What if we treated other nations as if they actually were our neighbors? This is part 2 of a 3-part series. For part 1, see: A World of 100 For many years, our small planet has been populated by just three people. It’s a cute little planet with a beautiful assortment of flora and fauna, the circumference of which you can hike in about two hours. In the beginning, the three occupants of this little planet settled on three equal... Read more
What if the population of the world was 100, and the land we shared was just 100 acres? Imagine that the world’s population is 100 people, all living on 100 acres — in the same proportions as today. In this small world, 60 Asians live on 30 acres, 17 Africans live on 20 acres, 10 Europeans live on seven acres, nine Latin Americans live on 12 acres, and five North Americans live on 16 acres.[1] Now imagine that you are... Read more
~ Are we bold enough to solve big social problems by working on small differences? ~ “We don’t see things eye to eye,” said my friend. “We’ll never agree. This conversation is over.” Then he walked away. This is the “normal” outcome of many conversations about controversial topics today. The parties peacefully part ways. And yes, this is an “okay” resolution. It’s better than fighting. It’s the best outcome we can expect with people who are not in our inner... Read more
What would Paul say if we actually obeyed God’s call for justice and compassion? Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the saints in the United States of America. I rejoice to hear of your great love for all God’s children, that you are not like the unrighteous who live in fear of strangers. Even the wicked know how to care for their own families, but you do much more than that, abiding in the perfect love that casts... Read more
What if we stopped rewriting the Bible’s clearest truths? Today’s Bible (with qualifications) reads: Share with God’s people who are in need … unless you think there won’t be enough to go around. Practice hospitality … unless they aren’t your kind of people. Look after orphans and widows … unless they come from a dangerous part of town. Anyone who has food should share with those who have none … unless they are addicts and felons and you’re not comfortable... Read more
The eye-opening backstory to 19 cents of fruity fantasy. Five young women gather for tea in a swanky suburban home. “Were you raised here?” asks Laurel, addressing Dora, the attractive 30ish Latino woman. ““I’m originally from Guatemala,” Dora says, setting her napkin on her skirt, “but I lived here since I was 13.” “Kent and I had such an incredible time in Central America,” says Kylie. “We stayed at a gorgeous resort on a lake with hot tubs heated by... Read more
~ Would a God of love turn into a hideous monster at the stroke of midnight? ~ Your village has gathered to hear the king describe a wonderful new city he’s built. “The walls glimmer with diamonds and the streets are paved with gold,” he says. “You will lack nothing there and all are welcome!” “And what will it cost us?” asks the cobbler. “Our firstborn children?” “My gift is free!” exclaims the king. “Only say ‘yes’.” You turn to... Read more
~ Once acknowledged, this self-denial is as simply fixed as the Emperor’s New Clothes. ~ “Unless you become like a child,” Jesus said, “you cannot enter the kingdom.” The take-away is to maintain a posture of humility and curiosity, to be open to new ideas and correction, and to admit that our perspectives may be wrong. In truth, when people question our beliefs, the last attitude we tend to display is childlike curiosity. “They don’t understand,” we say. “They’re deceived.... Read more
It’s the 1930s Dust Bowl, all over again. 1936. The lusty strains of Benny Goodman’s orchestra fill a Santa Barbara café, nourished by the variegated aroma of coffee, bacon and citrus bloom. A man pushes aside a plate of half-eaten special, lights up a smoke and grabs the morning paper. Inside, he discovers a black and white photo. Greasy Dust Bowl farmer, shirtless with worn overalls. Exhausted wife with baby in tow. A passel of kids. The sagging porch of... Read more
Do we care enough to leave our children a livable world? After 75 years of flush ticket sales, Bambi has had a good run in the forest. Cinderella and Mickey are living comfortably off their golf courses and holiday rentals. Jiminy Cricket and Donald Duck are in the gravy, thanks to strategic product placement and embedded marketing. The Little Mermaid (who is not so little anymore) is also doing quite well, managing her restaurants and cosmetic chains. All of the... Read more
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