Personal Development
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...
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...
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...
Adventure
Originally published on August 19th, 2018 in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Dear Son (or Daughter): The summer of 1974 was a pivotal moment in American history. The United States was one year away from exiting Vietnam. Watergate was coming to a close. For the first time in American history, a...
Peace Of Mind At 37,000 Feet
“Ladies and Gentlemen, from the flight deck this is your First Officer speaking, we have reached our cruising altitude of 37,000 feet. We are expecting a smooth ride; the seat belt sign is now off. You are free to move about the cabin, we just ask that if you remain...
An Approach To Servant Leadership
In 2004, three hurricanes hit Polk County Florida. I was in high school at the time and although three hurricanes in a single year was unusual, the practice of surviving and rebuilding after wasn’t unfamiliar. My amazing mother single-handedly raised my two brothers and me through some very lean times...
