Denial is the root of our problems
I never thought I’d live in an era where obvious truths would be attacked daily with obvious lies. You’re either in Kansas, Dorothy, or...
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The poor are poor largely because they live in networks of relationships that do not work for their well-being. Their relationships are often oppressive and disempowering as a result of the non-poor "playing god" in the lives of the poor.
--Bryant L. Myers, Walking with the Poor
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Salvation. Not what you think.
Last week I received, as a gift, Anne Lamott’s newest book Dusk Night Dawn because the giver and I have a mutual friend in Anne Lamott....
The Case Against "Not Racist"
Without question, race and poverty are linked. Racism creates poverty. Racism makes and keeps people poor. Also, to be acknowledged, is...
The Denial of Death
Two major influences shaped our country: 1) Settlers forced indigenous people off their land and 2) Africans and other people of color...
Words Matter
Words are powerful. Words, some true, some false, have split our nation in half. Even one word can determine the fate of millions of...
Vote for "The Least of These"
Last time, I encouraged you to become a one-issue voter. You may recall that the list of single issues was not the usual hot buttons like...
One Issue Voter
I’ve never been a one-issue voter, but this year is different. In fact, there are four issues so broad and essential to democracy, any...
Gandhi on Non-Violence
Last time, we talked about Gandhi’s transformation from misogyny to non-violence (love). Below are some of his thoughts on Ahimsa...
Non-violence
The lineage of non-violent protest can be traced from John Lewis to Martin Luther King Jr., to Gandhi and Jesus. Though a Hindu, Gandhi...
The Veil of Ignorance
How NOT KNOWING is the solution to equality... Can you recall the iconic drawing of our forefathers drafting the Constitution? I recently...
Haves and Have Nots
My posts have centered on poverty. Today’s title could be a misdirect. When I talk about the Haves and Have Nots here, I won’t be talking...
Paradoxical Thinking
As you know, the political landscape in our country is highly polarized. It is painful and saddening to observe. Either/Or thinking is...
Everything's Broken. That's Okay.
Everything’s Broken. That’s Okay. It is clear that we are at the end of a paradigm. We’re hearing people say, “We can’t go back to...
Three Simple Words
For every dark bit of news there is always rays of light. We are being gifts every day by people being at their best. Humor. Music....
C.L.E.A.R. Program
Imagine being released from jail or prison and realizing how much work will be required to “make it” in today’s world with no income, no...
Poverty: Beyond Partisanship
Late last year, I attended a panel discussion at Holland’s Warehouse 6 billed as “Faith and Politics: Beyond Partisanship.” The panel...
No Tents. Housing Now!
The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony organized a Right to Housing Rally on October 25 at Centennial Park in Holland, Michigan. I...
Kiva: Be a World Banker
While local poverty issues are discussed here, all of us can be active in world-wide poverty reduction as well. A quick and easy activity...
Compassion
Compassion: a sympathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. I’m visiting family. We’re up at 5:00am and head to the...
Exile - Strangers in a Strange Land
The ability to move out of poverty is significantly hindered by the isolation that the poor face. Poverty comes from having relationships...
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