A 21st-century Primer:
Decide intentionally.
Listen honestly.
Disagree passionately.
Argue necessarily.
Forgive quickly.
Persuade respectfully.
Celebrate privately.
Love constantly.
All… simultaneously.
Echo chambers are loud, lonely places.
Speeches are easy. Dialogue is hard.
But there are things to learn and stories to hear if we’ll stretch.
Risk it.
Step out.
If you don’t get it quite right, try again. And again.
Just try.
I remember the start.
It was 2008. The beginning of September.
A tenth of a mile at first. Walking. Continue reading
Dear 21st-century younger person,
I’m not sure what your Monday looks like, but just a few things to think about:
You don’t have to shock your way out of your childhood.
Getting attention is no replacement for being respected.
You don’t have to evolve to be relevant in the ways that really matter.
Fame and water cooler talk are poor substitutes for the private fulfillment everyone craves.
Right and wrong are real. And either through joy or pain, we realize that both have consequences.
Your kids are going to look for role models one day. Don’t make that a tough search for them.
Nothing can match family, genuine friendship, knowing God loves you, and living on purpose for a cause greater than oneself. Surround yourself with people whose lives reflect this.
And when you’re all alone, like who you’re with.
Today’s a new day. You’re worth more.
Courage. Patience. Balance. Discipline. Empathy. Consistency. Faith. Humility. Wisdom. Trust. And about a thousand other things. Continue reading
Dear Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, Progressives, Mr. President, and members of Congress, Continue reading
I admit I’m kinda weird this way, but for a long time, on Tuesdays, I’ve Continue reading
