Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
I have been thinking about the importance of storytelling. In her book, Hope in the Dark, Rebbeca Solnit addresses the “untold histories” behind major social change. She says, “Changing the story isn’t enough in itself, but it has often been foundational to real changes.” She goes on to add, “Some activists are afraid that if we acknowledge victory, people will give up the struggle. I’ve … Continue reading The Power of a Story (by Eileen)
Thirty years and a day. I celebrated my thirtieth year of sobriety last year, and today I have one more day. I was raised Southern Baptist. No one in my family drank. I was an honor student. I went to Divinity School and became an ordained minister. I worked with the Ecumenical Institute of Chicago on an inner city reformulation project and trained church leaders … Continue reading Thirty Years and a Day (by Herman)
I found a story that makes this point so nicely. A man found a cocoon made by a caterpillar. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched for several hours as the new butterfly struggled to force its body through the tiny hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and … Continue reading When Struggle is a Good Thing
Some time ago, I attended the funeral of Verdell Trice. Verdell was nicknamed the “Mayor of the West Side” because for more than 50 years he worked to make this desperately poor community in Chicago a better place to live. During the 1970’s I had the honor of working with Verdell on economic and social development programs aimed at improving the living conditions on the … Continue reading Why Bother?
Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” ~ George Washington As we near another election and grapple with the very threats to our democracy Washington’s words once again burn my ears with the truth they tell and prompt me to another sober reflection on the subject of power. What is it? How should it … Continue reading A Sober Thought on Power