Category: Blogs

In The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth, Ralph C. Wood says, “The larger point to be taken is that, for Tolkien, language is never neutral. As our most precious gift, it is always loaded with implication, always employed for either good or ill.” Wood’s statement highlights J. R. R. Tolkien’s view that language is deeply meaningful and inherently […]

Many years ago I heard a teacher describe what they did as “magic.” You’ve probably heard “magic” used that way in other contexts. But I do not like the use of the word “magic” that way. I don’t even like it when people say, “Byron, work your magic with this.” Why? Let’s start by looking […]

G. K. Chesterton said, “Virtue is not the absence of vices or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing, like pain or a particular smell. Mercy does not mean not being cruel or sparing people revenge or punishment; it means a plain and positive thing like the sun, which one has […]

One thing I believe people, both young and old, struggle with is being themselves. An elementary student gave this advice: “Be your own kind of cool!” I loved this because I always say we are all cool in some way and we need to recognize that coolness in ourselves. We also need to find and […]

You ever had your spirit broken by someone, something that happened, or something someone said? Pretty sure we would all answer a resounding “Yes!” to that. I know I have. There might even be things we’ve not got that spirit back from. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I was reminded of something […]

On Monday of this week I had the opportunity to work with a group of very astute fourth graders. We were discussing what it was like to be a leader as a fourth grader. One of the students said, “There’s a difference between fitting in and belonging. When you’re belonging, you’re feeling like yourself and […]