An Independence Day Meditation Part of playing in a high school band was marching in parades. Memorial Day. Independence Day. Veterans Day. And whatever “day” the band director said we would play. Parades are for families, children, veterans, dignitaries, and those who want to make a show of being there. Parades are pageantry. They commemorate … Continue reading Spectacular!
Tag: faith
Memorials
“Who am I anyway? Am I my resumé?” – from “I Hope I Get It” (A Chorus Line) Hamlisch and Kleban, 1975. There are many ways to “make your mark” on the world. And based on what I was taught, there are only a few good ways to do this. Think of the names we … Continue reading Memorials
Significance
“My friends were little men—like the Führer himself. These ten men were not men of distinction. They were not men of influence. They were not opinion-makers. Nobody ever gave them a free sample of anything on the ground that what they thought of it would increase the sales of the product. Their importance lay in … Continue reading Significance
Imagine
“Imagine there's no heaven / It's easy if you try / No hell below us / Above us, only sky // Imagine all the people / Livin' for today… Imagine there's no countries / It isn't hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion, too // Imagine all the … Continue reading Imagine
Incantations
One segment of my course, “Music, the Arts, and Culture,” consisted of an overview of film scores – their composers, history, techniques, etc. In the process, teams of two or three students were assigned to give class presentations. We chose films “out of a hat,” literally, so no one would feel they were unfairly assigned … Continue reading Incantations
Wisdom Revisited
While I’m recuperating from a medical procedure, here are some thoughts I posted on my office door many years ago. This is an edited version. The “Wisdom” of the World contrasted with Christ’s Wisdom: Never apologize. Saying “I’m sorry” is a sign of weakness. “First, be reconciled with your brother.” It takes strength to admit … Continue reading Wisdom Revisited
The Corinthians
Once upon a time, there was a Corinthian King who said he loved his country. He said, “I love the poorly educated.” He also said, “When somebody’s nice to me, I love that person. Even if they’re bad people, I couldn’t care less. I’ll fight to the end for them.” Perhaps he thought, “nobody knows … Continue reading The Corinthians
Mercy
An Easter Meditation Some of us like to pray for justice. Amos 5:24 is often quoted. “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Yet, if the Lord decides to give us what we truly deserve, perhaps we should be happy to receive mercy instead. In the Easter season, we … Continue reading Mercy
A Lenten Meditation
When I was little, my grandma called me her “joy boy.” To be fair, I was the first grandchild, so I had that going for me. Grandma taught Sunday School to little kids and even drove a few to Emannuel Baptist Church. Their parents didn’t have the means, but Grandma cared about them and set … Continue reading A Lenten Meditation
Control and Chaos
The father was right. There must be rules around the house. Children must obey their parents. Speak when spoken to. Come when they’re called. Pick up their toys. Clean their room. Do their homework. Don’t run in the house. Do their chores. Don’t talk back to their mother. Eat their vegetables. Ask for permission. Stop … Continue reading Control and Chaos
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