Bootstraps, Really???
Some years ago, the local paper ran an article about a young man who decided to hop a train from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC with $25 in his pocket. Within six months, he...
What Would Happen?
Years ago after someone indicated that he thought he was worth more to the community and his company than others were, a staff member at United Ministries said, “Imagine that all the CEOs in...
Social Isolation
Our movements are restricted because of social isolation. With this comes all kinds of positive and negative feelings. Some of us finally have the time to do that house and/or yard work we’ve been...
What Does Gentrifying Mean?
As I take people on a tour through Greenville, I use the term gentrifying. I often need to explain what that means. I’m challenged because gentrifying has both good news and bad news about...
Myth Busters
Myth Busters Compiled by Beth Templeton, 3.30.18 Based on Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer, $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, Mariner Books, imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 Not...
Hidden Voices (Part 6 in a six part series)
Hidden Voices (Part 6 of a 6-Part series) One other group of people whose voices are hidden are those who deal with severe mental illness and addiction issues. We’d like for people with mental...
Hidden Voices
We will not, do not, or cannot hear the voices that are hidden in our community. We will not…hear hidden voices We stay within the confines of people more or less like us. We...
Hawks and Doves
Hawks and Doves This week, a parable took place right in front of me with a hawk and a dove. I’m talking real birds here, not symbols. It seems timely since it happened the...
Donald Trump Prayer Project 6.20.17
Creator of the World, help Mr. Trump find ways to listen to the tweets of real birds, beyond the interiors of buildings, endless meetings, and incessant voices. Amen
Gentrifying vs. Gentle-fying a Neighborhood
Gentrifying: House is purchased for income building Gentle-fying: House is purchased for neighborhood building Gentrifying: Security is based on locks, gates, and systems Gentle-fying: Security is based on friendships and watching out for each...
Donald Trump Prayer Project 5.8.17
Holy God, you have said that we shall have no other gods before us. Are you talking about the gods that all people worship, no matter what name they use for you? Gods such...
Donald Trump Prayer Project 4.25.17
God of Wisdom, give Mr. Trump true wisdom—not immediate quips; sound judgment—not sound bytes; and deep substance—not shallow reactions. Amen 4.25.17