Since 2004, a million people have shared their secrets on PostSecret.com. The secret can be a fear, regret, betrayal, confession or humiliation. These anonymous secrets have to be true and must never have been shared with anyone. The secrets include…
Self-centeredness is having a moment
Have you seen this post: “Selfish people rarely recognize how selfish they are. If you think this is about someone else, you’re the one in denial”? We believe the world would be a better place if everyone thought like we…
‘Beautiful, ain’t it?’ Our tragic, magic lives
On Sunday mornings before worship, I check the news to see if there are any new tragic deaths that need to be mentioned. Sometimes I end up writing concerns in the margins of the sermon or the prayers of the…
Whiny ministers becoming tour guides
Alchemists, lamplighters, town criers, pinsetters, phrenologists, travel agents, switchboard operators and video store clerks have given up on finding their jobs listed in the classifieds. Some jobs disappear, but most jobs just change. Journalists have to learn to manipulate social…
Jesus’ cover bands: Some ‘Christians’ are making up their own songs
In 1980, I was invited to a James Taylor concert, but our church softball team was in the playoffs. If our right fielder got injured, I might get to play. I decided to put the team first and have regretted…
Why you gotta be so mean?
Someone posted this question on Reddit: “What’s the most hurtful thing anyone has ever said to you?” You might be surprised by how many were willing to reopen deep wounds by sharing the harshest words they have received. One woman…
It’s always darkest before it goes pitch black; choose hope anyway
If you have someone on your Christmas list who seems too hopeful — who still uses a paper calendar — you might consider a demotivational calendar. On one such 2026 calendar — and you can Google a disappointing number of…
Tourists visiting the poor
Dorothy Day said, “I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.” That is setting the bar way too high. In 1967, Dorothy Day opened St. Joseph’s House in New York’s East Village,…
The early church would be shocked we’ve stopped feeding the hungry
Churches get reputations. Some churches are known for their sense of community. Congregations that focus on friendship are fun — lots of parties, traditions and food. People in these churches tend to weigh more. We gain weight at potluck dinners….
Joining the Pub Choir
People who say “Everybody can sing” have not heard me sing, but being bad at something should not keep you from doing it. I recently paid $97 to attend a choir rehearsal. Having heard my own voice this seemed fair,…
Oh, Canada! You’re looking pretty good right now
Carol and I recently escaped to the Great White North, the Land of Maple Syrup and America’s Hat. After five days in Toronto, I am a bit of an expert. My sense is Canadians are friendly. People speak on the…
We have time to …
In 49 C.E., Seneca wrote a book on time management. In On the Shortness of Life, he came down hard on his fellow Romans for pursuing political careers they didn’t really care about, holding elaborate banquets they didn’t especially enjoy…