My liberal tribe who admire my long gray hair, my distain of bras and my vermicomposting practice cringe a little when I talk about our military. They confuse my respect and admiration of those who serve — “Non sibi sed…
Care for veterans means supporting the living too
You can blame this editorial on my mother’s 20-year-old Ford Explorer. I responded to the sudden flash of the engine light as I was recently driving Interstate 20 in northwest Louisiana. I darted to her highly utilized mechanic, who continues…
How much wealth does America need before we’ll address homelessness?
In college I read a story by Leo Tolstoy called “How Much Land Does A Man Need?” Tolstoy’s story is about a peasant named Pahom, whose desire is to own enough land to make him wealthy. It did not start…
Religion Notes: Church giving on rise despite drops in attendance
-Nurturing young children, teens
-Ministry to the military
Common missionary and military lives prepared Baptist chaplains for marriage
As a couple, Jim and Jo Kirkendall take the concept of “having things in common” to a whole new level. Both grew up overseas as children of missionaries with the then-Foreign Mission Board. Both became Navy chaplains – and met…
Dad’s ‘Heart Shield’ Bible: A Veterans Day reflection
At right is the image of my Dad’s “Heart Shield” Bible, an edition of the New Testament on to which a metal plate has been attached. The engraved cover, now smudged by corrosion, reads “May this keep you safe from…
19.6 million — and my dad
By John Jay Alvaro Today is Veteran’s Day. Anyone who is a veteran, or who has friends and family who are, doesn’t need to be reminded of the importance of this day. But for those folks with no connection to…
Walking spoils of war
Veterans Affairs needs an overhaul, and churches can lead the way in veteran care reform—only if they work together. I’ve wondered how the church would respond to wounded veterans’ needs. In communities across the country veterans return attempting to fight…