Blog
Disarmed
I was 26 years old when I started graduate school in Dallas, Texas. In the first semester of my first year, I took a course in theology taught by a 41 year-old Dr. Phil Hook. What I didn’t know entering class that day was that my biggest takeaway would not be the depth and breadth of knowledge acquired, but the awareness of a different way to be in the world. A different way to be with others in the world.
The Beach Boys Saved My Soul
It was there, in my room, listening to the Beach Boys, where I fell in love with solitude and silence. Yes, I was miserable and frustrated, but for the first time in my life I was forced to slow down and think about the things that mattered most to me.
A Call to Discernment
Last January I spoke at a workshop for a hundred people in my business organization, and gave each attendee a gift: A silver bracelet engraved with the words, Do What’s Right For You and Love People.
“Sally! My Legs Need Botox!”
Just a few days ago, I was sitting on the porch, drinking coffee, minding my own business, when I glanced down and beheld my father’s hairless, wrinkled knees.
Two Phones
I use two different phones. One for business and one for hiding. It's a strategy I came up with about a year ago, one of the better ideas I've ever had. And I hope you know that one good idea can really change your life, because good ideas help us grow and grow up -...
Missing the Point
“We must bear patiently not being good…and not being thought good.” –Francis of Assisi I think that God spends a lot of time grieving over his many failed attempts at liberating us from our own “goodness.” He must weep over us all. Please think about this. The...
The One Thing We Really Need
My older cousin Junior was born with severe cerebral palsy. Not many years ago, I paid him a visit. The first thing I saw when I walked into his room was a picture of me, taped to his dresser mirror. “Junior, what’s the story behind that picture?” I asked. His face...
A Tribute To My Friends–The Class of ’65
A few days ago, Sally and I met with some of my most special friends in Atlanta for my 50th high school reunion. For two incredible days, the Dykes High School Class of 1965 ate, talked, danced, hugged and shared some adult beverages together. The honor fell to...
Remembering Coach Lofton
My dear friend and high school football coach, Jim Lofton, passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 85. This picture was taken 2 years ago. Coach Lofton called me last week. It was our last conversation. Without words, he acknowledged that he knew his remaining days were...