community – 300 words a day

A moment of clarity.

My academic roots are in communication. I’ve spent years trying to clarify and illustrate and explain and mediate. At my best, I’m only partially successful. Of course, most of us aren’t much better. The biblical account traces this confusion back to a place known as Babel. Humans were ignoring God’s direction to spread out. They […]

by Jon Swanson

Words create cultures and that matters.

My degrees are all in communication. More accurately, in rhetoric, which considers how persuasion works. That training, and that kind of reflection, can get me in trouble. For example, the college where I worked had a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building. After the ceremony, there was a meal. Nancy and I were standing in […]

by Paul Merrill

The second greatest

It’s as vital as breathing to be loved. That’s a common line of thinking in popular psychology,* but Jesus also underlined the importance of loving others. It’s the second greatest commandment! Think of that – Jesus totally knew the ten commandments, but He said loving others is more important than not killing someone. And love […]

by Jon Swanson

Spiritual venture capitalists needed.

Venture capitalists are people who have cash and expertise and relationships they use to help new businesses. They want to invest some of that cash to give entrepreneurs resources to make purchases, do research, hire staff. Because some things only happen with money. They want to invest their expertise into the leadership of those same businesses […]

by Jon Swanson

Starting the work week.

As a hospital chaplain, I often walk into to rooms of pain or uncertainty or waiting. I offer presence. I offer ears. Sometimes I offer conversation or counsel. And sometimes I say, “Would it be okay if I pray?” You may think that I should always ask that last question. Perhaps you are right. But […]