Nationally, Thanksgiving is a collective mindset of gratitude to forces greater than ourselves. Like a Norman Rockwell painting, heads bow over grace when families gather, everyone primed for thanks. Yet for many, saying grace is the holiday exception, not the daily rule. Many might ask, “Well, isn’t a group blessing just the official signal to […]
Centuries before the science of positive thinking, the apostle Paul wrote this in 62 A.D., “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, […]
Have you ever had an experience that defied reason? In 1987 my mother was in a coma from a brain aneurysm. On the seventh night of her hospitalization, I dreamt my mother was drifting upwards through a wide tunnel toward angels set against blue skies. In my dream, I thought, “Mom, are you saying goodbye?” […]
On the beach 10-year-old Bella forms an “arena” in the sand. Lulu, age 7, runs over with a yellow pail of crabs. The two largest gladiators are placed on their backs in the arena, and I’m told, “The first one to turn over, wins. Go!” Claws scrambling, a sudden winner, shrieks and laughter from my […]
This spirituality column was published in 2008 in The Patriot Ledger, but it remains one of my favorites. In public schools, the Bible has been thrown out with the bath water. Down the drain has gone its rich literary influence. Younger people often draw a blank at Old Testament or gospel references. Recently, I talked […]