My job as a teacher is one that opens me up in extraordinary ways. If I listen closely and pay attention, every day there is a new insight that comes and teaches me in profound ways. Yesterday was one of those days. One of my students lost her mother.  A week ago, the child was in school, online … Continue reading “An Ocean in a Drop” by William Klein →

There’s a spiritual crisis in America.  It stems from the fact that people see some Christian ministers for who they are – hypocrites and purveyors of self-interest.  They’re in the business of making money and will avow any zealot who helps line their pockets.  They use the Gospel of wealth messages in the Bible to justify their actions. … Continue reading Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing by William Klein →

It’s Labor Day, and I’m thinking about those who built this country.  It was built on the backs of immigrants like Europeans, Latinos, Chinese, Irish, Italians, African American slaves and people desperate to support their families – any immigrant who was inspired by a dream of something greater for themselves and their loved ones. Before labor … Continue reading Labor Union Graveyard by William Klein →

Change is hard. John Lennon laughed about a time in New York when one of the places where they hung out was changing its name. He noted that all the revolutionaries were up in arms about the change. They were crying to the owner why he couldn’t change the name.  Ironic. If revolutionaries struggle with … Continue reading Change, Imagination and Possibility by William Klein →

It’s a mean world out there.  One of my favorite animals, a dog, caught a squirrel today.  We used to laugh and say “He loves to chase them, but if he ever catches one he won’t know what to do with it.”  Well, this time he did.  He killed it. He clamped down with his … Continue reading A Rule For Discourse by William Klein →

I was watching a cooking show and thought about the ingredients of faith.  A good meal consists of a variety of tastes, textures, aromas that sit well and leaves an effervescent aftertaste. Faith consists of the same ingredients in its own way.  The way we respond to our experience is cultivated in the dish of … Continue reading Ingredients of Faith by William Klein →

In Christian art there is a common motif of saints and holy figures standing on the heads of reptiles.  We see it with Mary, conquering the serpent as the second coming of Eve. Jesus tells his disciples, “See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of … Continue reading The Dragon We Conquer by William Klein →

One of the classic themes of literature is the “sins of the parent visiting the child” and how we respond to the indiscretions of those who went before us.  Biblically speaking we see this in the story Exodus 34. Moses has destroyed the tablets when he returns to deliver the Ten Commandments to his people.  … Continue reading The Sins of Our Forebearers by William Klein →

I’ve been studying black literature earnestly this summer, reading old and new authors – James Baldwin, Toni Morrison and Colson Whitehead to name a few.  I want to understand what is happening in African American culture.  I guess, as a teacher of predominantly African American students I want to understand their history so I can … Continue reading We Are All Beloved by William Klein →

“While man blames another for causing him harm, the wise man first takes himself to task.”  Hazrat Inyat Khan “Attend to self reform and social reform will take care of itself.”  Ramana Maharshi Jesus said it another way, “Judge not lest you be judged.” Matthew 7:1. We’re all guilty of judgment as this is part … Continue reading Speak Less, Listen More by William Klein →