From the first moment I held my son in my arms, I secretly feared that I would somehow fail him as a parent, or that somehow he might fail me. In a split second, the perfect moment turned into my worst nightmare– What if my son was ‘different’?

I harbored and internalized my fear, not sharing it with my wife or parents. Given that my father-in-law is ‘different’ (for the last 60 years); I did not dare divulge my trepidations with him, lest I might offend.

Suddenly, my worst fears were realized– I discovered my son was ‘different’, too.

Continue reading →

The results from the 2009 elections are in.   Many people will misinterpret the results.  On the right, you will hearing a lot of crowing on talk radio about how this is a rejection of President Obama.  Not true.   On the left, there will be relief about a Democrat pickup in NY-23, the congressional seat won by Bill Owens, and complete rejection of the idea the results have any national implications whatsoever.  Also not true.

It seems to me there is a middle-way narrative which goes like this:  the left interpreted the 2008 results, in which Democrats took over the White House and both houses of Congress, as evidence of a new progressive majority.  Their leadership immediately pressed forward with an array of new initiatives, especially health care and cap-and-trade.  The tea party movement has slowed the momentum of the progressive platform.  The results from Tuesday’s voting could be another barrier slowing that momentum.

Continue reading →

The tone was set by a young woman not yet a member of the Church. Her mother was baptized last December, and it’s clear that this young lady will follow in due time. She talked about a recent life lesson that had hit her hard: if you never try, you will never be able to do it. A tender spirit with shades of innocence filled the chapel.

Next was a brother who was recently called as a ward missionary. He said that we cannot just sit in church ourselves, for it our duty to bring others and each other here. “There is much I have to answer for,” he said, mentioning 20 years wasted chasing worldly goals, “but I will never have to answer for not spreading the gospel.” The spirit was one of rebirth through the gospel and covenantal duty to one another.

The bishop’s Executive Secretary testified of the reality and goodness of each member of the Godhead.

A young father spoke of God’s love for us, allowing me to once again taste of that love.

As we discussed the other day, Isaiah invites us messianically thus: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:1-2)

How satisfying to be so well fed at testimony meeting!

As a fan of long distance running for almost 35 years, I cannot let this day go by without remarking on how wonderful it was to see the performance of American men in the New York marathon Nov. 1.  An American immigrant, Meb Keflizighi, won, the first time that has happened since 1982.  And another American, Ryan Hall, took 4th.  In fact, Americans took six of the top 10 spots.  That has not happened since the 1970s.

Why is this noteworthy?  Well, first of all, long distance running has been dominated by Africans and South Americans since the 1980s, especially the New York and Boston marathons, the premier U.S. events.  Meb pointed to his racing singlet, which said “USA” on it, proudly in the last half-mile to highlight the return of American long-distance running.

But there was also something new:  both Meb and Ryan Hall are openly and proudly religious, and this is definitely something new for American long-distance runners.

Continue reading →