Have courage and be kind
The 2015 adaptation of Cinderella portrays a young woman who lives her life by the motto that her parents taught her before they died: “Have courage and be kind!” While t... »
Personal Accounts
Through the looking glass
I walk in and hear voices all around, but I understand nothing. How many times have I been in a similar place?—In the facility of an association or nonprofit that works w... »
The best gift
Life is filled with difficulties and challenges, and at one time or another we all find ourselves in some particularly desperate situation. These desperate situations cau... »
Here first
My three-year-old son was playing an educational game on the computer when his six-year-old sister demanded that he let her have a turn. His response was typical. “I was... »
Seeking to understand
The Prayer of Saint Francis says, “Master, let me not seek … to be understood, [but] to understand.” It’s not always easy to understand others. Each person comes with a d... »
How should a Christian react?
How should a Christian react to wrong and evil?—Like Christ reacted in similar circumstances. Jesus chose to overcome evil with good, and so can we, as the Bible teaches... »
Cast a wide net
I love doing something kind when it really hits the spot. I will spend hours finding the perfect birthday gift to give a friend, or the exact right thing to say in a text... »
The best year
Last year, I struggled with the decision of whether or not to spend New Year’s Eve with my family in Niteroi, Brazil. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d spent a night... »
Nine how-tos of change
1 Take stock and set goals. Make a list of the areas you want to change in and what you can do to bring those changes about. Putting goals and plans in writing will help... »
Small beginnings
Countless stories and parables are told of small beginnings that lead to greater ends. This is my own small beginnings story. It was a comment from a stranger that got me... »
Learning to follow
Several years ago, I directed a youth singing group that consisted mostly of teenagers. They were all talented musicians and singers, and my job was to help further their... »
Dying grace
In this stage of my life, the subject of death seems to pop up more frequently than before, and it’s not always a happy thought. As Christians, we know that death isn’t t... »
The paths we take
In my search for meaning and truth in life, like most young people, I was also faced with the challenge of finding a purposeful direction for my life. Which way would I g... »