The encounter occurred recently during my monthly two-hour volunteer stint with a community project. Although I hadn’t expected to strike up a conversation, I found myself in an extended discussion with a woman whose eyes sparkled as she discussed the miracle product that had changed her life. I don’t remember its name; I misplaced the…
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As one’s hair grays and withers away, the question becomes ever more common. “So, what’s your retirement plan?” In my estimation, others ask this with the unspoken assumption: “What are you going to do once you can sit around all day and no nothing?” Bad question. A better alternative: “If I stop doing what I’m…
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I’ve been on the leadership team for a spiritual retreat a number of times, but one from many years ago stands out in my mind. As an icebreaker for newcomers to the experience, the gathering begins with a “new best friend” activity. Men pair off and learn some tidbits about each other, such as family…
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At Christmas time most everyone tends to give gifts, regardless of race, religion, or any myriad of factors that distinguish one from another. Ironic, since even those who deny the reality of Jesus participate, lest they be accused of imitating Ebenezer Scrooge. While much of this has little to do with the Savior whose birth…
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It’s that time of year when the world slows down and people take time to reconnect with old friends. Say what you will about the ever-increasing commercialization of Christmas, the holiday has some good aspects, including an enjoyable lineup of Christmas movies. This year, we may sit down and watch It’s A Wonderful Life for…
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Although I wrote a story earlier this year about evangelist Billy Graham, I had forgotten he turned 97 on Nov. 7. That is, until I saw his grandson that evening. Will Graham was in Huntington, West Virginia, for a three-day celebration. After coming on stage, the younger Graham mentioned he wanted to film the audience…
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Third of three parts I was so captivated by the talk by Sam Quinones, author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic, that when the moderator opened the floor for questions, I was the first to the microphone. Like many others in the crowd at Marshall University’s student center, drugs have had a…
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Second of three parts In my last post I mentioned how Sam Quinones, the author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic, kept the attention of a capacity crowd recently at Marshall University. I think one reason is the fascinating details he revealed about the legwork and research that went into his book.…
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First of three parts Conventional wisdom advises public speakers to limit their remarks to 15 to 20 minutes to avoid losing their audience. Supposedly, in today’s short-attention-span world, going any longer means most people will tune out. I recently watched an author that wisdom on its ear. Sam Quinones, the author of Dreamland: The True…
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When new believers in Christ share their newfound faith and why they changed their way of life, the reaction from many people is to run away from the truth. They pass it off with a convenient comment like: “Oh, you got religion.” Granted, some people do “get religion.” But this is a life-killing, spirit-killing brand…
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