“The morality of compromise sounds contradictory. Compromise is usually a sign of weakness or an admission of defeat. Strong men don’t compromise, it is said, and principles should never be compromised.”

–Andrew Carnegie

In the Old Testament’s 1 Kings, there’s a story about two mothers, both with infant sons. When one of the babies dies, his mother switches him for the living child in the middle of the night. The other mother goes to King Solomon, petitioning to have her child returned.

Each […]

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

–Helen Keller

I like Senator Tim Scott (R, S.C.) … a lot … but this is not an endorsement of his candidacy for the U.S. presidency. We’re all adults and can make up our own minds. This is about what’s become of the process of running for high office.

Some brief backstory. Scott was raised by his single mom. His grandfather had picked cotton for a living. […]

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”

–Saint Augustine

I recently returned from the annual Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. About six hundred attendees, faculty, and staff were together at the Ridgecrest Conference Center near Black Mountain, NC. We took classes, met agents, editors, and authors for fifteen-minute appointments, and had worship/praise time (twice daily–we’re really good Christians!).

About those fifteen-minute appointments: They’re the equivalent of speed dating, or so I’m told … […]

“Friendship above all ties doth bind the heart, and faith in friendship is the noblest part.”

–Roger Boyle, 1st Earl of Orrery (17th Century)

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the ways in which relationships positively influence our health and longevity (Tuesday Thoughts; May 16).  More today on this notion of fulfillment in our lives.

How many friends do you have? No, not those friends–not the ones on social media, some of whom you don’t even know. Real friends. People you see […]