There is something beautifully infectious about pure, unadulterated joy. When you watch two young granddaughters transfixed by the simple magic of popping popcorn, or catching their breath as they sprint through a cold waterfall, you cannot help but smile. You feel warm all over. In those quiet, ordinary moments, joy requires no explanation. It demands…
June 20
Sixteen years ago today, I was at Georgetown Hospital undergoing a liver transplant. For me and my family, June 20 carries a weight and significance every bit as significant as a birthday or a wedding anniversary. It marks the day I was given a second chance at life. I remain forever, unspeakably grateful to my…
Release Valves
Sometimes, stress and frustration build up like water behind a poorly constructed dam. No matter how calm, cool, and collected we pretend to be, every single one of us has a tipping point. What we need—what our sanity demands—is a release valve. Let me explain. Years ago, I represented a company that manufactured portable air…
The Paradox of Human Strength
As my body was being scanned this morning, a paradox hit me out of nowhere: How can we be so fundamentally fragile, yet undeniably strong at the exact same time? Now, I’m not calling myself fragile. Anyone who takes one look at my former football player frame would laugh at the idea. But the truth…
The Smile of God
I believe that God is watching over us, but he/she does not wave a flag, nor does God take sides in geopolitical chess games. God smiles only when the noise of conflict falls silent and the world finds peace—indifferent to which leader claims credit. Peace is not a political victory; it is a moral alignment.…