You’ve heard people say, “Our family puts the fun in dysfunction.” Well, all families do, and mine is no exception. But speaking of dysfunctionality … Whew, let me tell you… I’ve just finished Mary Trump’s (Donald’s niece) new book Too Much and Never Enough — How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man. I’mContinueContinue reading “Putting the fun in dysfunction”
Author Archives: Don Follis
During COVID-19, the faithful need to practice humility like never before
[Here’s my religion column for this Sunday’s July 12 Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette. As I’ve thought about what might happen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing challenges between Whites & African-Americans, and the coming elections this November, I have been able to settle myself by spending time this summer with the “Rule of St. Benedict.” In hisContinueContinue reading “During COVID-19, the faithful need to practice humility like never before”
What will guide our civil discourse in an age of outrage?
When I was a boy my mother would say, “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.” She didn’t always follow her own advice. Nor have I. Of this I am sure, the tongue has the power of life and death, and the Proverbs are right: “Those who love toContinueContinue reading “What will guide our civil discourse in an age of outrage?”
Oh the questions carried in the bosom of Judas Iscariot’s mother
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew chapter 10, Jesus chooses the 12 apostles. Simon (Peter) Andrew James John [Peter and Andrew and James and John were brothers.] Philip Bartholomew Thomas Matthew James, son of Alphaeus Thaddaeus Simon the zealot And … the one named last by Matthew … Judas Iscariot I think the day JesusContinueContinue reading “Oh the questions carried in the bosom of Judas Iscariot’s mother”
Mimic the birds!
These days the choir of birds outside my window start warming up about 4:20am. By 4:40am, all birds are present and the concert begins in earnest. Every bird sings loudly and in perfect pitch. Not wanting to miss any of the concert this morning, as soon as I heard the first bird warming up atContinueContinue reading “Mimic the birds!”
Water baptism followed by a baptism of fire
In late February during my 8th-grade year, a city-wide church meeting came through Colby, Kansas. The evening meetings featured a 6’5” preacher, a former NFL defensive tackle named Bill Glass. Speaking to all 5 kids at the dinner table, my mother laid down the law, like she rarely did. We all would attend each nightContinueContinue reading “Water baptism followed by a baptism of fire”
The False Self & the True Self
** About 10 years ago I discovered the writing of pastor John Piippo from Redeemer Fellowship Church in Monroe, Michigan. A friend told me about his blog, and I started reading it. I was taken with his insights, particularly about prayer. After reading Piippo for a year or so, I called him and we hadContinueContinue reading “The False Self & the True Self”
Can our hearts still burn within us?
Last Sunday the Gospel reading used by many churches was the story in Luke 24 of the resurrected Jesus meeting two disciples (Cleopas and his partner) on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. (The painting here is Caravaggio’s rendition of Jesus about to break bread with the two disciples at the end of the EmmausContinueContinue reading “Can our hearts still burn within us?”
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