By Bob Allen Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy described the important role that spirituality played in his own recovery from alcohol and substance abuse at an inaugural gathering of a new collaboration among psychiatrists and clergy July 11 in Arlington, Va….
Can I give you a ride?
I like giving people rides. As I live and work in the same neighborhood with a high concentration of poverty, I find the opportunity arises quite often. It’s a simple act of kindness that gives me joy while meeting an…
The problem of violence
I remember when the Columbine High School shootings happened in 1999. Schools across the country went into lockdown. Most of us were left mouths open watching news reports, trying to process and understand what happened and why. Schools and other…
Churches, like Christ, must de-stigmatize mental illness, embrace those who suffer from it
By Bill Webb Humankind has struggled with the matter of mental disorders — or mental illness — as long as people can remember. And the same can be said for Christians, from the time of Christ to the present moment….
Baptist leader urges better police training about how to interact with mentally ill
By Bob Allen Better police training about how to interact with people with mental health conditions and developmental disabilities can prevent needless tragedy, an American Baptist official told a Senate panel April 29. “Recent high-profile tragedies demonstrate the need for…
My wife and I are partners
When it comes to changing diapers, I wish my wife and I weren’t egalitarian, but we are. Our marriage is an equal partnership. We listen for God’s guidance together and apart. We communicate our needs and express our desires openly….
Forever Changed #18: the journey home
This is my last writing to you as I will be replaced this week and begin to transition home. I have been trying to figure out what to write on this last report. So here goes… As I reflect on…
The gift of uncertainty
I’m kind of a sucker for New Year’s. I love the idea that there is, built into our calendar, an annual “reset.” Even if I’ve had a pretty good year the year before, I always enjoy the idea of setting…
Forever Changed #17: How to pray during mortar attacks
As of Monday I took over Patriot Details for the next week. No sooner did I take over responsibility than I was called. After I got back from that Patriot Detail, I was told there will be more coming up…