Those Who Shape Our Lives
What unnecessary things and mental clutter do you have in your life? What steps can you take to get rid of it? Today (August 11th), Catholics remember St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), at age 18 renounced her noble background, committed her life to Christ, and took a vow of radical poverty. A spiritual friend of…
On August fifth every year, Christians who have saint days honor two amazing artists who lived in the same epoch, called the German Renaissance. One is Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), known for his woodcuts, engravings, paintings, and printmaking. His paintings such as “Young Hare” (1502) come alive, with detail all the way down to the…
I didn’t grow up with official “saints,” but if I had, St. Benedict of Nursia (in Italy) would be one on my list. For those Christian denominations that do have saints, July 11th is the day to commemorate him. He lived about 480 to 550 C.E., when much of Roman society was breaking down. He…
Why weren’t great artists and activists like James Weldon Johnson in my school textbooks years ago? James Weldon Johnson (whose birthday is June 25th) was a musician, poet, civil rights leader in the early 20th century, and more. He wrote several poetry collections including “God’s Trombones: 7 Negro Sermons in Verse” (1927) and also books…
November 25th is Lewis Thomas’ birthday. He was an American essayist, poet, physician, and more. Two of his books, “Lives of a Cell” and “Medusa and the Snail” were both subtitled “Notes of a Biology Watcher.” They sparked greater wonder in me, as he wrote about the amazing life and development of our natural world.…
Today is a great day to honor the life of Rt. Rev. Richard Allen, founder and first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was one of the most active Black leaders of the U.S., as a n abolitionist, pastor, educator, writer, and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Born a slave in Delaware in…
Do you ever watch the Nutcracker Ballet for Christmas? Maria Tallchief was the ballerina dancing with George Ballanchine at its premiere in 1954. Tallchief (1925-2013) was America’s first Native American prima ballerina. She revolutionized and popularized American ballet, and spoke on behalf of her Osage heritage all her life. She was known for known for…
Who knew? The classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart did breakthrough work, creating the underpinning for much of the music we know today. Yes, music for orchestras and chamber music, but also for rock, pop, and even electronic music. For example, his quick key changes and complex harmonies inspired the music of Beatles star Paul McCartney.…
Here’s a great heroine for Black History Month. Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) is an extraordinary model for justice from whom we can continue to draw energy and inspiration. She was an American investigative journalist, sociologist, and leader for women’s rights and civil rights. Born a slave and freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, she co-founded the…
March 9th is the special day to remember Gregory of Nyssa, an early Christian theologian who served as the Bishop of Nyssa in Turkey, from 372 to 376 and from 378 until his death in 394. He, his younger brother, Bishop Basil of Caesarea, and their friend, Gregory of Nazianzus, are known as the Cappadocian…