I know a lot of people who don’t like the thought of working for someone else. Maybe they’ve tried it, and long for the day when they can be on their own — work for themselves. It’s a nice thought, but anyone who runs their own business will tell you that working for yourself, is just … More For or With?
The recent blaze which destroyed much of the Notre Dame Cathedral in France has me reflecting on the grand works of art to which the masses flock. Many will analyze the value of churches like Notre Dame in light of this loss and the cost required to maintain such large monuments. Though a church, it … More The highest expression of devotion
We can’t avoid being affected by the families we marry into or the countries where we live. I’ve always appreciated the view of my late husband: “I choose to take the best of both cultures,” and he did, becoming an Egyptian in America and an American in Egypt. Most people couldn’t figure out exactly where … More Blended
We live in a day when people are described by the cause they serve. “She serves the cause of the poor and homeless.” “He promotes the cause of justice for all.” “They have given their lives for the cause of freedom.” Getting behind a cause brings many people a sense of purpose in life. Some, … More A person not a cause
When I was in kindergarten, my teacher, Mrs. Flatt, asked me an important question: “Do you button the buttons before you put on your coat or after?” I mulled that question over in my mind and then, confidently gave my answer: “Before.” “Carol, go and get your coat off the hook,” she told me. I … More Detox
I have a vivid memory from my childhood, and it’s not a pretty one. While I don’t remember what prompted the outburst, I had a temper-tantrum in my mother’s presence and told her, “I’m tired of being good! It’s too hard!” I was obviously exasperated about something, and my parents’ guidance on good behavior had … More It takes effort
It’s been a day of contrasts. Much of my morning was spent with police officers and an unruly patron. My lunch was with a dear friend over tomato soup and quiche. My afternoon was caught up again with some of our regular patrons and a complaint aimed at a colleague, while my dinner was spent … More For and Against
I had a birthday last month which had me thinking about life, years, and, to be honest, mortality. Nothing like a birthday to give you a reality check. If birthdays haven’t done that for you, then you’re not old enough. Just sayin’. I am using Christmas and birthday cards this year to pray for the … More Counting Life
When I say the phrase “theme song,” what comes to mind? Maybe the tune to your favorite TV show or movie, or the song that is shared by you and your spouse? A theme song is like a brand — it defines and brings recognition to something or someone. The great songwriter David wrote in … More My theme song
I know when I write this question, people will interpret it in polar opposite ways, but I’m willing to take the chance. In 1933, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote to his grandmother: The question is really: Christianity or Germanism? And the sooner the conflict is revealed in the clear light of day the better.* So, I sit … More The Question
