“The Left” “The Right”. Terms I hear often thrown around with such certainty, but which I have yet to hear a clear, consistent definition of. Terms I rarely see used to encourage real discussion, engagement, or dialogue. Terms I’ve never seen used to build consensus. Terms I often see used to divide, demonize, or justify. […]
Under Rosarito Skies (Part Five: Adios)
One thing I have always struggled with in writing, songwriting, really creative projects of any kind is finishing. I don’t know what it is, but putting closure, finale, is painful. I put it off. I often don’t know where to start ‘the end’, which loose ends to tie up first, how to arrange it, how […]
Under Rosarito Skies (Part Four: Beauty and Borders)
That is a Rosarito sunset. We got to enjoy this one evening late in the week. I took a seat on a rocky ledge to rest my knee. My son and his friends braved the waves. It was a bit cool that evening, but I would have been right in there with them under different […]
Under Rosarito Skies (Part Three: Busted Knee)
From June 26- July 2, 2015 my wife, son and I took what we hope to be the first of many pilgrimages to serve at Project Mexico/St. Innocent Orphanage. “Under Rosarito Skies” is my humble attempt to journal my experience, which I can only describe as transformative. I ask forgiveness ahead of time for the […]
Under Rosarito Skies (Part Two: The Good Word)
From June 26- July 2, 2015 my wife, son and I took what we hope to be the first of many pilgrimages to serve at Project Mexico/St. Innocent Orphanage. “Under Rosarito Skies” is my humble attempt to journal my experience, which I can only describe as transformative. I ask forgiveness ahead of time for the […]
Under Rosarito Skies (Part One: The Fog)
From June 26- July 2, 2015 my wife, son and I took what we hope to be the first of many pilgrimages to serve at Project Mexico/St. Innocent Orphanage. “Under Rosarito Skies” is my humble attempt to journal my experience, which I can only describe as transformative. I ask forgiveness ahead of time for the […]
Storms, Worry, Sparrows, and Charleston
Originally published in the Faith column of the Journal Review, June 20, 2015 As I’m writing this, I’m looking outside my window as a powerful, kind of unexpected storm passes through. My son tells me that the streets are flooding pretty quickly. He’s worried about a flash flood. We have friends who just visited from […]
Church is Hard
Among the news headlines and trending topics on social media of the past few weeks has been the results of new polls that show a decline in people, especially young people who identify with any organized faith community. The “rise of the ‘nones’ (as in, church affiliation: none)” has occupied debates and discussions, both among […]
Ladders
A Homily given at Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church, Indianapolis, IN On the occasion of the Central Indiana Lenten Vespers Series. Theme of the Series: “Why We Believe What We Believe” Sunday of the Ladder (St. John Climacus) March 22, 2015 Glory to Jesus Christ! I’m honored to be able to speak today, […]
Priest Card #1: Not Funny
Today was a heated day for debate on the internet. What else is new? This is a bit of a screed – so forgive me – I usually don’t write like this. I don’t like playing the priest card, but sometimes its necessary, I guess. I won’t be arguing a position today on current events… […]
Saved Together 