Too many words…too little empathy
Once, I was a young pastor’s wife whose husband returned home broken from a tough board meeting, which would be the catalyst for his eventual resignation from parish ministry. When Matt started talking about walking away, I wanted to be supportive, but the situation felt unfair. He had been a pastor for nearly ten years, it was the only life we knew together, and we had no idea what we would do next if he quit. I felt the kids and I were caught in the middle, swept by the tide of circumstances that were not of our doing yet … Continue reading Too many words…too little empathy
Being Actively Empathetic
The dictionary defines Emotional Intelligence as the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. As human resources professionals, we have been trained to express high emotional intelligence. EI (as … Continue reading Being Actively Empathetic
Economic Dog Whistles
According to Wikipedia, In politics, a dog whistle is the alleged use of coded or suggestive language in political messaging to garner support from a particular group without provoking opposition. The concept is named after ultrasonic dog whistles, which are audible to dogs but not humans. … Continue reading Economic Dog Whistles
Hands up, Don’t Shoot,
During these lazy warm and welcoming summer days, I enjoy relaxing drives with my lovely wife. Following in my late father’s footsteps, I found it convenient to find a driveway to use as a turnaround in U-Turn-prohibitive Central Ohio. However, … Continue reading Hands up, Don’t Shoot,
Exploitation, Racism, War… and Me
This is an uncomfortable feeling. I’m typically asked to contribute in writing my thoughts about a number of topics related to anti-racism, health, and wellness. I’ve built my whole career around being able to stand at the window of society … Continue reading Exploitation, Racism, War… and Me
Dreams Versus Reality in Black and White
For the majority of “white” Americans, Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy brings images of his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. It’s pleasant to think of a world where we will “…one day live in a nation where they (his … Continue reading Dreams Versus Reality in Black and White
Maturing of the Human Soul
On May 25, 2020, the world shifted as millions witnessed the horrifying moments when a police officer pressed his knee on George Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes. We weren’t the same after that—it was vicarious trauma. Also, in 2020, … Continue reading Maturing of the Human Soul
Laws of Disorder: dehumanizing through dehistoricizing
. . . like it’s 1899! You might not have seen it coming. Weapons of mass distraction have been cloaking laws of disorder for decades. Now here we are in 2023, with regressive racial policies as blatant as when “Redeemers” … Continue reading Laws of Disorder: dehumanizing through dehistoricizing
The August Theme: Law and Order?
Just days away from the anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom, better known as the March on Washington, as memories of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. resurrect many of his enduring words. Among these are Dr. King’s phrase “Giant Triplets” which referenced the Intersections … Continue reading The August Theme: Law and Order?
Three-Fifths 