Most faith traditions use confession as a way to acknowledge shortcomings and seek forgiveness. That’s good, but lately I’ve wondered if this group confession, with its community language, isn’t getting in the way of my personal transformation. In short, does the first person plural or “we” language serve as a tweed coat in hiding the problem from my personal, singular, responsibility …
Community
Life’s Wisdom Packed In A Takeout Lunch
Price’s Chicken Coop already had 17 years of success in Charlotte when I arrived in 1979. It was stuck in the middle of a row of similar old buildings way before the arrival of the looming apartment buildings, trendy shops, or the LYNX Blue Line. The menu was taped in the window. I had been warned to study it before entering so I could be ready to order without hesitation and pay the exact amount in cash, never plastic. The recommendation I had received that day, almost 40 years ago, was 100% correct. It’s still the best chicken in Charlotte …
It’s Time To Lace Up My Shoes and Volunteer
I was caught by images of a white dog, then a veteran, some homeless people, refugees and immigrants, and even a polar bear. I heard their cry for help, I could see it in their expressions. It wasn’t until the end of the commercial that I realized I’d been watching an ad for an insurance company. I don’t know if I’ll buy their insurance but I want to follow their advice …
Who Is My Neighbor?
I met Mark Ethridge in the Grier Heights Community Center. We were part of a multi-racial book club discussing Rev. William Barber’s book, The Third Reconstruction. I was curious to learn how he gained his interracial knowledge at such a young age. He then told me about The Urbanites and the work they are doing at Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center.
In Praise of Labels – Kinda
Labels do matter. I need them when I open my pantry, otherwise I don’t know what’s in the box or jar. When I buy a shirt, I need to know the fabric, how to care for it, and its size. But what labels belong on me? You already know I am a married, white male with children and grandchildren. A quick voter registration search shows my political party. FaceBook and LinkedIn give you my birthday, my education, and my relatives. I don’t hide this, nor should I need to …
TED: Ideas Worth Spreading
Charlotte’s TED talks were Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Dale F. Halton Theater. Over 1000 people came together under one theme – EXPLORE. The agenda is simple – to make great ideas accessible and spark conversations, in more than 110 languages. TED’s only purpose is to start the dialogue, it’s up to the listener to create the action …
Six Things Nerds Want Us to Know
Society quickly moved into the digital age we now enjoy – or hate. Tom Petaccia is my friend, my webmaster, and my chief advisor on all things “technology-ish.” Recently, I asked Tom what he thinks the most important things he, and his Nerd friends, want us Non-Nerds to know. Here are his answers …
Choosing a Yard Sign … or Not
Loving some neighbors is hard especially when they put out the wrong political yard sign. I struggle to even tolerate them this time of year. And yet, these are families I know and love, so I work harder at it. Then I wonder about people across town and in other parts of my state. Do I have to love them too?
Pickup Trucks and Responsibilities
Years ago, I made the choice to own a pickup truck. Of course I knew friends would want to borrow it, for moving to a new home, taking stuff to Goodwill, or bringing home their huge Christmas tree, but that didn’t stop me. My truck is a simple F-150 4×4 regular cab, short bed with a manual transmission. There is no carpet, and only crank windows with large wing vents for a great breeze on a summer day. The one luxury is an old cassette deck. The truck is twenty years old, simple and mine …
Paralympic Gold Comes At A Steep Price
A fresh group of athletes from 176 countries are arriving in Rio de Janeiro to compete in the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games. From September 7 to September 18, competitors will go for the gold in 528 events – and, dare I say, with more courage than the participants who recently moved out of Olympic Village.