games
Entertainment comes in many forms. Sometimes it comes in a completely passive form, such as holding down the couch and absorbing a healthy dose of television. Sometimes it comes in more formal or organized settings, such as concerts, fairs or off-track betting venues. And, for many, entertainment takes on a more active form, such as … Continue reading The Ex Games
An alternative to the higher costs of college
With student loan debt and tuition costs continuing to rise, two-year colleges and regional universities may take on new appeal as a cost-effective alternative to larger state and private universities. According to the nonprofit group College Board, average college tuition in the nation grew between 2011-12 and 2016-17 by 9 percent in public four-year universities, … Continue reading An alternative to the higher costs of college
Against all odds
Genesis 21:5-7 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” And she said, “Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old … Continue reading Against all odds
