A Pilgrim’s Odyssey

Where are We Going, and Who Will We Follow Out of the Dark Forest?

Joseph Campbell said we could not realize our potential following someone else's way. When we are looking to get out of a dark forest, what light will we follow?

If we are people of faith, does our life look any different Monday-Saturday than people who sleep in on Sunday?

To end up where we belong takes intention and clear focus. There has never been a better time to ask yourself the tough questions on the trajectory of your life.

Deepening our Faith in a Time of Crisis, While Fighting Against Tyranny

The calling of a Christian is not an easy one. What can we do during this time of crisis to deepen our faith while being a witness to others. So many seem to be willingly entering the matrix, what can we do to shine a light and offer another way?

Tolkien, Hitler, and the Words of an 8-year old: Walking the Fine Line

My eight-year old, Gabriel, asked me to talk about the fine line between the path to goodness and the path to darkness. It got me thinking about JRR Tolkien and Hitler, so I obliged.

Fear and Pride, the salt and pepper of sin. They will drive you toward the darkness and the antidote is humility.

Rebecca Bryan Boone and My Girl: "We’ll Make Do”

Rebecca Bryan Boone, the wife of Daniel Boone, is an inspirational woman and an example of the best we can inspire to be. She reminds me of my wife.

Why do we allow ourselves to take for granted the most important things in our lives? Why do we fail to remember the things that can sustain us when times are at their absolute worse?

Today, we learn some valuable lessons from the life of Rebecca Bryan Boone, and I give thanks to the woman who has read, fed, taught, and loved my children for the last 20 years.

From Turmoil to Peace: Regaining a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

Scott Peck said that "truth is reality" and our understanding of truth was like our map to navigating life. What happens when our map is upended and truth seems like an unsolvable mystery?

Do we embrace the mystery and search for what matters, or do we allow ourselves to be scattered by the wind and blown to wherever it may take us.

I suggest you embrace the mystery and enjoy its magical ride.

Destiny and Anxiety Part Three: Let Your Light Shine

We've all had those experiences we can't really explain and maybe didn't really deserve. Don't keep them hidden. The world needs light, and hopefully today's episode encourages you to share yours.

I met him volunteering in a maximum security prison and his battle over heroin addiction would help teach me learn the meaning of faith.

The Cross of the Paradigm Shift: What are you willing to change?

Paradigms can trap us without us even being aware. Thomas Kuhn explored this phenomena in relation to science in his groundbreaking book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. In the world of religion, Christ broke paradigms and ultimately sacrificed his life.

Breaking paradigms are hard because they usually go against conventional wisdom. Kuhn suggested that the most important first step was a willingness to look in the mirror and understand that in many ways, the more "expert" we are, the more likely we are to fool ourselves.

Join us today as we explore paradigms and the humility to change ours when needed.

Facing Chaos: Uncle Milton, Jordan Peterson, and Snapping Turtles

I learned how to face chaos and find the tasty watermelon that comes when you face down mighty beasts thanks to my Uncle Milton.

Today with a little help from Jordan Peterson and my Uncle Milton, we discuss how to straighten up with our shoulders back and face the responsibility of life with eyes wide open.

Destiny and Anxiety Part Two: You have triumphed, You are not a failure

The great psychologist and expert on human development, Erik Erikson, said:

"the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child’s spirit".

Today we discuss the value in every child's spirit, how to help children who have been psychologically damaged, and what to do about our own baggage that can contribute to us feeling unloved and unworthy.

Tipping Points: Your effort matters

Today, on The Pilgrim's Odyssey, we take a look at the concept of The Tipping Point, made famous by Malcolm Gladwell, it's impact on us today with the coronavirus and what we can learn from it to move forward with hope.

Change often comes from the person following truth and everyday making even a small impact on others until the result of their good efforts explode. Of course, bad change can come about the same way.

And most importantly, if you are fighting the good fight, whether you see it or not, your effort matters.