As a parent, my greatest fear is that my kids will end up just like me. I’m happy they look somewhat similar, if only they can avoid behaving so. I’m a mess of fear and insecurity and weakness, pride and condescension and callousness, laziness and carelessness and shallowness. I don’t want my daughter to see … Continue reading The Benefits of Being a Bad Parent
Children of Christmas Morning
Christmas morning! The kids run into the room screaming. Presents! Cousins are coming! Lulie’s house! It may or may not still be dark outside. They jump up onto the bed, which isn’t easy when you’re carrying your weight in cozy blankets and pillows. I want to pull the sheet over and pretend I can’t see … Continue reading Children of Christmas Morning
Christmas Clutter
Nothing bothers me more than seeing my kids get excited over a new toy only to toss it aside a day later and never pick it up again. This is how I know I’m getting old. I no longer look forward to Christmas. At least not for the presents. I am able to fall asleep … Continue reading Christmas Clutter
Rules for a New Public Discourse
Public spaces are expanding. The group of people within our reach is approaching universality, and the way we reached them has changed. You’d never respond to a stranger you overheard in a coffee shop. Nor would you stand up and give your opinion in the middle of grocery store. Now we regularly do both, online, … Continue reading Rules for a New Public Discourse
Christian Music and the Art of Propaganda
We can all agree that Christian pop music is awful, right? I can’t listen to it. If ever the radio stops on the Christian station and I think I’ll just relive my childhood for a minute, I wonder how I ever did it. It sometimes manages to sound vaguely like secular music that was popular … Continue reading Christian Music and the Art of Propaganda
Gender Freedom
My two year old son will do absolutely anything he sees his big sister doing. When she kicks the soccer ball, he’ll kick it back. Whatever tricks she does on the scooter, he’ll try too. If she starts practising her cartwheels and flips on the bar, he’s right there with her. He’s perfectly happy to … Continue reading Gender Freedom
Gaming and Gambling
The usher pulls back the rope, and I step into a world alive with the flashing of lights and the clamor of excitement. An electric band is playing in the back. People of all kinds crisscross the floor, eating and drinking, exchanging money, playing games. At every station and stall someone stares, transfixed. The squeals … Continue reading Gaming and Gambling
