Wisdom of the Wounded

Several years ago a group of computer salesmen from Milwaukee went to a regional sales convention in Chicago.  They assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for dinner.  But with one thing or another, the meeting ran overtime; so, the men had to race to the station, tickets in hand.  […]

From the book, Letters to God, written by children. Listen for some wisdom about how to communicate with God.  Listen to the children: Dear God, I know you are supposed to love your neighbor, but if Mark keeps taking my other skate, he’s going to get it.  Kevin Dear God, I am sending you a […]

Today’s wisdom is from God:  1 Thessalonians  5:18 says,  “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Maybe right now your life is dark and dismal and it is difficult to be grateful.  Maybe the following will remind you of gifts you possess . . . even in the dark times of life: GIVING THANKS If you woke […]

I became very agitated as I stood in line at a funeral home visitation.  I could not believe it!  The person at the front of the line occupied the bereaved woman’s attention for 30 minutes—or maybe it was only 5 minutes, but it seemed like 30! The man must have told her all his life’s […]

What do Prince Harry, Michelle Obama and Chris Stapleton have in common? Prince Harry, Michelle Obama and Chris Stapleton are all involved in a Campaign to “Change Directions.”  The goal of this campaign is to change the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support […]

Here is an idea which makes funeral home visitation easier for everyone: Recently when I visited a funeral home I was surprised and pleased to see individuals wearing name tags.  What a great thoughtful idea for everyone. As Mary Hickey says, “When people stayed in the same community their entire lives, name tags were probably […]

What can I do to be helpful if an abusive situation is revealed? Listen to the person and believe her!  Minimizing or excusing the abuse does not help. Tell her that the abuse is not her fault, and is not God’s will for her. You might say, “You deserve to feel safe, valued, and respected […]

By Donna Sawyer Recently a friend of mine who is an EMT was hit by a drunk driver. Kevin was driving and his partner was in the back of the ambulance. As soon as I saw the news on Facebook I called Jodi, Kevin’s wife, to find out how they were doing. Kevin was home […]

Is it possible to be a “best friend” to all of your friends? It depends on what I mean. If I mean being each of my friends very closest friend, then definitely not. But if I mean being the best friend I know how to be to each of them, then it is possible. Do […]

Today there are so many messages listing: “What’s Wrong with America.”  Maybe, it is time to also remember “What is right with America.” So please join me and share: “What’s right with America?“ What’s right with America? I see people helping people: I see nine middle school teachers leading a West Ottawa Adventure School which […]