We need to talk about mental health. And we need to talk about gun control.
"We don't yet know why this individual did what he did, and it's fair to say that anybody who does this has a sickness in their minds. But we are not the only country on Earth that has people with mental illnesses who want to do harm to other people. We are the only advanced country on Earth that sees these kinds of mass shootings every few months . . . Each time this happens, I am going to say that we can actually can do something about it, but we're going to have to change our laws. I hope and . . .
PRESS RELEASE: Blogger loses will to write/live after being asked to weigh in on proposed gay discrimination laws
Kristen Howerton, the blogger who regularly writes here, has reportedly given up the will to continue blogging after being faced with writing yet another post about Christians behaving badly towards gay people. The blogger, who has written many times on the topic of how Jesus would respond to the LGBT community, received numerous requests to weigh in on the discriminatory bills being proposed in Arizona, Kansas, Georgia, South Dakota and Tennessee. And while her level of outrage would typically . . .
The Kermit Gosnell trial: we’re asking the wrong questions
warning: this post contains graphic details about abortion and infant demise Over the past week, I have learned about the trial of Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortion provider who has been accused of delivering full-term babies and killing them by snipping their necks. Like everyone, I have been horrified by the grisly details of his practice. A part of the grand jury report provides harrowing details of the clinic: This case is about a doctor who killed babies and endangered women. What . . .
The biblical definition of marriage and its relevance to marriage equality
Last week, as the Supreme Court began the conversation around California's contested Proposition 8, social media outlets were buzzing with opinion over marriage equality. In an attempt to show solidarity and support for our LGBT friends, many people changed their Facebook picture to a red and pink image of an equal sign. I did this as well. I noticed that, for many of us who run in Christian circles, this change was followed by a number of our Christian friends expressing dismay at our . . .
the inconvenient truth about mental health and gun control
I’m still reeling from the tragedy that took place last week, trying to process the events and, like many people, wondering what can be done to prevent such a tragedy from befalling other families in our nation. I’ve seen a growing conversation on the need for better access to mental health services. As a therapist, I heartily agree that mental health needs to be available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. I want nothing more than to see our country step it up in that . . .
$#!@ People Say On Facebook During Elections: THE VIDEO
Yesterday a couple friends and I decided to bring a little levity to the gloom-and-doom we were seeing on facebook in regards to the election. I’ve said this before, but while I have strong political beliefs, I also firmly believe that the foundation of our country (and our lives) will not be changed based on a Republican or a Democrat taking office. I watched with amusement last week as people on facebook predicted the end of our lives as we know it if one side or the other won. So, a . . .
on being a Christian and voting as a Democrat
Tomorrow is the big election day, and I’m sure many of us are ready for the political fighting on facebook to be OVER. I know I am. It’s been another discouraging season as I’ve watched Christian friends (and family) cast judgment on anyone not towing the line with the Religious Right. I’ve been open about my political beliefs but I’ve also tried to avoid being negative and defensive, but today a couple things have prompted me to explain why, as a Christian, I’m voting as a Democrat. . . .
left mom, moderate mom, right dad, and a canadian . . .
Elizabeth and I have another episode of Right Mom/Left Mom coming up (this time, we are tackling the relationship between the evangelical church and the Republican party). I still need to upload that one, but in the meantime I thought I would share a chat I did last night for Yahoo! and ABCnews.com. They invited several of us from varying political perspectives to share our reactions live during the DNC. As you can see, we ended up having a lively discussion that sort of took . . .
right mom/left mom episode 3: OBAMACARE!!!
Hey guys! It’s our 3rd installment of Right Mom/Left Mom, and we’ve been hearing your suggestions and decided to dedicate today’s webcast to healthcare reform. Here, Elizabeth and I discuss our thoughts (and fears) about Obamacare, including the controversial individual mandate. Thanks for joining us in what we are hoping can be a civil discussion of politics leading up to the election. Please watch and then chime in! We love hearing your thoughts, but we ask that you share . . .
introducing a new series: right mom/left mom
I’m giddy excited to introduce a new web series that I’m doing with my friend Elizabeth Esther. It’s called Right Mom/Left Mom, and Elizabeth and I will be doing weekly segments in which we talk about politics and current events in a way that hopefully models empathy and civility . . . even though the two of us are coming from very different places. Elizabeth and I have been friends for a while, and we have some differences (she’s a Catholic with conservative political views, I’m a . . .