Tag: forgiveness

If it had rained one hot July day in 2011, I would not be writing this column.

If I had felt too tired by depression to take my kids to the city pool, I would not have a found my purpose.

If one teenage mom in a shiny gold bikini had been too proud to accept the money I offered, I would ... Read More


I talk a lot about my mom in my writing and presentations, but today, I’d like you to meet her.

Drumroll please…. Presenting, MY MOM!


People in church always talk about salvation. Heaven. How someday we’ll get to be with Jesus. I’m a little embarrassed to say it, but those words never sold me on the whole idea of God.

Sure, I suppose I should have cared about my eternal home, but I’m not big into long term planning.

I’m a human and by no stretch of ... Read More


There are certain people who come into our lives and make us better. Liz Schwarzel is one of those people. She’s a third grade teacher in Athens, Ohio. My son, Charlie had her as a teacher three years ago, and if I’m awfully lucky, Ben will have her next year. The kids affectionately call her Ms. Liz, but I get ... Read More


Is there anybody in your life you’d be okay with God sort of “forgetting” to save?

It’s not like you intentionally wish ill-will on them (or maybe you do), it’s just that they have pulled one too many punches. They’ve hurt you or the one you love too many times to be forgiven.

Or maybe it’s a group of people. Child molesters. ... Read More


I fail every day. More to the point, I fail Jesus every day. You might think that’s a bad thing, but I don’t.

Why? Two reasons.

First, notice, I didn’t say “I fail people every day.” I do. I snap at my kids and renege on promises. I’m a person just like you’re a person, so I’m messing up all the time. ... Read More