“Never apologize, Mister. It’s a sign of weakness.” – John Wayne, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, 1949 I was raised in a John Wayne household. Grown men don’t cry. We don’t admit it when we are wrong. And we don’t apologize. Nothing could be more opposite from the biblical model. Scripture reads, “Make every effort…
Robert Plympton was accused of killing a young woman in 1980. He pleaded not guilty and got off, due to a lack of evidence. But 44 years later, new evidence was discovered – old chewing gum. The DNA from the gum was traced to Plympton, and he was found guilty of the crime. The biblical…
“In real life, there is no such thing as algebra.” – Fran Lebowitz When he got on me to raise my math grade, I asked my dad, “When will I use algebra?” I don’t recall getting a coherent response. But there is an answer to that question. You will use algebra if you become an…
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:4). God uses people to help people. And much of the wisdom we learn, we learn from others. So let me give you the benefit of some great wisdom. These are just a few of the nuggets I have picked up through years…
It happened on July 21, 1969. That would be 55 years ago today. On this date in history, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to step onto the moon. But something else happened that same day, just a few hours later. Gaylord Perry hit a home run. What makes that special? In 1963, the…
Dr. Robert Weiss, author of Out of the Doghouse, is one of the world’s foremost experts on the effects of porn use. His studies have revealed 13 consequences of the frequent use of pornography. These are the percentages of porn users who suffer from specific consequences: At first glance, most of us would say, “None…
Robert G. Heft designed the current United States flag as a school project. His teacher was not impressed, so Robert received a grade of “B-.” But the teacher promised to change his grade to an “A” if his design was adopted by Congress as the official flag. So Robert got his “A” and America got…
King David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23-24). Self-reflection is a huge part of the recovery process. To that end, let me suggest ten questions to ask yourself on a daily basis. At least, ask them at the end of today. Recovery Step: Hang…
“Jesus withdrew to a region near the wilderness” (John 11:54). That simple act of withdrawal would be one of Jesus’ most profound sermons. His message to those nearest him was clear – we need time away from it all, to unwind and restart our engines. You will recall that John 11 tells the story of…
On June 8, 1845, America’s seventh president died. A few days later, the funeral service of Andrew Jackson attracted thousands. One particular attendee was removed during the service because of his uncontrollable behavior. Throughout the service, he kept interrupting the speakers with fits of profanity. Who was this disrespectful guest? The president’s pet parrot. Here’s…