I was thinking about why politicians and leaders who start out in the public square and seem to possess the character defined by one set of stated values, over time, make decisions that appear to be at odds with those values. They go into politics with a set of goal and ideals and over time succumb to forces that prevent them from following through.  Many who find themselves leading in corporate, organizational or political leadership come to this personal crisis. The systems that they must operate within tend to introduce forces which work against their values.

There is a person who makes conversation very difficult. I sometimes find myself asking, why do I bother?, as I walk away from this person. However, this person is old enough to be my parent, possibly has been a christian longer than I have been alive, is much wiser than I and I think has a purpose for the difficult conversation. So now I find myself with the lingering question, what do I have to do to gain from conversing with this person? Read more

The room was filled with family and friends, but the atmosphere was gloomy and the infrequent conversation was in hushed tones. He appeared to be asleep, but his labored breathing told the story: he probably wouldn't last the night. Occasionally his eyes would open, but there was a dullness in them that spoke of pain and pain killers and impending death. One sat at his bedside, gently stroking his hand. They all knew this day would come, but wished it could be at some distant point in the future.

It’s a story that I’ve often related for the sake of emphasizing the importance of even the smallest details in our lives, and to point up the fact that we can never know in advance the consequences of our own actions or inaction.

For want of a horseshoe nail, a horseshoe was lost.
    For want of a horseshoe, a horse was lost.
        For want of a horse, a rider was lost.
             For want of a rider, a message was lost Read more

I thought that our website would be a good place for people to send their greetings to Pastor Kirkey. You can do so by replying to this post and we'll make sure he sees them.