The Quiet Gospel of ‘Pop’: Integrity Without a Megaphone
Gregg Popovich may never quote scripture, but he lives with a kind of quiet integrity that feels sacred. This reflection explores why his actions—not his words—remind me of the kind of faith I still believe in.
When Conquest Passes for Greatness
We often revere history’s great conquerors—people like Napoleon, Subutai, or Andrew Jackson—but rarely do we reckon with the human cost of their campaigns. Maybe it’s time we rethink what makes someone “great.”
The Red Clay Strays and the Complicated Joy of Discovering New Music
Discovering a new band is usually a simple joy. But these days, I find myself asking: who else is listening, and what does that say about the music — or about me? A reflection on The Red Clay Strays and the burden of cautious listening.
Too Good to Question: When Faith Feeds the Algorithm
A touching Facebook post about Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke made me pause—not just because it was fake, but because it reminded me how easily we fall for emotional manipulation when it feels good. From nostalgia-fueled hoaxes to emotionally engineered faith experiences, sometimes we need to ask: are we responding to truth… or just really good storytelling?
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For: How U2 Helped Me Stop Pretending
How one verse from U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” gave me permission to stop pretending, start questioning, and see faith not as a destination—but as an honest, unfinished journey.
More Than a Mirror
A 55-year-old photo revealed a striking resemblance between my son and his grandfather—but also a powerful reminder that while we inherit faces, we build our worldviews. A reflection on family, difference, and the lifelong process of growing into empathy.
When the Ache Becomes Normal
I lived with a toothache far longer than I should’ve—and it taught me something about all the kinds of pain we get used to carrying, both physical and emotional.
When Compassion Collides with Conviction
A Dateline reunion story sparked a painful realization: many Americans have confused political affiliation with spiritual identity. But when your faith defends cruelty, it’s no longer faith — it’s fear in disguise.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—But Somebody Did
Raised to believe Republicans were the fiscally responsible party, I was long-grown before I began to question it. And, a recent look at the actual numbers inspired a personal reflection on truth, debt, and political rethinking.
Love is Not All—But It Better Be Something
The recent Kerr County floods remind us that “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough. Edna St. Vincent Millay was right—love isn’t all. But if it’s real, it moves us to do something more than perform compassion for the cameras.