I walked into the classroom and sat down. I was early, class wouldn’t start for another twenty minutes, so I pulled out my schedule. I had a busy semester and needed something light. A friend had suggested Religious Studies 101 with a particular professor. He claimed that it was an easy A. I just needed... Continue Reading →
The social media commenter started off with an aggressive, hot take: "If you’re not first, you're last." I read the post and read it again and then read it a third time. I thought it might be the poster's way of inspiring readers to push to be number one. Instead, the poster explained how she... Continue Reading →
Abraham Lincoln created the Medal of Honor 160 years ago on July 12, 1862, to recognize American soldiers (later sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen) who distinguished themselves with acts of valor. The medal of honor is the government's highest and most prestigious military decoration. The award was created in many respects for men... Continue Reading →
Every morning for the past two weeks, I’ve run down to our kitchen to grab a refill on my coffee cup and a granola bar before running back up to my office to log into the next meeting. Before I head back upstairs, I look over to to see our dog, Nittany, a Lhasa Apso -... Continue Reading →
When I was a young kid, I would spend Christmas Eve counting down the minutes in anticipation of Santa Claus' visit. As an adult, I spend the time now counting down the minutes to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and reflecting on where I stand in my own faith. Unfortunately, my faith... Continue Reading →
I hear my wife on her Google Classroom call and she’s bursting with excitement. She’s giddy over one of her kids completing a simple math question. She raises her voice and yells out so everyone can hear, “You did it.” And then there’s me. I’m on a Microsoft Teams call and someone accidentally mutes their... Continue Reading →
My wife looked at me, but said nothing. Her hand, the one without the IV tubes, gripped mine like her life depended on it. The labor pains took their sweet time, but were now coming at a steady pace. We were having our first child and I was doing my best to try to help... Continue Reading →
I remember the first time I heard the term “white privilege.” Oh, the African American student who yelled it at me, didn’t use the actual term white privilege, it wasn’t a word that you heard all that much back then, but his point was still the same. It was a chilly spring day, but the... Continue Reading →
One sign gave an ominous warning, “Do not cross. Thank you.” Another advertised a national weight loss program. Still another promoted a new video streaming service. Finally two more announced a train crossing and “Road Work Ahead.” I felt like the Aerosmith song was playing itself out in front of me: “Sign, sign, everywhere a... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
You must be logged in to post a comment.