Pandemic, war, the loss of loved ones, and the machination that is the great wheel of time; all have caused me to consider and share thoughts on my own crossing from life to death, and it’s a sailing metaphor, of course.

My early morning trip, with lights sparkling on the horizon in the wintry cold of dawn, reminded me that seekers are the torchlight that feeds the flame – illuminating and healing “the least of these brothers and sisters of mine” while spreading peace and joy.

Nothing can violate my commitment to protecting and securing life through acts of love and compassion. So, if the state chooses to kill me, it is not the end for me; it is only the beginning.

“Retirement is the filthiest word in the language. Whether by choice or by fate, to retire from what you do – and what you do makes you what you are – is to back up into the grave.” -Hemingway-

By James E. Copple Alcohol has become a “hot topic” in circles of faith – the absolutes about alcohol consumption that kept us sheltered in the moralistic teachings of our ancestors are all but gone or at least ridiculed, and young people ask, “why not?” Therefore, the issues and consequences of alcohol use are surfacing […]

By James E. Copple Friend. A difficult word often defined by platitudes and sentimental ramblings but rooted in a relationship with someone you know well and regard with affection and trust. I have had many friends, and most have come and gone, but affection and trust are good words to describe many of those relationships. […]

Voices from the Night: The Power and Promise of Community Change is now out there for everybody to see and read. It is a “story book.” I am a story teller! I have had the opportunity to be a witness to so many events in so many environments. Whether it is the preacher in me, the teacher in me, or the advocate in me, or all of the above, I cannot tell a story without applying a lesson.

We work together to build capacity so the search for food and water becomes secondary to sustainable work or agriculture that will secure their families. When I see the faces of these friends and colleagues – I cannot escape the disconnect.

We are all familiar with the clichés of “show me the money” or in investigations related to property crime or corruption, “follow the money.” The point of these phrases is that there is an object that defines our behavior or actions. I must confess I am an unashamed and unabashed pursuer of money. Over the […]