In recent times, there has been an effort to rehabilitate the public image of dragons. Rather than fire-breathing monsters that pose a terrifying threat to humanity, they have become misunderstood creatures that just need to be trained and embraced. ... continue reading
“Who are the people (living or dead) you would invite to your dream dinner party, and why?”
Ah yes, the classic icebreaker that has been putting us on the spot for centuries! With just a handful of names, your answer can reveal whether you’re a deep thinker, an intellectual, an activist – or, as in my case, none of the above. It’s designed to encourage you to think about who you admire, offering insight into what makes you tick and what’s important to you.... continue reading
As a clinical neuropsychologist, I’m supposed to be the expert, but despite five decades of life, you can see I remain a deeply flawed, moderately messed-up muddle of a human. Like most of us, I hope others won’t see my true nature if I paste on a smile, wear clean clothes and work hard at church. Sadly, that isn’t true. In the face of the smallest struggle, the truth is shown by my actions.... continue reading
Can you imagine what a day would look like without any digital connection with the outside world? Our everyday lives—especially if we’re part of a generation that’s grown up with the internet—are deeply engaged online. It’s impossible for most of us to think about not having a phone because of the nearly universal adoption of digital technology by everyone, everywhere, all the time.... continue reading
What is the meaning of life? It’s the question that sits at the very heart of our existence. Most of us have asked it. Some of us have tried, unsuccessfully, to answer it. And then there are those select few—the arrogant ones—who claim they’ve cracked the code.
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I’m sure many of you are in a position similar to my family’s. We’re regularly in contact with folks who identify as LGBT+. Not just random people but my daughter’s teacher, her town soccer coach, and her local-branch librarian. These are kind, talented adults tasked in various ways with caring for and leading my daughter.... continue reading
A pastor interrupted me during a seminar with a simple yet profound question: What even is the point of sport? Why do you care about it so much?
If you turn to most systematic theologies or books on cultural engagement, you might be left with the same question. Music, drama and literature are frequently acknowledged as legitimate areas of Christian reflection, but sport is often overlooked.... continue reading
The start of a new year brings a fresh beginning, inspiring many of us to reflect on our lives and consider what we might do differently. As people everywhere set goals to improve as spouses, parents, friends, and professionals, the culture of self-improvement reaches an all-time high – often accompanied by a wave of striving and stress.... continue reading
They laughed behind cupped hands, grade-school whispers assessing her dress. Look! It’s as big as a tent! Peter’s face reddened as he accepted his forgotten lunch bag from his mother’s strong hand. Her face glowed, Scandinavian accent thick as she spoke love over her son in broken English. I dangled upside down from the playground bars, observing this heavyset woman adorned in a shapeless house dress swishing past her ankles. ... continue reading
I once taught a 10-year-old Sunday School student named "Chicken." That was how he introduced himself when he strolled into class ten minutes late soaking wet from walking to church in the rain. His real name was David and he was a hoot, especially as he gasped and groaned hearing Bible stories for the first time. Each Sunday, he came and revelled in the love of others and love of God before slinking to the back of the church where I discovered he often sat by himself.... continue reading
