St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is generally associated with Irish identity.  Part of my ethnic background is Irish, but my interest in St. Patrick’s Day will be much deeper this year than shamrocks and music. 

Upside Down: The Paradox of Servant Leadership
Sometimes I think I might set aside some time and write a book. Several ideas swim around in my head. One just crossed off – because the book has already been written!

“What does it take to get a book on your reading list?”  That was the text message from Cara, our daughter who is a Clinical Counseling student at Columbia International University about two weeks ago.
Apparently, that question is all it took. 

“People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else.  Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain and distress.” 

 “You shall have no other gods before me.”  It’s the first commandment. 
But what does it mean in an age when we don’t carve wood or shape metal into idols that we bow down in front of, deluding ourselves into thinking they are our sponsors to whom we pray for protection, provision, and meaning?
We don’t [...]