New Beginnings: New Year, New Growth Mark 2:1–12, “Let us begin this new year with these words of wisdom as motivation: speak up, reach out, and carry your friends toward healing. Together, we are stronger.” Happy New Year, Mavericks! What I’m about to share has been brewing inside me for months. I started putting pen to paper about a month ago, but I discarded several drafts before settling on this version. Now, as the new year gets underway, I find myself reflecting more deeply on what it means to face challenges head-on and come out stronger—what it means to embrace the journey of Becoming Maverick . For many, the new year is a time for quick resolutions and goal-setting. For me, this process has evolved into something longer and more intentional over the past few years. My annual reflection and goal-setting now begins in mid-December and stretches over 30 to 60 days, sometimes ending in February. It’s not just about ticking items off a list—it’s about taking the time to honest...
What are my rights? Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections every individual is entitled to, ensuring dignity, equality, and justice. However, without personal responsibility, the pursuit of rights can become harmful, leading to conflict. True freedom arises when rights are balanced with accountability for our actions. Once Again, It’s About Rights… Or Is It? Once again, the issue of "rights" came up in a conversation with my teenage daughter. It got me thinking about how our education system and ultra-liberal culture place too much emphasis on rights. Now, don’t get me wrong—rights are important—but focusing solely on rights, especially when we demand them at the expense of everything else, can devalue us. When people become obsessed with asserting their rights, they often end up hurting themselves or others. Consider the many wars fought and countless lives lost in the name of "rights." Look at the language used in political discourse today. Phrases li...