I’m aware that some of the things posted on this website can cause frustration, anger…even despair. My heartfelt hope though, is that you will discover that trying to ignore what’s going on in our world is not helpful. For sure it’s not in the long run. My dear grandmother was fond of saying: “If you […]
Ralph Nader Was/Is Right
December 26, 2015 by 5 Comments
You need to watch this. Among the things you’ll learn: Why Nader doesn’t think Trump will be the Republican nominee. For you millions of Bernie Sanders supporters, here is how to really help him. If you have only 2 minutes to give to this video, click in at 13:30 and out at 15:30. Nader is […]
A Broader Kinship for Christmas
December 12, 2015 by 1 Comment
If you’re like me the idea of giving and receiving more of the normal “stuff” this Christmas might not be very appealing. But what if your family, your familiar and comfortable kin, would become radically inclusive this year and welcome in a true stranger? How about a black-clad Muslim woman from your local community college? […]
All The Women Are Strong
September 23, 2015 by 5 Comments
Do You Know This Woman? If you are, or have ever been a wife and/or a mother you will immediately say “yes, of course I do.” She is strong and good. And she has absolutely no problem being her best, unreservedly compassionate, fully human self. These are qualities we men, even when we know we […]
Mission Possible
September 8, 2015 by 6 Comments
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it,” is to read this piece through to the end. Unfortunately whether or not you admit Chris Hedges is right, the truths he’s telling will not go away. Here’s the thing though, ignoring this admittedly disturbing article won’t work in the long run. The fact that you’re reading […]
Such A Friend
August 25, 2015 by Leave a Comment
One can only hope fervently for a friend who will love us enough to offer such a eulogy when we let go of this life. More importantly, is there any reason all of us can not strive to live a life worthy of such a eulogy?! Chris Hedges said this last Wednesday as he […]
Teachers
July 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment
One way to avoid compassion fatigue is to find a teacher, a mentor, who is so full of passion and compassion that s/he instills that same energy in us. Chris Hedges does that for me. About the time I’m pretty sure I have nothing left to put into fighting for the justice issues discussed on […]
Compassion Fatigue I and II
July 15, 2015 by 3 Comments
There are two kinds or dimensions of compassion fatigue. Critical Care Nurses may get the first kind. Homeless advocates often suffer this fatigue. Hospital and Hospice Chaplains are vulnerable to this kind of tired. This particular brand of burnout is experienced most identifiably by people who go to work every day and all day knowing […]
Too Much
July 8, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I don’t know what all y’all do when, with William Wordsworth you feel “The world is too much with us, late and soon…” For me, finding nourishing and nurturing writings by folks who seem blessed with a kind of incurable optimism does the job. Here’s a recent example from my favorite cowboy. His name is […]