In the 1961 film, The Great Impostor, Tony Curtis plays a bright young man “who hasn’t the patience for the normal way of advancement.” Based on a true story, Curtis’ character finds that people rarely question you if your papers are in order. He becomes a marine, a monk, a surgeon onboard a Canadian Warship, and a prison warden. This scenario was lived out again by Barry Bremen, nicknamed, The Late Great Impostor; a novelty-goods salesman who achieved a kind of flash celebrity in the 1980s as an impostor who slipped past security to shag fly balls in the major […]

As you may know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Aside from wearing pink ribbons and donating to charities, how many people are actually truly aware of this horrifying disease that is plaguing America? So far this year, approximately 290,000 women and 2,250 men have been diagnosed with breast cancer. An estimated 40,000 women and 410 men will die from the diseased by the end of 2013. While this terrible affliction seems to be on the rise, detection and prevention methods are improving and more lives are saved each day. But it can’t be left in the hands of […]

In a recent survey conducted by the Barna Group, 62 percent of women said their most important role in life is as a mother/parent. Jesus came next: 13 percent of Christian women believe their most important role in life is as a follower of Christ. Why does that shock us? After all, the Bible tells us who we are – selfish, self seeking and prone to wander. For me, this survey just serves to confirm what I know as a parent, and probably what you all know if you have children: I have put great stock in my “mom/parent” identity. Duh! […]

Many Americans are willing to rack up an expensive grocery bill each week in order to purchase the freshest and purest foods. We look at ingredients in make-up, shampoo and sunscreen to make sure we are applying only the purest of products to our skin. And we are making efforts to keep the air we breathe cleaner by trading in our gas guzzlers for more eco-friendly cars. We are working harder to keep toxins out of our bodies. But are we working hard enough to keep our minds pure as well? Many would agree that this is not an easy […]

As I sat by the pool during a recent sunny Saturday afternoon getaway, I noticed a young boy and his father playing the proverbial launch-me-into-the-deep-end game that resulted in the little guy exclaiming, “Do it again!” and, “Higher next time!” as he squealed with devilish delight. The father gladly complied, obviously enjoying his son’s pleasure. After a series of throws, the boy swam away from his dad. Immediately, the dad reached out, grabbed him and threw him up in the air with a smile, certain his son would love it. Well, not only did the son clearly dislike that spontaneous […]

Not too long ago the headlines read “Victoria’s Secret to Target Tweens.” There has been a wave of response to this story. The majority of folks have voiced protest over the controversial direction Victoria’s Secret is taking by targeting a younger demographic. We have seen this tactic used in countless campaigns including tobacco and movies. Reel in the younger audience and they are yours for life. It is effective. It works. I do not have a bone to pick with the marketing plan. It is simple and it makes money. Maybe I am a bit naive but I really do […]

If you are like me, you are probably wondering what in the world the word complementarianism means! If you looked for it in your Bible you would not find it. In fact, it is not in my dictionary or spell check. Many words we use today do not appear in the Bible and yet they do reflect truths and principles from the Bible. Male and female roles If I had to “label” my understanding of male and female as God created them I would say I am complementarian. But here is the deal. If you would have asked me about […]

Husbands love your wives… the end. If only it were that simple right? So what makes you feel loved? Dr. Gary Chapman thought this was such a vital question that he wrote an entire book about it entitled The 5 Love Languages. The book centers around figuring out what makes you and your spouse tick when it comes to feeling loved. Needless to say, it was a best seller in both the mainstream and Christian markets. Why? Because we are indeed a people searching for love, acceptance, encouragement, appreciation, acknowledgement and even applause from time to time. Thousands upon thousands […]

“It is with great pleasure and joy, that it is hereby declared, that you are the best mom in the whole entire history of the world. Happy Mother’s Day!” This is an extreme example of a Mother’s Day card gone terribly wrong. However, it is one of thousands of cards speaking to moms everywhere and assuring them they are the best. Peruse the drugstore and read the glowing and flattering phrases; “Thank you Mom, you are the best! You add love to everything you do! You are the greatest mom! You are unselfish, patient and gentle!” I am thankful for […]