Life, Death, and the Number 4
Life, Death, and the Number 4, like characters in an epic saga, represent a foundational narrative in many belief systems, cultures, and philosophies. They interweave in a harmonious yet often perplexing pattern, offering solemn reflection and profound revelation. This piece explores the convergence of these motifs through the perspective of ...
The Ten Words: God’s Universal Roadmap for Success
One of the most profound dialogues in history occurs when God speaks to humanity. This interaction between the divine and the mortal is not an accusation or a warning. Instead, it is the outpouring of divine affectionate words, a pure act of love, and a precise sense of direction. Exodus ...
Love As a Joyful Experience of Letting Go
On this Ash Wednesday, which falls on Valentine's Day, a reflection on love seems fitting. Love is a universal emotion, quality, and virtue deeply embedded in our hearts and lives, and its broad definition is commonly understood. Yet, let's delve deeper into one of its aspects we seldom consider–love as ...
The Hoarding Epidemic: More than What Meets the Eye
Picture the jumbled mountains of knickknacks and clutter on the hit TV series Hoarders. It's easy to dismiss such extreme cases as rarities, anomalies beyond "my" reality. "I can't be that person or those people," we might be quick to declare. Yet, beneath this spectacle lies an uncomfortable truth: a ...
Cover-up: A Discussion on the Impact of Distraction on a Leader
David's story in the Bible serves as an ideal case study for understanding human nature and the reality of cover-up. It exemplifies the best within each of us and our internal demons. In previous works, I reflected on some of David's remarkable virtues–faithfulness, service, hard work, discipline, gratitude, and various ...
Answering God’s Call: A Reflection on What Vocation Means in Today’s World
The call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20) is a beautiful text for a theological reflection on what vocation might mean in the world of today. I provide a context regarding the concept of vocation in general and focus specifically on vocation in particular ministries. What is Vocation? Vocation (from ...
Shine
Embrace the call to shine your light boldly for the service of others. Learn about the balance between humility and visibility, and how generosity with your talents can attract blessings and growth. During my early days of ministry in the United States, a pastor who invited me to lead a ...
Is the Road to Hell Paved with Good Intentions?
You may have heard the saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions," which means it is not sufficient to claim to have good intentions. One must follow through with commensurate action. However, there might be a sense that the statement isn't entirely out of moral and spiritual ...
Why Merry Christmas Instead of a Happy Holiday
One of the cultural shocks I experienced when I came to the United States years back was the controversy surrounding greetings during December. Some say, "Merry Christmas," while others prefer "Happy Holidays." Initially, this confusion made little sense to me. Why the fuss? However, it took only a short time ...
Your Worth, My Worth: A Reflection on Character
What makes us valuable? Is it our looks, our professional accomplishments, or our material possessions? While these things might make us feel good about ourselves, they don't define our true worth. Imagine a shiny toy that looks impressive on the outside, but when you pick it up, it's hollow and ...