Who hasn’t seen the KONY 2012 video that’s circulating this week? Really?  May I schedule a writer’s retreat under your rock?  It sounds like a blissful place…but i digress…. As with any activist cause that gains visibility quickly, there have been critics. No one denys that Kony is a rotten guy who has done countless rotten things.  The controversy surrounds who can and should be taking action to improve the situation in Central Africa, and what actions(s) are needed. The strongest critics contend that Kony’s influence has waned dramatically in recent years, and the issues facing Central Africa demand a […]

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I used to love snow days. Listening to the radio DJ rattle off the list of school districts.  Waiting on pins and needles to hear my district called, followed by the magic words: “Closed” Spending the rest of the day whining to my mom, “What can I do now, Mom?  I’m bored.  What can I do?” I ask the same question now, but for different reasons. I look at the 153 million orphans in the world, and I have a hard time figuring out where to start.  I look at that number and think, “it’s overwhelming, scary, and expensive!”  I […]

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Solving the problem of 153 million orphans seems overwhelming; it seems impossible.  But with many people taking steps toward the goal together, we CAN make a difference. On Monday, we’ll talk about how.   Thanks to Michael Hyatt for sharing this on his blog.  Truly inspiring. What inspires you?  Leave a comment… This is important.  Subscribe via email or RSS so you don’t miss a post, and use the buttons right here to tell your friends and followers about this.  Awareness –> Action –> Impact

I’ve never really been the social activist type. Sure, when I was 14, I sent my allowance to Greenpeace.  How could I not?  They sent me a postcard with a cute little baby seal on it and then told me about how mean-spirited Republicans beat them with clubs.  But then I grew up.  And became a Republican. (Yeah, there, I said it.  I’m out.  Don’t judge me.) For the record, I am not mean-spirited, and I don’t kill baby seals. But just like I couldn’t ignore the baby seals when I was 14, I can’t ignore the fact today that […]

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If you’ve been around here recently, you might have noticed that Chris Vonada inspired my current Haiku kick with his post about lower case “o” last fall.   my dog wears red shoes hairy feet no longer track mud embarrassment reigns     People have both mocked and admired me for putting shoes on my dog.  He’s not a big fan, but he will hold each paw out resignedly as I tighten the little velcro straps. But then yesterday, I saw this… …and the irony really struck me. My dog has shoes, but too many kids don’t.   I follow an […]

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