Category: Contemplation

  • Breaking Through Before Breaking Free

    As I prepared my sermon for this Palm Sunday, I felt this sinking feeling. At first, I couldn’t figure out what it was. The truth is I’ve never been a holidays person. Even as a child I asked, “Do we have to do this Christmas thing every year. Actually, I get anxious during almost every…

  • The Compassionate Fool

    I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I am a fool. And I would be equally lying if I said that I want to be any other way. In fact, when I find myself feeling like I am wise, I feel like a failure. “How can I be so ignorant to think I am…

  • How To Win At Losing

    I am not a victim! I know this for a fact and at the same time I cannot deny that there have been people, systems, and deep ignorance aimed in my direction attempting to make me one all of my life. But not just me. Since people have been people, there have been those who…

  • We Met. We Talked. Now What?

    We Met. We Talked. Now What?

    Can one conversation fundamentally change who you are and how you are in the world?  I think so. And that’s precisely why I think so many of us fear authentic conversation. But hopefully this fear is waning. We Met. One day I had an encounter with a woman who struggled with an addiction to crack…

  • Prepackaged Moods on Life’s Meaning

    Prepackaged Moods on Life’s Meaning

    Recently I did a life review while floating in the ocean on a beach in Waikiki. I always do this, because as I am floating, the thought usually crosses my mind, “What if a shark just comes out of nowhere and eats me whole right now? What will my life have been about?” That might…