Nearly 200 years ago, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “In wildness is the preservation of the world.” In his essay “Walking,” Thoreau encourages people to be ‘wild,’ which he likens to ‘absolute freedom’ in contrast to ‘limited freedom,’ which we all experience 24/7 in civil culture. My longtime and perennial friend Dwight and I experienced ‘wildness’ …
Category Archives: Spirit
And Still They Come…
When my friend first suggested that each of us ‘needs a break,’ I blew him off. He’s right – as he usually is – but each of us has so many things to do that effect so many people. Still, the more he talked about it, the more I felt like it would be good …
First Responders Rising
Within hours of posting our plea earlier this week to support the Barefoot School – our learning center in Cité Soleil, Haiti – I received a call from Gail Megaloudis Rongen, Chairman of the Board of the Nicole Megaloudis Foundation. I am more than pleased to announce that Gail has authorized the Nicole Megaloudis Foundation …
Who’s Gonna Do It?
In the ‘Gethsemane’ scene in the 2003 rock opera !Hero that considers “What if Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?” Hero – played by Michael Tait – sings a powerful anthem that asks the question, “Who’s gonna do it, if I don’t step to it?” It is a formidable and intensely personal question. In my …
Rights of the Child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted and opened for signature and ratification in November 1989 by the UN General Assembly. It was officially ‘entered into force’ almost a year later in September 1990, over three decades ago. Article 42 states that governments must actively work to make sure children …
Unconditional Healthcare
unconditional Jesus and the leper
Sustainable Development
Together, we can save the world from itself. I am willing to join you in assuming this responsibility because I have concluded that no government, no organization, and no religious tradition has the leadership and capacity to save the world from itself. The closest it gets is the Roman Catholic Church under the leadership of …
Time Does Not Stand Still
One year ago as we entered the 11th year publishing this website, I wrote, “In 2021, we hope to corral the pandemic and turn our backs on the cultural and political discord that threatens to destroy the goodness that is inherent in each of us.” Alas, as a race, society, and culture, we failed on …
Clarence Oddbody on Each Man’s Life
Originally posted 12/20/2011… As Tom Shadyac professes in his film “I AM:” We are all connected. Each person on this planet is connected to every other man, woman and child, and it goes deeper still … all of creation is connected. Our connectivity mandates that we make good choices because even the least of our …
A Toy Story
As the Polar Express steams by Herpolsheimer’s department store – the England Brothers of my youth in Pittsfield, Massachusetts – the kids on the train stare in wonder at the store’s window displays filled with magical Christmas visions. “I want them all,” the ‘know-it-all kid exclaims referring to the abundance of extraordinary gifts and toys. …