Unleash the Kraken
OK, we can hold our tongues no longer; it is time to speak our minds. You may be like me. I let them know that their deeds or beliefs are wrong and, as a result, that they are bad. An unspoken, and certainly intended, benefit is expressing that I am better than they are. Opportunity […]
Hold Your Tongue?
Last week’s message featuring a heartwarming personal interaction was nice, but you probably still feel an overwhelming urge to give a piece of your mind. Before doing so, let’s consider a few things. No One Above ReproachYou have heard the expression, “Never meet your heroes, they will disappoint you.” Peaceful changemaker Ghandi was racist and […]
Meaningful Action
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 […]
In America?
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 […]
Incriminated?
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 […]
Education over Indignation
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 […]
Not Your Fault but Your Responsibility
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 […]
The Worst Thing that Ever Happened?
His StoryA crestfallen friend bared his soul and shared his tale of woe with the expectation of a sympathetic response. Instead, I reconstructed his words and offered hearty congratulations. “Bob” told me that the failure of his business cost him his life’s savings and left him feeling ashamed. With his tail between his legs, he […]
Seek What is Right
I may have written a message that, despite its accuracy, will disappoint or enflame most. Rather than trying to solve the problem or change your mind, I want to encourage listening to more than the noise and, to the extent possible, receptivity to opposing viewpoints. FactsIt starts with a country’s obligation to enforce its immigration […]
Your North Star
The Case for ItWe generally have a good idea about what we want to do. We are decent people laboring at a professional endeavor, taking care of our families, indulging in pleasurable pastimes, and are reasonably happy. However, unless we discover and follow our purpose, we may succumb to the disorienting influence, even if well-intentioned, […]