All the Way to the River

(by Elizabeth Gilbert) Some years ago, I was stuck on a crosstown bus in New York City during rush hour. Traffic was barely moving. The bus was filled with cold, tired people who were deeply irritated with one another, with the world itself. Two men barked at each other about a shove that might or …

Safe at Home

(by David Anderson) The little guy was standing at third base. Seven years old. His fellow teammate at the plate had swung furiously at the first two pitches. And missed. I knelt down on my knees in the third base coaches’ box and leaned out over the chalk line that fairly shouted ‘proceed no further,’ …

Every Teacher You Know

(author unknown) Every teacher you know has thought about it. Every teacher you know has a plan for an active shooter. Every teacher you know has weighed their point of fight or flight. Every teacher you know has walked their room looking for blind spots. Every teacher you know has passed their classroom to see …

The Dead Horse Theory

(author unknown) The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that, "When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount." However, in modern business, education and government, a whole range of far more advanced strategies is often employed, such as, Buying a …

Be an Eagle

(author unknown, adapted for this article) I was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing I noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out …

For Such a Time as This

(by Alex Cravens) Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids/grandkids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Their life wasn’t a coincidence or an accident. Raise them up …

Performance Evaluation Quotes

(authors unknown, thankfully) "Since my last report, this employee has reached rock bottom and shows signs of starting to dig." "His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity." "I would not allow this employee to breed." "This associate is really not so much of a has-been but more of a definitely …

A Call for American Renewal

(by Evan McMullin and Miles Taylor) These United States, born of noble convictions and aspiring to high purpose, have been an exemplar of self-government to humankind. Thus, when in our democratic republic, forces of conspiracy, division, and despotism arise, it is the patriotic duty of citizens to act collectively in defense of liberty and justice. …

The Poster

(by Doug Storm, adapted for this article) I was with the national tour of "Les Miserables" and we were performing in Salt Lake City. At the time, we were doing the poster sales for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. If someone donated $50, they would receive a poster signed by the entire cast. After …

Second Impeachment Vote Remarks

(By Mitt Romney, United States Senator) Once again, I have listened to the arguments of the respective counsel, studied briefs, and weighed evidence in an impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. This is not a responsibility I sought or expected. I certainly did not anticipate having to serve a second time as a Senator-juror in …