Category: Discernment

  • How did you wake up?

    I have previously made reference to the fact that the literal translation of the Luganda morning greeting is not “Good Morning,” but rather “How did you wake up?” It seems to me a strong metaphor for the moment in time—or a specific event or series of experiences—that triggered our spiritual Read more […]

  • How do you know what you know?

    About a year ago, I wrote a blog post which I called “4 Things I’m Glad I Don’t Know for Sure.”  I reflected on the wonder of faith, and the miracle of the unknown as it adds nuance and “magic” to our existence. Today I received an email from a distant friend espousing a very…

  • The Noise of Poverty; Understanding Its Power over Self & Other

    As I transition from the “West” to Uganda—yet again—I am anticipating the different sounds in the lifescape.  Some will welcome me, emoting joy and pleasure. Others will attack me in offensive ways, stirring negativity and frustration.  Others will be processed subconsciously—and yet will Read more […]

  • So, I got punched in the face. (A 60-second read on addressing psycho-violence.)

    So, I got punched in the face.  No, I don’t mean that metaphorically.  My boxing partner and I were sparring, and boom!  Okay, it wasn’t hard, it was my fault for not ducking (I knew it was coming), and it was with a padded focus mitt, so it was really a non-event.  But at least…

  • “Africa in Your Tone” (A 90-second reading on how diversity informs authenticity)

    “Good afternoon, sir,” I said to a distinguished Ghanaian scholar who had just joined our already-crowded minivan as we headed out for more school visits in Kasoa, Ghana last month.  We then made introductions around the vehicle, and I mentioned that I had lived in Uganda for nine years, and still Read more […]

  • Don’t just do something, stand there. (A 1-minute reading.)

    One of my first kids was initially brought to AidChild covered in wounds—the beating kind.  Nearly every inch of his little body had been abused.  We don’t know his date of birth, but he must have been six or seven years old.  It was truly awful. Like all of my kids, he quickly rebounded, and…

  • I Hope You Dance (A 1-minute reading on somatic knowledge)

    When the electricity is on in our small village of Masaka, Uganda, there is loud music blasting from speakers positioned in front of the stores that dot our main street.  This means that when I’m doing my errands, I’m often dancing.  One day, as I careened into a new shop, the keeper said, “Eh!  Read…