In what may have been intended as “tough love,” my college friend was very blunt: “Face it, Chris, you’re just a mediocre baseball player.” He was right, but it was still tough to hear as I wondered if all of the daily practices and off-season training were worth my relegated position to the bullpen as […]
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The story is told in Luke 9:52-56 of Jesus and his disciples heading toward Jerusalem but seeking to stay in a Samaritan village along the way. Jesus was, by this time, a “rock star” in those parts of the world—a bona fide celebrity with whom people loved to rub shoulders. His ministry was firmly established, and […]
The summer of 1973 is a fond memory for me. As a young teenager in Maryland, my Dad’s military station at the time, life seemed pretty care-free, and the things that made me smile were simple: riding my bike, sandlot baseball with my buddies, and those long days of summer when we kids would leave […]
Jesus clearly had a special place in his heart for poor, vulnerable and disenfranchised people. With respect to the poor, they were specifically highlighted throughout his earthly ministry, from beginning to end. You’ll recall that when Jesus’ ministry started, he went to his hometown of Nazareth, entered the Synagogue and read from the scroll of […]
Mahatma Gandhi is widely attributed with saying “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Although I’ve not confirmed that in any of his writings or interviews, and scholars doubt that he said those words, there is no doubt that the sentiment strikes a chord with […]
I’m on the eve of another birthday. I can’t say I mind, but it is striking to contemplate being on the downslope of my 50s, barreling full-speed toward the big “six-oh”. Thinking about birthdays over the years hasn’t been too troublesome for me, but I do remember feeling a bit “rocked” when I turned 30. Seems […]
We have all heard or used the expression “hit or miss,” usually referring to one’s approach in attempting to hit a target or achieve a goal. But have you ever recognized the possibility that one could hit the target, exactly as intended, and still not achieve the desired goal? That point was driven home to […]
As a trial lawyer, I often think of asking that one question that will turn a case. It may be in cross-examination of a plaintiff or defendant, but in my mind it is a question at the most dramatic point of a trial that exposes the truth about a claim or defense. Recognition of Need […]
In moments of intense suffering, we might find comfort and encouragement in the compassionate and timely words of close friends. Or we might not. Sometimes the words delivered to us, or if we look in the mirror, those that we deliver to a suffering friend when the shoe is on the other foot, seem more […]
For many years, a few of my law partners and I would meet during a lunch break for Bible study. The fellowship and encouragement was special to us all and helped us connect on a level besides our common profession and employer. During one of our sessions over 20 years ago, one of them made […]