Leadership
George
He came into their lives over twelve years ago, a black and white bundle of energy we named George. George was our Boston terrier. He was, in a manner, the default choice of pets. Against our better judgment we nearly acquired a hamster one Saturday afternoon but, before we arrived...
Control
On July 11th, 2015, I woke to the sound of thunder. And a pit in my stomach the size of a beach ball. The previous day had been nearly perfect. 80 degrees and sunny. 18 holes of golf, tent, tables, and chairs set up, some time by the pool, and...
Doing the Brain Health Dishes
Originally published January 27, 2019 in the Cedar Rapids Gazette & the Waverly Newspapers In her Condition of the State message, Gov. Kim Reynolds noted that Iowa has invested significant resources since a 2013 redesign of mental health services and will continue to do more this year with the creation of...
The Ambiguity of Heroes
Rev. Professor Peter Gomes (1942-2011) was an American Baptist minister who, from 1974 to the time of his death, served as Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pursey Minister in The Memorial Church, Harvard University. The following post is an excerpt from his sermon, The Ambiguity of Heroes, which was...
A Prescriptive Post-Mortem for Iowa
Published 12/30/2018 in the Telegraph Herald “A well-informed electorate is a prerequisite for Democracy” - Thomas Jefferson We have a vested interest in the health of our state. We work, educate our children, and participate in community life. We pay taxes to support public schools, infrastructure, public safety, and medical care...
An American Armistice
On Sunday, November 11, 2018 I had the distinct honor of praying the benediction at the Centennial Armistice Ceremony at the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery and Memorial in France. Our family prepared by watching the classic film Sergeant York, which depicts the events that took place at the Meuse-Argonne. About an hour...
In Service to Our Better Angels
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham’s recently released The Soul of America: the Battle for Our Better Angels is the source of conversation in pundit circles these days. For some, The Soul of America is a subtle critique of the Trump administration and its policies. For others, the book is a...
Clear The Path
A common relationship during the Roman Empire was that of a Patron with his Anteambulo. Often an artist, writer, or performer, the relationship consisted primarily of the Anteambulo fulfilling small tasks, delivering messages, or running errands in exchange for money, food, or favors. The literal definition of Anteambulo is ‘a...
Pa
Pa (Patrick) Lough is my new 90-year-old friend. He lives in Kincasslagh, a village of about 44 people, in County Donegal, Ireland. It is the place he has called home for 90 years. When we first met, Pa informed me that his people have lived in that area since 1732,...
Called To Greatness
People in charge are normally easy to spot. In churches for example, they are the ones most often standing behind the pulpit or lectern. In companies they probably have the biggest office. In non-profits they often chair the most important committees. And in government, they are the faces we see...
