Dr. Herbert C. Jackson was a 20th-century American missionary who later became a seminary professor, publishing several articles for journals about theology in Christian missions, as well as mission strategies. I came across a story Jackson told his seminary students about something that happened during his first assignment as a young missionary. The car Jackson was assigned was old and would not start without a push. After thinking about the situation, Jackson devised a plan. He decided to Continue Reading
Simply Do the NEXT Right Thing {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
The young woman sits in the corner, crying in a fetal position. She is alone, and the darkness that surrounds her mimics the gloom engulfing her heart. Her best friend died. The man she loves abandoned her. And to make matters worse, she has a dreadful suspicion that her beloved sister is dead. “Hello darkness, I am ready to succumb,” she says. As she recounts the events and how her once joyful life suddenly turned into ashes, she feels grief’s mighty force pulling her down like Continue Reading
Commit to Your New Year Goals as a Business Plan {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
New Year resolutions are a common practice, especially in the Western Hemisphere. The origin of the tradition, however, is also found in many eastern cultures since ancient times. The Babylonians made promises to their gods at the beginning of each year, vowing to return borrowed objects and pay any outstanding debts. The Romans started each new year with a promise to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named after. Other religious sectors also offer this tradition. Jews celebrate Continue Reading
Prophecies Give Meaning to Christmas {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These words, found in the ninth chapter of the Old Testament book by the prophet Isaiah are perhaps one of the most recognized prophesies concerning the Messiah. Since the first century, this prophecy has inspired believers who have acknowledged the coming of Israel's deliverer in the child born on a Continue Reading
What Will They Say When You Leave? {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I spent my childhood summer vacations at my grandparents' farm, located in a small fishermen village in South Brazil. The farm is by a breathtaking saltwater lake, which is one of the most significant sources of shrimp in south Brazil. One of the most beautiful sceneries that I recall from those days was the sight of the lake at night. As you drove on the interstate beside it, the vision would fool any stranger to the area. One could swear that the lake was instead a village, filled with Continue Reading
My Dad’s Life – A Lesson in Thanksgiving {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
We walked side by side around his small garden as he told stories about each plant and tree that thrives in this little paradise. His eyes sparkled when he spoke of the many hours and days spent tending to them. Love pours from his heart to every creature he cares for — from the smallest flower in his garden to the three dogs that roam happily around his house, to the tender gestures he extends. My 85-year-old daddy is not a perfect man, but I could not have asked for a better dad. Indeed, he Continue Reading
