Ron Chernow's Washington: A Life is a riveting read on one of the most consequential figures of history. George Washington was an amazing leader in a pivotal time in history. He was truly "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Washington's leadership was marked by an overriding desire to do what was good for the country and to administer his role within the boundaries of the Constitution. As Chernow writes, "again and again the American people had entrusted him with power, secure in the knowledge that he would exercise it fairly and ably and surrender it … [Read more...] about George Washington
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Beautiful Poem on Psalm 23
I've been really enjoying The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson. It's a series of sermons Gibson preached on Psalm 23 which explore how Jesus Christ is our Shepherd, Companion, and Host. As a Shepherd, Christ provides for and leads His people. As a Companion, Christ is with us in our trials, our sufferings, and the valley of the shadow of death. As our Host, He invites us, and welcomes us, and "prepares us a table in the presence of our enemies." Here's a beautiful poem Gibson quotes in his book: The Lord my shepherd rules my lifeand gives me all I need;He leads me by refreshing … [Read more...] about Beautiful Poem on Psalm 23
Capitalizing on College?
Author Josh Brown has written a fascinating book on how higher education in the United States has shifted from "mission driven" to "margin obsessed." I recently had the chance to interact with him about his book. You outline four different strategies that private Christian colleges employ. Briefly, what are they? Each school creates different combinations of endowments and enrollment markets to financially sustain the school and its mission. I found four different approaches and a fifth that was starting to emerge. Briefly they were: Traditional – a college that expects students “to come” to … [Read more...] about Capitalizing on College?
Mary’s Heroism in “It’s a Wonderful Life”
George Bailey and Mary Hatch For those who enjoy the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life": Have you ever wondered about how Mary is portrayed in the alternate world in which George Bailey never existed? Bizarrely perhaps, she winds up an "old maid" - closing the library on Christmas Eve. Wouldn't she have married someone else and lived a great life? This essay examines that question, showing that Mary is the greatest hero in this story. Intentional, purposeful, and wise throughout, she makes George into the man he becomes. In his darkest moment, she’s what makes him want to live again. … [Read more...] about Mary’s Heroism in “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Living Life Backward
One of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was to "begin with the end in mind." It's in this same vein that Pastor David Gibson exhorts us to live life backward. We must allow the inescapable reality of our death to dictate how we live: "Death can radically enable us to enjoy life. By relativizing all that we do in our days under the sun, death can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift." Gibson draws from the mysterious book of Ecclesiastes to unpack his theme. The book can be thought of as one, … [Read more...] about Living Life Backward
Josh Harris “Not Writing a Book or Starting a Podcast”
On July 17 the former best-selling author and pastor Josh Harris announced that he was separating from his wife. On July 26 he confirmed that this separation was in fact a divorce and--in bigger news--that he no longer considered himself to be a Christian. On July 19, in between Josh's two instagram announcements, Sojourners published a long interview with Josh Harris. I know from experience that interviews like this are completed months in advance. The timing of their publication is often designed to maximize exposure. The interview included this exchange: Villarreal: You say in … [Read more...] about Josh Harris “Not Writing a Book or Starting a Podcast”