Growth
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To Be American
The United Stateswas the first country in historyto embrace the beliefthat many cultures and faithscould come togetherto form a single nation. Let's not lose sightof this amazing,gracedvision. This is what it meansto be American. This is what it meansto be… Continue reading
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Don’t Be Led Astray
Are you awareof the primary pillarsof Islam? Mercy.Compassion. Don't be led astrayby media coverageand the fanaticism at the fringe. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. Continue reading
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A Mosque in Tennessee
I was talking with Jesus this morning,and he seemed a bit out of sorts–a touch cranky, even. "What's going on?"I asked. "Oh, it's those Baptists in Tennessee,the ones across from the new mosque.They are totally not getting it,not listening to… Continue reading
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The Call
Why do we focuson what divides us? Instead ask,"What is itin this other faiththat is admirableand reflects our shared values?" No one asks usto forsake what makes us unique;but God calls us (now, right now)to heal the worldthrough our commonalites.… Continue reading
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The Elephant
Yes,there may bean elephant in the room,but there are other animals in this zoo,each with it's own power, beauty, grace… Toss that elephanta peanut or two,and let's dance and laughwith the peacock, the gazelle and the kangaroo. Text and image ©… Continue reading
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My Job
There are times I think,"No one else in the worldholds the knowledge and experienceto do my job." And there are times I think,"The job I docould sink into oblivion this afternoonwith nary a ripple in the pond." So what do… Continue reading
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Business Meeting
Our stated task? Refine the budget.Our defined goal: Increase the bottom line. Ha!Our real goal? Embody compassion and beauty. Be God for each other and all people– God's hands, voice and heart. That makes all… Continue reading
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Dreams of Dying
I have dreamt of dying. I've stood on a balcony,watching the leading edgeof a nuclear blastrush toward me over the rooftops…feeling unexpected elation. I've been shot,collapsed to the pavementand relaxed into the slow fadeas I watched life flow from my… Continue reading
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Comrades
Why do we fearour comradesfrom the underworld? They represent the realitythat underlies, undergirds us. If we are willing,they revealthe truth beneathour wearying effortto control, stifle, fathom,that which we fear will fracture us. Where darkness and light meet– beneath the… Continue reading
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The Meaning of Life
Two martinis now within,just east of my usual filters,I'm close to asking the waiter,"What do you think is the meaning of life?What, in you opinion, is the point?" My notebook and penwait open beside my now-empty plate. But alas,perhaps a… Continue reading