Joy Thief
Comparison can rob us of our sense of value, especially when we focus on what others have and we don’t. More dangerously, it can poison our thoughts if we judge those who do less. Judgement and self-righteousness are toxic and can kill the joy inside us. Self-righteousness is a darkness that masks itself as contentment and confidence.
Six Strangers in Edmonton
Have I gone unaware of the efforts of six or more people who are concerned about my safety and well-being? Probably. I’ve thought about the incident at the intersection, and then, more broadly, about the strangers around me. We’re surrounded by good people who come from many backgrounds. When our stories collide at life's intersections, I’m comforted to know that most people care.
I’m the Drummer Boy
Pressure reveals the substance of our faith. The drum has been used to organise armies in a militaristic display of power. In the song of the Little Drummer Boy, the drum leads us gently to a scene that welcomed lowly shepherds, astrologers from the East, and a little baby whose army would one day wave palm branches and not swords.
The Races We Quit
Longevity is admirable, but it can also become an idol that doesn't deserve as much attention as it gets. If you're running a metaphorical marathon ordained by religious or partisan adherence, take a breather, step off to the side, and take a good look at the race as it keeps going around and around in circles.
Traffic, Idols & Resistance
Do you really need Facebook, X, or TikTok? Can we live a life free of Amazon? Should Elon Musk have over 7000 satellites orbiting the Earth? Do partisan politics actually make you feel healthy?
Everybody Knows…
Wisdom is not an exclusive quality…nor is the quality of walking through life unscathed emotionally. Our souls are not Teflon coated in a world stuck in torrential downpour of anxiety.
All We Have is Us
Dreams, like plants, need to be nurtured where they are planted. We have the greatest opportunity to help bring the dreams of small business owners to life. We would be mistaken if we expected a flood of business to come in from other markets to help our local business grow. When it comes to cheering on our neighbors, all we have is us.
Picard And Pentecost
You cannot truly understand someone if you don't know their story. Language is often a carrier of culture and meaning. You have to listen to catch it.
Our Way In The Cold
There's a great deal of sadness, anger, and grief with the challenges around our more vulnerable neighbors here in the city. I feel sad, even just writing out the word neighbors. The word neighbor implies a relationship of acceptance and coexistence. The forced evacuation of these sites has proven that we have a lot of work ahead of us before we can say Edmonton is a neighborly city.
It’s ok. Make New Friends.
I transitioned away from full-time ministry 18 years ago this month and forged a new career in hospitality. After moving back home to Edmonton, I started my first job in a hotel. That first week was so awkward and scary for me. I
Keep Going, Keep Giving
Showing genuine hospitality is a constant test of character. It's a test because offering kindness, generosity, and care to someone doesn't always yield the desired results. You can walk into any human interaction with pure motives and still be attacked and misunderstood.
Be Unreasonable
After nearly two decades of working in hospitality and community, I've learned one thing: motivation is a non-renewable resource. There is often an infinite and unending demand for service. We only have so much energy to give, and it doesn't take long to give the little we have. We're only human.
He-Man, Barbies, and The Sound of Freedom
I was a classic child of the 1980s, and my Saturday mornings included watching Masters of the Universe, Droids, Ewoks, The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, and Pee Wee's Playhouse. This was normal for me and millions of other kids, except for one little caveat. Before church, my mom often said, "So, please don't bring up He-Man and the Masters of the Universe at church."
Less Afraid
There is a market for inspiring fear and anger. Yes, there is often cause for concern, but fear is paralyzing, and we need more people who are willing to make an investment in our collective courage.