Category: Compassion

  • Will you rise to the occasion?

    Small business owner Michelle Tuplin had a problem. She needed to move her independent bookstore to a larger space down the street. But packing and unpacking all the books using a traditional moving company would require the store to close for at least several days. That would hurt both her business and its patrons. So…

  • The Survivor moment we should all be talking about

    I started watching Survivor three seasons ago on a whim. Some friends I don’t see often asked me to join their online fantasy Survivor pool. I figured it’d be a fun way to connect. But I’ll be honest – I had low expectations. I first watched the veteran reality show in the early days when…

  • How Musical Harmony Can Bridge Our Divide

    I love to sing, especially harmonies. In a large choir or a small group, the harmonies provide depth that even the loveliest melody can’t produce on its own. Imagine a song that begins with a simple intro by piano and guitar. After a few beats, the lead vocalist starts the first verse with the lone…

  • The Love of Your Life

    The legendary Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge in Paris has provided a path across the Seine River to the Louvre for over two centuries. But that longevity was no match for modern tradition. In 2007, inspired by a popular Italian movie, lovers started hanging personalized padlocks on the Paris bridge and throwing the keys into…

  • The Humans Behind the Headlines

    As the camera panned across the charred debris, the reporter rattled off the stats. More than 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed. At least 25 people dead and 37 more still missing. More than sixty square miles of Los Angeles County burned to a crisp. Thousands of firefighters and first responders continue to battle the flames…

  • The Case for Swedish Death Cleaning

    Cardboard boxes and packing tape consumed my fall. After Hurricane Helene flooded my mother-in-law’s house in late September, she made the hard decision to move out instead of renovating her home. Wearing masks to protect against mold, we sorted through 30 years of contents and a lifetime of memories in about ten days. Given the…

  • Bringing Out the Best

    For the last two weeks, communities in at least six states across the Southeast still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage have found strength and support in neighbors and strangers looking to do anything they can to help. With Hurricane Milton set to deal some Florida residents a second devasting blow tonight, the urgent need…

  • Amazon Orders from the Great Beyond

    Susan Thompson-Gaines received mysterious Amazon packages from “EA Raven” for her local Little Yellow Free Pantry. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t identify the anonymous donor. The donor was later revealed, and despite personal loss, her generosity inspired others to donate items in her honor. EA’s story showcases the powerful impact and ripple effect of…

  • What a Nude Beach Taught Me

    A fantastic family trip to Spain included hiking, swimming, and an unexpected encounter with a nude beach. The experience prompted a discussion with our kids about cultural differences. Whether at home or abroad, exploring unfamiliar places or activities broadens your perspective and normalizes our differences. So get out there!

  • One Day is Not Enough

    We like to mark special occasions with pomp and circumstance. When my kids were little, we’d go all out with themed birthday parties. Colorful characters like Elmo, Rescue Heroes and Buzz Lightyear exploded all over the decorations, paper plates and balloons. A matching sheet cake was made with enough food coloring to concern even the…