Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. Henry David Thoreau Nathan Day Wilson
Category Archives: Uncategorized
US commitment to Americas
The White House says that its policy in the Americas would henceforth be guided by a simple test: whether it improves the lives of those living in favelas and barrios. Read more here Nathan Day Wilson
Blackwater security firm changing
The notoriously controversial private security firm Blackwater is changing its name, its products and its chief. The new name is Xe; the new products are drastically scaled down; the new CEO is unnamed at this time. I wonder if there will also be a new level of responsible reporting and accountability. To read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123595280053605191.htmlContinue reading “Blackwater security firm changing”
Be convicted but not close-minded!
What do I mean? Well, thanks for asking; here’s what I mean: We are convicted that love really is better than hate; that violence really does not work, and always leads to more violence; that it is better to focus on giving instead of getting. We are convicted that diversity may be the hardest thingContinue reading “Be convicted but not close-minded!”
March’s Spiritual Madness
As a close second to the Olympics, we have now entered my favorite sports event. But there is one thing I like better about March Madness: I don’t lose quite as much sleep. I’ll admit it up front: March Madness is for me an almost spiritual experience. Now, relax. Don’t get all riled and red-faced.Continue reading “March’s Spiritual Madness”
Crisis is a terrible thing to waste
Yea, another bandwagon I’m on: using the phrase, “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” Who said it, or something similar, first? Maybe economist Paul Romer. A quick look shows the selection of those using the phrase, or something close includes Thomas Friedman (New York Times, 18 April 2004)Eliot Spitzer (January 2005)Arthur Affleck (FebruaryContinue reading “Crisis is a terrible thing to waste”
Green Eyed Monster
Tomorrow is week 2 of First Christian’s new worship series that we titled “Sinning Like a Christian.” Week one’s sin was PRIDE; tomorrow’s is ENVY. We’re looking honestly at the presence of sin in our lives, but lest you think we get too serious, a bit of humor can be found here and there —Continue reading “Green Eyed Monster”
The challenges, pains, rewards of leadership
I benefitted from spending a few days with ministry colleagues this week at Wabash College. Part of our time was spent discussing the ideas in Leadership without Easy Answers with each other and with the book’s author, Ronald Heifetz. Heifetz was a great conversation partner for us: thoughtful, engaging and genuinely interested in hearing ourContinue reading “The challenges, pains, rewards of leadership”
Spirituality = Happiness?
I’m not yet sure of the study’s parameters or details, because I haven’t made time to read the study in depth, but I am interested in its findings: Children between the ages of 8 and 12 who feel that their lives have meaning and value and who develop quality relationships are happier. The authors ofContinue reading “Spirituality = Happiness?”
College students today
Almost 2 million first-year college and university students are heading back to schools around the country this month. Many of them were born around 1990 when headlines sounded more than a little familiar: Big Three car companies were facing declining sales and profits; a president named Bush was increasing the number of troops in theContinue reading “College students today”
Nathan Day Wilson 