Pin the Tail on the Innocent

Living in a Culture of Outrage and Blame Dear New Hope, I still remember the birthday. My dad showed up in his Michigan State Police uniform sporting his mustache, which was still popular in the 1980’s. Friends and family had gathered at the local McDonald’s where...

Communication in a World of iPhone Addiction

Dear New Hope, We’ve all been there. There’s no sense in denying it. You’ve gathered around a table, eating a meal, sitting face to face with family or friends, and someone has the nerve to be playing on their iPhone or gadget. They’re physically present...

Be Fruitful and Multiply: I’m Serious!

Dear New Hope, Our Worst Decision The worst decision of our married life was around 2006. It was a simple procedure called a vasectomy. I could give you a lot of reasons for making the decision, but the bottom line was: We had 4 children under the age of 5. My wife...

A Pastor at the Pope’s Door

Dear New Hope, Last week I had the opportunity to tour the Vatican in Rome. As we wandered through the Vatican Museum, we marveled at the historic sculptures, stood in awe beneath Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and ended our tour at the front doors of St. Peter’s...

Connection in Times of Crisis

7 Strategic Care Groups to give hope! Dear New Hope, “She gave me hope.” That’s what John said in a meeting about the opioid crisis. His family was in chaos. His situation was hopeless. But through an encounter with a church ministry, one woman stood in his path,...