Any way you look at it, empathy is hard work. Selfishness always comes easy. Unfortunately, selfishness and empathy cannot occupy the same space in our lives. Every time I scroll through social media I see a few expressions of empathy and many expressions that are anything but empathic. Words that dehumanize and marginalize people are … Continue reading The Hard Work of Empathy
Falling in Love with My City … All Over Again
When I moved to New Orleans 15 years ago, I was enamored. The architecture, the music, the art, the culture, and the people inspired me. This young love for the city focused on the positives. Because I lived on the seminary campus, I had a safe place to retreat. I could enjoy the city with … Continue reading Falling in Love with My City … All Over Again
Gaining Clarity and Hope
In the raw pain of writing about CJ’s death a few weeks back (“The Death and Life of an Imagine-bearer”), I could not communicate all I wanted to say with clarity. Here is an attempt to connect the dots. This is an honest effort meant to address difficult issues of race and culture. Talk will … Continue reading Gaining Clarity and Hope
Who is my neighbor?
Who is my neighbor? That can be a scary question to ask. And there is more than one way to ask that question. One is positive, and one is not. In the context of a larger discussion on keeping the Law (Torah) and gaining eternal life, an expert in the law posed this question to … Continue reading Who is my neighbor?
