In Monday’s blog, I explored what it means to find our ‘calling,’ meaningful work that reflects our passion, skills, service to others, and above all, who we truly are. I cited the results of a recent Gallup poll, indicating that over 80% of college-educated Americans aspire to have…
Dad on the left — Mom on the right On August 26, 1943 — the day after their wedding — my parents John and Clara Schmidt were at the Newton, Kansas train depot, on their way to South America. They were ‘called’ to serve as doctor and nurse for a new settlement of Russian…
My Father and I in 1970 Coming from people who are important to us, there are very few words that can wound us as deeply as, “I’m disappointed in you.” The words take me back to a rainy cold day in July 1970, in…
I am pleased to bring you the thinking of today’s guest, Jackie Shannon Hollis. Jackie is a writer, storyteller, speaker and the author of the memoir, This Particular Happiness: A Childless Love Story. The book…
My Mennonite Ancestors Evicted from their Homes in Russia – Makes Me Angry! In 1965, during a time of deep divisiveness and wounding in this country, Hal David wrote the lyrics to Burt Bacharach’s seminal song: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love It’s the…
I can’t really do anything other than be here — now This pandemic has at least temporarily ripped apart any illusions of permanence. But I find myself already trying to identify and claim the quasi-permanence of the next ‘new normal.’ Normal is that…