The Uses of Fear: Part Two
My last blog post contained some reflections on the struggles with fear—especially bullying—that I’ve dealt with on a personal level in the past. In this post, I want to focus on escalating fears I am observing all around me—and feeling myself—that seem to be operating on a societal level today. We are currently living in […]
The Uses of Fear: Part One
This month I would like to address something that has been on my mind a lot lately: fear. All of us have dealt with a wide variety of fears and levels of fear throughout our lifetime. One of the earliest, most powerful memories I have dealing with fear is from when I was a youngster […]
The $30,000 Hat
When Rita and I stopped for breakfast at our favorite little café, I noticed a gentleman around my age at a table near the door. More specifically, I noticed what was on his head. Rita, in the way that couples who have been married as long as we have, was thinking the same thing I […]
Better to Give Than to Receive?
For several years our church has been providing a free dinner each month for folks in the community. It has grown into a meaningful ministry. Most appreciate a good “church-made” meal but equally important has been the opportunity for fellowship amongst members and the community at large. Obviously while we were under stay-at-home orders, the dinner […]
Our Unopened Gifts
Imagine for a moment that on Christmas morning you were so taken up by one or two of your parent’s presents that you didn’t take the time to open any of the other gifts you were given—and that this exact same scenario played out again and again every single year for your entire life! Now […]
For Better or Worse
Crisis seems to bring out the best and worst of human nature, and the crisis we now find ourselves in is no exception. Daily we witness the heroism of medical professionals, while grocery store workers and delivery people who certainly never signed up to put their lives on the line, still go in to work […]
How to Not Just Survive the Pandemic, but Thrive!
For those of you who have been following my writing, you will recognize this post takes a somewhat different approach than usual. However, over the last few days, several of the patients that I counsel by phone have encouraged—or in one case, demanded!—that I write a post on some of the practical coping strategies I […]
Mom’s Wisdom
I was late! The parking lot of the doctor’s office was full except for a row of empty handicap spaces right up front. I glanced at the handicap tag hanging on the rear-view mirror. The tag is for my wife who wasn’t in the car. Should I…? I felt quite embarrassed being late for the […]
Reaching Across the Divide
I admit it. I was eavesdropping. I didn’t mean to be, but in light of what I heard, I can’t say I’m sorry. It happened in line at Publix. The two gentlemen directly in front of me, who apparently were friends or at least acquaintances, were talking loudly enough that I couldn’t help but overhear […]