As virtually the whole world knows by now, Pope Francis has died. One of the hallmarks of his reign was his compassion and kindness.
In today’s world, many of us are growing weary of all the turmoil and trouble assaulting our senses nearly everywhere we turn. Is there no relief or respite from all the chaos and cruelty?
As we were writing this post, I was reminded of a time long ago, when I was growing up in New York State.… Read more
Our title today is an 1839 quotation from 19th-centruy English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
As you’ve probably heard, the legendary writer Salman Rushdie was brutally attacked recently as he was giving a speech.
This dreadful event happened at the famous Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. That happens to be a short distance from my old hometown of Westfield in rural western New York State.
Spirit
As our friend Seth says, “There is never any justification for violence. There is no justification for hatred.… Read more
My first job out of college was as a New York State probation officer in the United States.
Though I loved the work, I was young and had never seen much of life’s dark side. One of my first assignments was supervising a convicted murderer. It was not an assignment I would have willingly chosen.
Over the months, Bill (not his real name) and I got to know each other well. Despite his awful crime, he was a gentle caring man.… Read more
Beware so long as you live, of judging people by appearances. ~ Jean de La Fontaine, French poet
Hobos, United States Library of Congress
Years ago we wrote a post about a hobo in my western New York State hometown. For many years he lived in the woods by the railroad tracks, not far from town. Although people would pass by his little shack now and then, he never spoke to anyone.
We always thought he was just a sad, pitiful lost soul, with no family or support.… Read more
A couple nights ago I had an unusual dream. In the dream I was visiting my hometown in New York State. I don’t remember the details, but I do remember the feeling and the energy of the dream. It was one of the most peaceful dreams I’ve ever had.
The next morning when I checked my email there was a letter from someone I grew up with in my hometown. He and I are about the same age, and our families were good friends when we were kids.… Read more
A couple days ago a friend told me about a vivid prophetic dream she’d had. That night I also had a vivid dream. I was with one of my favorite cousins in a familiar setting — on the porch of the house in New York State where I grew up.
My cousin was making cynical, judgemental comments about a few people we both knew. I said to him “Why not assume the best about people?”
“Everybody?” he asked.
“Everybody,” I replied.… Read more