When thinking about what Joseph wrestled with on that long-ago Good Friday, the question comes: Can we do more? By George Valadie Take a minute, think back, it wasn’t that long ago really— try to recall where you were at noon on Good Friday? Though some were lucky enough to …
Praying for perspective: Building the kingdom of God is a test of faith
By George Valadie It was 15 years ago in another city and diocese, but I remember as if it were yesterday. The building had some shape and a whole lot of walls, but not much else really. Some sections didn’t even have a roof yet. Dumb as it sounds, and …
Praying for Perspective: A return to a time when we knew better
When civility reigned, a minor disagreement would not have escalated into a shooting with a fatality By George Valadie I just don’t know anymore. The paper offered up yet one more story about one more shooting death. Sadly, there are more than a few to read about. But this one …
Praying for perspective: Catholic schools—they’re worth it
A week spent celebrating them annually isn’t enough time to thank everyone involved, but it does get the message out By George Valadie For the most people around the country, the first Friday in February coming up will bring to conclusion another Catholic Schools Week celebration. Over the last 30-plus …
Praying for perspective: A lesson in humility at traffic court
This driver in a hurry doesn’t see himself ‘as being as bad or as guilty as any of those people,’ until the Holy Spirit intervenes By George Valadie I’m hoping to do better this time because last year my Advent season didn’t begin soon enough. Yes, I know the season …
Praying for perspective: We are all God’s creatures
Whether well-heeled with the right papers or the more common variety, everyone should strive to be a best friend. By George Valadie For some reason, I feel compelled to tell you about our dogs, the ones still with us and those of the past. Most all of us have had …
Praying for perspective: It ain’t over til it’s over
Yogi Berra was right when it comes to sports…and life; it’s never too late to come back By George Valadie I’ve been a sports fan, more like a sports nut, I guess, from my youngest days, though I’m not entirely sure how or why. I know it’s not genetic because …
Praying for perspective: A view from on high
We may not see each other as God sees us, which can be very humbling By George Valadie Our youngest daughter recently moved back to Chattanooga and found an apartment downtown. We love to visit her and pretend we are cool. We take her to all the trendy places for …
Praying for perspective: Twelve minutes a day
That’s the average time a parent and child spend talking, and a parent regrets making it hard for his kids to share their feelings By George Valadie I can’t believe it, but I’ve just gotten started in my 58th year in the world of education. And though perhaps not diverse …
Praying for perspective: A priestly notion that’s ‘not ready for prime time’
Idea of ordaining married priests leads to unexpected discussion By George Valadie You can’t have two nicer weekends than we’ve had. The first was spent in Little Rock with all three of our daughters and their families. There was swimming, a cookout, and a lot of grandpa goofiness on the …
Praying for Perspective: ‘Common Sense Parenting’ class came too late
Raising children brings daily parenting decisions that are surely ‘in the manual we never got’ By George Valadie We Valadies have had the opportunity to live in three very different cities since the original two of us grew larger than that. One small, one midsize, one very large city. Each …
Praying for perspective: Carrying the cross
Do we share our personal stories or hide them away? By George Valadie It’s got to be about a month now at least, and it probably felt really good to get back to work. The holiday weekend seemed so long ago now; you know how it is. There’s all that …
