Too many older adults feel as though they have lost power as they age. The exact opposite may be true, and this category assembles the blogs that explain and celebrate this certainty: Our personal power may remain strong and useful in our later years.
I don’t know for sure, but it feels to me like this pandemic has been especially hard for pastors and other professional church workers. Most professional leaders seem to be enduring all of this—quiet and uncomplaining—even when they might feel alone in keeping their congregations functioning. Many of them have also had to deal with the burden of keeping their congregations financially viableMORE...
Lately I’ve noticed the recurring appearance of “1 languishing”, a term used to describe how the COVID pandemic may have affected the nation. The non-languishing part of me wants to 2 push back. I’m still vibrant, alert, eager about life, grateful and generous. I still have miles to go, with plenty of oomph to explore fascinating horizons. I don’t want to be set aside quite yet. As I edgeMORE...
Over the years, I’ve noticed that the first signs of cognitive decline and dementia often appear as the loss of memory regarding nouns. A key indicator seems to be the substitution of the word “things” in place of the names for ordinary items. Even common synonyms aren’t available, so “things” becomes the go-to noun. This is a useful work-around, but also can be a signal that word-recallMORE...
Post-pandemic 1panis This 2 COVID thing is going to end. And when it does, churches like yours and mine might just hold the secret for pan-societal renewal. Turns out that one of our historical cultural strengths—fellowship fueled by food—might just be the key to restoring vitality to our communities. Think back: Passover was a post-pandemic event. One of our most sacred practices centersMORE...
Easter has come, but it’s not gone! The meaning of this incredible event includes a life-renewing invitation, perhaps directed at those of us who are fully vaccinated: “Can you come out to play?” Given all that we’ve been through this past year, “play” may seem like too strong a word for how we might live now. Fun and frivolity may feel like empty-headed avoidance of reality. Over thisMORE...
A 1 harrowing time One of Easter’s necessary events is the descent of Jesus into Hell—to the souls in Hell or to the dead. A 2 harrowing experience. The as yet un-resurrected Jesus went from his horrific death on the cross to the depths of Hell. No matter whether a physical location, state of mind or spiritual condition—Hell was not a welcoming place. Turns out that Jesus time in Hell was notMORE...
When I stop panicking about digital thefts of my well-being, I remember again that there is one reliable way to combat the moths, rust and thieves that may plague my digitized lifestyle: Among my “heavenly treasures” are our family’s personal relationships! A few days ago, I had reason to worry about possible identity theft involving bank accounts. My frantic mind could not recall the gatewayMORE...
1 Stalwart seniors Ever have one of those days when most things that catch your eye take the air out of your tires? That happened to me a few days back, when going through an esteemed journal I encountered reporting that put the D is “dismay” and the G in “give up”. That evening, I read an article about how social media was tricking pre-teens across the world to buy impulsively—and soonMORE...
Wizard of Oz fans—you know who you are—will recognize this memorable tune sung by Glinda, the Good Witch. With those words she encourages the Munchkins—more than “little people”—to come out of their hiding places so they can meet Dorothy. Why memorable? The whole story turns on whether these good folks will put aside their fears and show themselves. If they had remained in hiding, the narrativeMORE...
It may be too soon, but I’m ready to greet–and continue–each new day with deep-breathing—not holding my breath until I check news feeds or e-mail from overnight. Real breathing, too, not the short inhaling and exhaling that’s a sign of anxiety or stress. What kind of breathing? Deep, slow respiration that exchanges oxygen for CO2. Breathing that replenishes every cell in my body andMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.