To Yourself Too often, we talk to ourselves like no one has ever spoken or would speak to us or in a manner we would never speak to someone else.   Negative self-talk is the enemy of a fulfilling life by fostering doubt about our abilities and creating a standard for ourselves below our true potential.  We tell ourselves we lack some attribute (not smart or good-looking enough, did not come from...

A Tall Order? The year is more than half over!  What do you have to show for it?  This message is not about goal tracking but the vital practice of periodically investing time to think and generate ideas leading to difference-making actions.   The level of contemplation required cannot be accomplished when our minds are smothered with an avalanche of family, social, and work responsibilities...

Everything Wrong with Me Today’s message is not merely a confession; I invite you into the conversation by interjecting questions requiring self-reflection. Usually, I would not drag someone else down with me, but “Sam” was my able accomplice.  Fortunately, he is good-natured and open to sharing this experience to help others.  His presence also illustrates I am not alone in my compulsions.  ...

The Groundwork Just writing the title gives me anxiety, as the word “pulpit” has a potentially negative connotation and can trigger a defensive reaction. I hope you trust me enough to hear (read) me out. I do not approach this subject with any moral or religious authority.  I have not been perfect (sometimes not even good), am not currently perfect, and will not become perfect.  Nor am I a...

And Hate Them All? Examples Abound It is the racist White guy who truthfully has Black friends.   It is Bob who announced during bible study that he hates White people.  While I am confident his proclamation does not apply to me, I accept his words and believe he generally dislikes White people.     It was the Nazi in charge of deporting Jews to concentration camps who complained that if he...