'To Bless All Mankind'

Marriages are under a lot of pressure.
At the Maclellan Shelter for Families, Gena Roberts Ellis stands in front of about two dozen residents, blending humor with what she views as an urgent mission: helping these families stay intact.
After initial news reports about hurricane Harvey, I checked in with a friend from Houston to see if she was OK and to let her know that she and her family were in my thoughts and prayers.
As College Avenue in Houston flooded one night in August, the yellow Waffle House sign at the top of the hill stayed on.
There was an article in my local newspaper a few years ago announcing the opening of a new hospital in the neighboring town.

What Americans mean by ‘health’

How’s your health?

Today’s heroism

To acknowledge today’s heroes, and to do so publicly, is certainly important, both to honor them and also to inspire us to look at our own opportunities to stand strong in difficult trials.
Earlier this year, in a rare public appearance outside of the White House, first lady Melania Trump presented 13 women from around the world with the International Women of Courage Award, honoring their demonstrated courage and leadership in the face of adversity.

Unity in diversity

It’s an indisputable fact that we live in a world of sharply divided opinion.

The call for citizens to ‘go local’

This year there have been calls for more local control from many politicians in France, Britain, Italy, and elsewhere.
Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa are unlikely friends.

When disaster brings reconciliation

Natural disasters often create unexpected bonds between people, even between longtime rivals, which can then alter the course of history.