Lies In-betweenAfter last week’s story about the protesters, the algorithm took over, and I began seeing too many examples of religious intolerance, and wondered if it is the prevailing attitude. Fortunately, only three people conducted the protest described last week. Just a few days earlier, the Texas Governor hosted a Diwali celebration at his official residence. Far less reported are

I really want to vent and criticize, and I will, but more importantly, I want to encourage being a better example.  A self-described “Christian” organization1 confronted devout worshippers outside a local mandir after celebrating Diwali, one of Hinduism’s major festivals. The group was allegedly promoting Christianity and condemning Hinduism, going so far as to defile an image of Ganesh, a

As a child safety advocate, I strongly support the strict enforcement of laws against child abusers. Whatever their remorse or our capacity for forgiveness, convicted abusers should be separated from society as the law prescribes.  Tragically, the Giuffre1 victimization was made worse by the under prosecution and under sentencing of the perpetrator in 2008. The pat on the wrist apparently

This may be another frustrating post for some because I forgo expressions of indignation in favor of education. Judging by the media coverage, we use outrage to advance our political or social agendas rather than to advance safety, healing, and justice for our children. Any casual reader of 52 Steps Forward knows I frequently (just last week) mention child safety.

Everyone can point to circumstances not of our own doing (impoverished family, highly pigmented skin, surname ending in a vowel, went to Podunk school, etc.) to justify our less-than-desired position. All may be true, but they do not excuse us from responsibility for our response.         The ExemplarsOprah overcame a very disadvantaged upbringing to become a billion-dollar media mogul. A Scottish