As we watched events unfold in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, we were sickened when a violent mob tried to overtake the United States Capitol.
Every year I've lived in this house, I've gotten a cloth calendar, hung from a dowel. My mother's mother always had a cloth calendar hanging in the farmhouse kitchen. As soon as the year was over, the calendar would be conscripted into use, usually to cover cinnamon rolls as they rose, to keep them moist until they were large enough to put into the oven.
Cry, the beloved country. There have been multiple American moments of great drama since World War II. Movements to extend rights to minorities, women, the disabled and gays, assassinations, terrorist attack and scandals. But not once – not even when Soviet missiles were being installed 90 miles from American shores more than a half-century ago – have the democratic values been in jeopardy.
The current president of Planned Parenthood is unafraid to use the word "abortion." In a Christmasseason interview with The Washington Post, Alexis McGill Johnson scolded those who would downplay the importance of abortion in her organization's work. She says it is "stigmatizing" to do so.
With vaccines heading to the drugstore, with a new Congress and new president taking power, and with the darkest day of the winter 10 days in the past, there is reason to feel a fresh sense of optimism. And optimism is more than a feeling. It is a tool.
Last week we came across an old yellow piece of paper that was stained and had holes in it that we had written about several years ago. It was titled “Winners Vs. Losers.”
A fellow I know was grousing about the past year. His birthday was coming up and he felt, once again, that this year failed to meet his expectations. He was unhappy with the year, unhappy with himself, unhappy with the fact that he'd even allowed himself to hope that 2020, of all years, was going to be better than the previous ones.
There was never any question whether the global coronavirus pandemic would be named the most important religion-news story of 2020.
One important word during 2020 was improvise! From online and drive-in church services to curb delivery from local businesses and restaurants, people adapted the best they could during the pandemic.
As we prepare for the 2021 legislative session, Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat recently announced committee leadership and assignments.