Category Archives: Song

“I need y’all to do more than just hear me right now. I need y’all to FEEL me.” -Renee Montgomery

This week’s protests by professional athletes have drawn even greater attention to the urgent need for reform in support of racial equity. The African American community in the United States deserves better. Their experience of daily life is an unjust one that demands change. And so I was proud of all my favorite teams- hereContinue reading ““I need y’all to do more than just hear me right now. I need y’all to FEEL me.” -Renee Montgomery”

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger. Something better, pushing right back! -Albert Camus

These words provide me with a welcome source of inspiration today. I have found much of this week’s national political dialogue to be toxic. We are stuck indoors due to the poor air quality from the California wildfires, while my colleagues in the New Orleans area brace for potential hurricane impacts. In Milwaukee, Jacob BlakeContinue reading “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger. Something better, pushing right back! -Albert Camus”

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” -Maya Angelou

Today is the first day of school for my kids. Their chromebooks are set-up and I installed a wi-fi extender at home so that my internet could withstand the numerous daily Zooms. The sense of loss of the in-person experience is offset by the excitement my children have of seeing their friends on their screens.Continue reading ““Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” -Maya Angelou”

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

I read this passage on a card I received in the mail yesterday. I was struck by how rewarding it was to open a written correspondence. The card was sent to me by a colleague in Washington, DC, and it also felt nice to receive good news from our nation’s capital…for the first time inContinue reading ““Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13″

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

“No wonder those words have weathered the centuries so well; no wonder they are still music to our ears.  They assure us that those who please God are not those who can carry the heaviest loads but those who are willing to share their loads, who are willing to share their yokes by entering intoContinue reading ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.””

The measure of wealth in a civilized nation is not the currency accumulated by the lucky few, but rather the strength and resonance of social relations and the bonds of reciprocity that connect all people in common purpose- Wade Davis

Yesterday was an odd day that began with a coyote lunging at my dog on our morning walk, and concluded with several hours of playing guitar with my neighbors. We played songs by Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Van Morrison, artists from another time who held lofty ideals about community and society. My dog isContinue reading “The measure of wealth in a civilized nation is not the currency accumulated by the lucky few, but rather the strength and resonance of social relations and the bonds of reciprocity that connect all people in common purpose- Wade Davis”

Empathy is the social glue that holds a civilized society together. Empathy lays the core for helping kids live one truth: we are ALL humans who share the same fears and concerns, and deserve to be treated with dignity. -Dr. Michele Borba

Last week I was involved in meetings with a group of Brothers and with my children’s school, both of which discussed the importance of connectedness amidst virtual community. The loss of in-person community is real, yet we also have an opportunity to leverage our common mission to overcome the inherent obstacles of being physically separated.Continue reading “Empathy is the social glue that holds a civilized society together. Empathy lays the core for helping kids live one truth: we are ALL humans who share the same fears and concerns, and deserve to be treated with dignity. -Dr. Michele Borba”

May our singing be music for others, and may it keep others aloft. – Eric Whitacre

Last week’s passing of Civil Rights icon John Lewis challenges us to continue his life’s work toward access, equality and standing up for what is right. In our continuing experience of this coronavirus pandemic, and throughout our country’s attempts to reconcile our systemic racial injustices, there are many opportunities to do just this. Let usContinue reading “May our singing be music for others, and may it keep others aloft. – Eric Whitacre”