These days, it seems that we read and hear more than we would like to read or hear about the misbehavior of athletes and coaches. Some of that goes way beyond misbehavior. It is absolutely immoral and, all too often, illegal.  Howell Bigham recently posted the following material on Facebook. I had heard some of this before, but I am reproducing it here in order to “get the story right” and to remind us of a positive life lesson. I am not, in any way, suggesting that all of today’s athletes and coaches are bad people. Neither am I suggesting that all of those who filled these roles years ago (including the one referenced…

He had a father. Yet his father was not known as the patriarch. While we don’t know much about Terah, Joshua 24:2 specifically includes him as one of those who “dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and … served other gods.” On the other hand, Abram, his son, is called “the friend of God” because he “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (James 2:23). Throughout the book of Genesis, we read of the faith of Abraham. Not that he was a perfect man, as God lets us see some of his fears (Gen. 12:12) and his mistakes (Gen. 16). However, there is…

In some ways, this is a “follow-up” to a recent post by Adam Faughn and a podcast he and Leah Faughn did together. He wrote and they talked about what I consider to be some very good thoughts about the criteria that should be used by parents as they consider youth programs of various congregations. In another way, this post reflects a long-held belief of mine. It is my opinion that too many parents ask the wrong question when their children come home from some activity. Before you think I’m getting too “preachy” or am coming across as “holier than thou,” please let me dispel that notion – quickly. When our children were…