Talking about Suffering

Talking about Suffering

Over this past weekend, I listened to a woman speak about the loss of her son.  He suffered from a challenging condition that resulted in her being his primary caregiver from birth to his late teenage years when he passed.  It was difficult for me to listen to her talk, as I thought about my own family and children.  It is never easy to hear about the suffering of others or about the general suffering in our world.  Too often,…

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End of the Year Feelings and a New Year’s Resolution

End of the Year Feelings and a New Year’s Resolution

The closing days of the year always bring out those feelings of nostalgia. We take a little time to think about those people that have been the most influential and meaningful in our lives. These could be family, friends, or colleagues that have burrowed their ways deep into our hearts. We look back and think about how blessed we are and grateful that they share part of their lives with us. I take this time as well to reflect and…

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I have issues with the concept of “Hope”

I have issues with the concept of “Hope”

There are plenty of difficult or dreadful situations that are outside of an individual’s control. When hope is all you have, I would never want to take it away.  However, in my experience, most situations when hope is expressed are not of dire circumstances.  These individuals exert some level of influence or control over one or more of the contributing factors.  The idea of hope has become a crutch that allows people to feel better about their situation by soothing…

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Why Ask Why

Why Ask Why

There are so many great works that seek the answers to the purpose and meaning of life.  Philosophy and religion are just two disciplines exploring the elements of the human condition and attempt to expand our understanding of the most fundamental questions about our existence.  I am not so grandiose to presume that I have any answers to these existential questions, but I have realized that the study of these matters sparked my love of the simple question of “Why.”…

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