No, I’m not thinking about the lingering physical malaise that is sometimes called “long COVID.” I’m thinking about the lingering social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects caused by two years of social distancing, isolation, mistrust, and fear. We all went along with it; what else could we do without further isolating ourselves? Psychologist Jody Harrington … Continue reading The long-lasting effects of COVID
psychology
Let’s take time to talk
Early in the 20th century, settlers poured into Saskatchewan from around the world, lured by the promise of free land that would enable even the poorest to own their own farm. Life wasn't as easy as portrayed by the government advertising, but most people stuck it out through hardships, harsh weather and unexpected setbacks. Despite … Continue reading Let’s take time to talk
Basketball hoops and education
Image by David Mark from Pixabay When James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, he placed the net 3 metres above floor level. That is still the official height of a basketball hoop. But let’s imagine that the net has been lowered one centimetre every year, without telling anyone. The change would not be noticeable from year to year, … Continue reading Basketball hoops and education
Empathy vs Compassion
empathy noun. Psych. The power of identifying oneself mentally with (and fully comprehending) a person or object of contemplation. (Oxford) I was 15 when this word was first being introduced to the population of North America. It was touted as the best way to relate to the sufferings of others. I didn’t buy it then; … Continue reading Empathy vs Compassion
Unmoved by empathy
Empathy was foisted upon us 60 years ago as a more egalitarian substitute for sympathy. I suppose I’ve always had an analytical mind, sometimes that’s just an excuse for inaction. But I never believed this new word offered anything useful. I have been part of a small minority. The majority has come to believe that … Continue reading Unmoved by empathy
Government sponsored morality
“Every generation, no matter how paltry its character, thinks itself much wiser than the one immediately preceding it, let alone those that are more remote. ” -William Shakespeare Old Mr. Shakespeare was a pretty keen observer of human nature with all its foibles. I guess that's why his plays remain so popular, we are still … Continue reading Government sponsored morality
The problem of age
I was sitting in the food court with my 95-year-old mother. A young oriental lady rushed up to us, on the verge of tears, and wanted to meet and hold the hand of this old lady. I was startled at first, but as the young lady talked it warmed my heart to see her love … Continue reading The problem of age
Faith based service
I got to chatting with some of the younger generation at the lunch after my cousin’s funeral on Tuesday. (In this case, younger means somewhere around 60.) Ron is executive director of an organisation that flys volunteers into remote northern communities to conduct Vacation Bible School in the summer and to maintain contact at other … Continue reading Faith based service
Relevant to what?
Relevant to what? Everybody talking about the decline of Christianity in the Western world says that it is because the faith preached over the pulpit is no longer relevant to our society. What they cannot agree on is in what way it is no longer relevant. For over a century now, many churches have struggled … Continue reading Relevant to what?
Is anybody listening?
Christians who suffer from depression or other emotional or mental distress often face disapproval if they try to find help in psychologists and pills. It is true that there are dangers with both. What kind of help are we offering them? “Why do Christians shoot their wounded?” was the title of a book published some … Continue reading Is anybody listening?
Flatlander Faith 