Author Archives: jackpelham

I don’t supposeI have ever been the one To suffer the bully,But to deny him face to face. Yet to this day,I meet so many bulliesWho have learned from experienceNot to expect any Efficacious pushback. And I can’t help but … Continue reading →

Where did I ever get the idea that whenever I am sad, I should retreat from good habits? And how could I not see that this strategy could only lead to more sadness‒and from there, to further retreat? It is … Continue reading →

This is a thought experiment about church priorities. Here are six brief church profiles, each from a different congregation. Imagine what it might be like to be a member of each congregation. And keep in mind that the word here … Continue reading →

If the narcissist will deny God himself,He will surely deny you. If he will deny direct observationAnd fact and logic and sourcing,He will surely deny you.

If you make an error in what you say—even if it’s ancillary to the point you’re making—there are many who will seize the opportunity to focus on the error, and to ignore your main point. And some will judge poorly … Continue reading →

I wonder how much Bad behavior in this worldIs fertilized by the general unwillingness Of the people to call it out.

The United States Constitution was violated quite egregiously in the First Congress of the United States. And if you’re a typical American, you probably don’t even know what acts of Congress violated it. But most of those violations are still … Continue reading →

If shaming is, to its very core,So utterly and detestably shameful,Then by what logicAnd by what moral authorityAre the shamers so scornfully shamed?

When I read the Bible, I see that humankind: It was to be a busy and active life, filled with learning and growth and heartache and trouble and victory and accomplishment. Failures and successes. Pain and peace. And it was … Continue reading →

She never learned to manage her own emotions, as adults are capable of doing. She never learned to regulate her feelings or to cope with disappointment. She never learned that she can craft her own emotional life somewhat, and develop … Continue reading →