As a member of many 12 step anonymous groups, confronting pain and suffering are rarely talked about. The concept is not mentioned in the 12 steps. We have some affliction or addiction and we are to turn our lives over to God/Higher Power hoping He will do all the work. In psychiatric medicine, it is
(Information for this essay comes from the following books: “Becoming Human” by Jean Vanier and “The Lessons of St. Francis” by John Michael Talbot with Steve Rabey) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * If a church claims to have community, is
Preach always. Use words when necessary. – St. Francis of Assisi. * * * * * * * * * Is suicide ever justified? Most people would agree that terminally ill people should have the right to end their lives particularly if the quality of their lives is absent. But what about the rest of
(Material for this essay comes from the following sources: “Personhood” by Dr. Leo F. Buscaglia, PhD, “Would You Believe” by Tom Harpur and “When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough” by Harold Kushner) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * What is it that people
So many people will not be happy or feel confident until they reach a certain financial status, a certain element of success, a certain level of power. They are not happy “in their own skin” – just by being alive. There is a story from one of the talk shows a few years back. It
(Material for this essay comes from the following books: “Love” and “Personhood” both by Dr. Leo. F. Buscaglia and “When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough” by Rabbi Harold Kushner.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * “To Love.” It implies action and not an act of passivity, while
