In a world upended, hurting, and fearful, the pressure is mounting. As anxiety and tension escalate, we all need to become better listeners. The ability to listen to someone helps that person release the pressure that builds up inside. We can think about stress and anxiety as pressure that needs to escape. In various types of equipment, a relief valve… Read More
Walking into the large reception area, one might initially think there were many families on vacation. People talking and laughing in small groups with children darting around big islands holding the breakfast spread. If you look closer, you’ll see some of them wiping away tears. You’ll see the exhausted look of fresh grief on many faces. For others, eyes shine… Read More
Jerry Sandusky, former assistant football coach at Penn State University has been handed a sentence of 30 to 60 years in prison for multiple sexual assault charges. He molested many young boys and now has received his official state punishment. Some journalists, bloggers and others are declaring “closure” along with “justice” for the victims, families, and others who have been… Read More
Hoping that victims will find “closure” in the Penn State sex abuse scandal is wrong. Using the concept of closure helps those responsible for the harm; it doesn’t help victims. What does “closure for victims” really mean when used in these political and criminal cases? Jerry Sandusky, former assistant football coach at Penn State University, is facing multiple sexual assault… Read More
“Nothing could have prepared 16-year-old Brooks Douglass for the future that lay before him. Brooks grew up in a loving family in a rural home near Oklahoma City. His father, Richard Douglass, was pastor of Putnam City Baptist Church, which housed over 3,000 members in its congregation. Brooks’ mother, Marilyn, devoted her time to her children, which in addition to… Read More
The first major 9/11 public memorial was dedicated in front of the Pentagon on September 11, 2008. The day after the memorial opened, The Washington Post ran a story titled “A long-awaited opening, bringing closure to many.” After the death of Osama bin Laden in May of this year, headlines around the nation proclaimed that we could now have closure…. Read More
Many people are anticipating the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero in New York City, though not fully completed, will have a grand opening on September 11, 2011. There will be a somber, poignant memorial service to remember the tragedy that happened on September 11, 2001. However, the invitation list for this… Read More
As we get closer to September 11, we will hear more about the 9/11 attacks. The tenth anniversary of this tragedy will be remembered differently depending on your own connection to the events. If you lost a loved one in the attacks, your grief and memories will be more difficult than what most may experience. Some people will solemnly reflect… Read More
