COLUMNS
World's eyes are opened to creation
When it became known that Pope Francis was writing the first papal encyclical ever to concentrate on environmental issues, the natural question to ask was what did this have to do with the Catholic Church.
'Simple and Unexpected'
"Its beginnings were at the same time simple and unexpected.” That is the way St. Vincent de Paul described the beginnings of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the community to which I have belonged for nearly 48 years.
Charleston tragedy should drive us to, not away from, church
There are people who will steal, but never from a church. There are those who will kill, but never in a house of God, where the faithful congregate to worship and seek God's blessings for themselves and others.
Moving beyond the taunts and pain inflicted by bullies
We all have at least one person who understands us but not in a good way. You know the person. No matter how much you keep your distance, they seek you out with words that make you feel 6 inches tall.
Moving to a better mental space
Moving to a better mental spaceWe froze our first summer in Seattle. I had just finished sixth grade when my family left the Midwest for this strange new land. It never got really warm during the days. And the nights were always cold.
The sting of death and power of love
The day before issuing his much anticipated encyclical on the care of creation, "Laudato Si'," Pope Francis set aside time for a very different topic -- the sorrow and agony we experience in losing a beloved family member.
Seeing the good and sunny side of life
Last week, I was strolling along a bright avenue filled with restaurants and coffeehouses when I heard a funny little creaking noise coming from behind me.
Heading to the beach -- with the pope's encyclical
I must admit, encyclicals are not at the top of my summer reading pile. So, even though a papal document wouldn't normally go to the beach, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home" by Pope Francis is definitely a must-read.
Walking in beauty
In May, the Pew Research Center reported that young U.S. adults are not identifying with any one religion. Pew surveyed 35,000 people and found that the percentage of Americans who identify as "Christians" had declined by 8 percent since 2007. Overall, the report said those who define as "religiously unaffiliated" …
There's always something new to learn, improve
Part of my personal philosophy is never to stop learning.
Life lessons learned through the search for a job
When I graduated college, I wanted to be a television producer. I liked the idea of a career where you had the opportunity to share information that made a difference.
Letting worry out the door while trusting in God
The kingdom of God is within you. We've all heard this truth, but few of us fully understand it or make an effort to put it into practice when we need it. In signing off my letters to friends and others, I often write, "May the Lord be your strength …
Love your neighbor to combat the culture of violence
On the day that a Colorado jury was to announce its verdict in the case of a man who opened fire in a crowded movie theater killing 12 people, Tennesseans were trying to make sense of another deadly shooting, this time in our state.
Forgiveness and grace in tragedy
Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart gave us a memorable quote about pornography. He couldn't define it, he said in 1964, "but I know it when I see it."
Our role in shaping the biography of another person
Over the past few months, I started reading a variety of biographies and nonfiction. I've been reading about World War II U.S. Army Gen. Lucian Truscott and "Animal House" actor John Belushi.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
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