‘The Art of Giving Back’ Articles

The months of May and June with graduations, marriages, moving in and out of dorm rooms, and the whole progression of advancing to the next grade, my mind turns toward transitioning. [Continue]

Whenever friends or loved ones kindly suggest we relax – take a deep breath or unwind for a few days – we most always protest. Slowing down takes too much time. A generation of doers, we have dedicated our lives to making things happen. We feel, quite rightly, that there is nothin’ we can’t do – except, of course, doing nothing.* [Continue]

The images of all nations, all languages, all people joined together as one is very reminiscent of that day of Pentecost when the disciples gather in that upper room, locked in fear and in their differences, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them and broke the walls that divided them, took away their fear, their mis-understandings, their closed [Continue]

And behold, two of them were going that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about seven miles. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass that while they communed and reasoned together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were held, that they should not know [Continue]

This morning outside of Penn Station in New York City I heard this man telling someone that “you must be saved!” Wow “you must”! So emphatic, so clear, so demanding of anyone who passed his way. That, along with a little brochure describing the last days of judgment and the fires of hell was sternly given out. Seemed to be all one needed [Continue]

Without saying it, I surmised that Karl’s homophobia was not that at all. He hated the gay community because “they” gave his son AIDS. Well at least that’s what he believed. So as long as I kept my sexuality in the closet, Karl and I got along fine. [Continue]

You’re wearing the clothes to be glad! It’s as simple as that. You’re in control, be happy! Is it really that simple? Like an on/off switch that I can flick up or down whenever I want or need to? If only life were that easy! [Continue]

Every day I get that reminder from my dog Fred. Fred says, wait, by putting on his brakes. He’s saying wait, cause there’s a really great smell on that wall, signpost, other dog or fence. I in turn stop, allow Fred to do his business (I really think he’s reading doggie code that tells him how strong of a scent he needs to leave for the next [Continue]

What is it that sustains and motivates us as we offer ourselves to the world by volunteering? Can the very act of volunteering be a means of transformation in our lives? Questions that have haunted me as I watch so many people and even myself, give of our time, talent and treasure to causes that are need and dear to our hearts. [Continue]

Driving along the road with my usual attitude of “stay out of my way,” a complete stranger stopped me to tell me how great I looked. The power of affirmation, so powerful it can change our appearance. [Continue]