Abigail Van Buren who wrote the syndicated Dear Abby column for many years introduced me to the Thanksgiving prayer we say at our table. I love its simplicity and reminder that we need to keep in mind those less fortunate than we are as we count our myriad of blessings. This year, in our troubled world, let’s also be grateful to those who are different from us … Continue reading Thanksgiving Blessing
Told Ranya, Suzanne and Priscilla about my blog and they have linked to it. I’ve returned the favor in my blogroll. Here’s the nice email they sent me. Please check out their site at http://thefaithclub.com if you would like to join the conversation. Hi Vicky – Thank you so very much for your email. We are honored that our words in any way inspired yours. … Continue reading Feedback from The Faith Club
Over the course of reading the book “The Faith Club” many things resonated with me but one statement from Ranya, the Muslim woman, sums things up. “Once you can see things from both sides you’re on the side of compassion and humanity.” Another thing that impressed me was a bit of wisdom from my friend, Cheryl, during a walk last weekend. “Don’t judge a religion … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 4
Three years ago I was on the road in Buenos Aires, Argentina during Rosh Hashanah. As is my custom when I am traveling I find myself a service wherever I am. One year I celebrated Rosh Hashanah in Wilmington, North Carolina while covering a hurricane. Another time I spent Passover in Kampala, Uganda where we substituted Indian naan for matzah. There was Yom Kippur in Savannah, Georgia and a seder at a … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 3
My son, Kyle, was born with a bump on his head and it terrified me. As a first time mom I was certain he would become gravely ill and I would not be able to hang on to him. Perhaps it was the postpartum imbalance of hormones but I found myself crying in the shower. Then and there I surrendered. I conceded I could not do … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 2
I’ve spent the last two days in temple celebrating Rosh Hashanah but for some reason this year I’m not feeling it. Perhaps it’s because I only show up for the high holidays and each year it’s the same story of Isaac and Abraham and Hannah and Peninah. My Jewish experience is so limited. Rabbi Mo is at the top of his game with sermons about living … Continue reading The Faith Club
I don’t like flying in the middle seat on airplanes. I feel cramped. But on a recent United Airlines flight from Chicago to Portland, Oregon I sat between two men and had the most fascinating trip. Joe sat on the aisle. He is a 70 year old college professor and psychiatrist. He and his wife were returning home after visiting family in New York. He was reading … Continue reading Flying in the Middle
Who would you show up for? Who are the people in your life that you would be present for rain or shine? Who would you jump on a plane to see? My friend, Genevieve, and I were driving back from Beaver Creek after an overnight celebrating Nancy’s birthday with the ladies. We were talking about how your dearest friends were those you could count on … Continue reading Showing Up
Malcolm Gladwell, author of “The Tipping Point,” “Outliers” and “Blink” has an article out this month in The New Yorker. It’s called “How David Beats Goliath” and with his deft storytelling and character development Gladwell makes the case for effort over ability. He tells about Vivek Ranadive and his basketball team of 12 year old girls in Redwood City, California. To overcome a lack of talent they … Continue reading How David Beats Goliath
I wrote a blog on Christmas Day 2008 (after seeing the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”) about how conflicted I was while in Delhi, India over what to do when children begged for handouts. Apparently I’m not the only person who has struggled with how to respond. Check out Sunday’s New York Times column, The Ethicist, by Randy Cohen. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/magazine/03wwln-ethicist-t.html For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com Continue reading India Ethics
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