I heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; Job 42:5 If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too: If you […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
Vilifying immigrants, the oldest trick in the book, is a racist one
At this writing, we don’t know what the outcome of this election will be. It has been painful to endure as it centered on the vilification of immigrants and refugees. It is not new. Germans arriving in the 1700s were thought to be barbaric. Called “Huns,” they were considered suspicious if they practiced the traditions […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Embracing community and change
My name is Celinda Doolin, and I’ve worked as a real estate broker with Keller Williams Capital Realty for the past seven years. I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives – buying or selling their homes. For me, real estate isn’t just a job; it’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Making America great again …
For several months, this political mantra has been chanted by thousands, printed on placards, billboards, caps and clothing; promoted by organizations, political groups, religious bodies and individuals. Reviewing the social, economic, environmental, governmental, international and moral fluctuations, and what happened within the U.S. over the past 10 years alone has given rise from some, and […]
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In-demand and rewarding careers in health care
Would you like a career where you could help people while earning a sweet income with full benefits? How about the ability to find a job in your field no matter how your life changes or where you choose to move? Do you enjoy a flexible schedule, being part of a team, learning the latest […]
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How to be a better news consumer during this election season
Have you heard anyone say recently “I can’t wait for this election to be over?” Have you said it? The feeling is understandable. The nonstop, mean-spirited social media posts, advertisements and political commentary can be exhausting. Aside from the vitriol, there are at least two reasons for the exhaustion. First, it is increasingly challenging to […]
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Hope in the face of the coming storm
On Sept. 30, American Baha’is received a letter from our National Assembly, the elected body which oversees the affairs of the Baha’i Faith in this country. The letter addresses current conditions in our country and, indeed, the whole world. Much of the letter addresses what is expected of the American Baha’i Community at this time, […]
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You shall rejoice in your festival
The Jewish lunar month of Tishri, which falls in September and October on the civil calendar, is the busiest time of the Jewish year, filled with holidays and observances both solemn and joyous. Within the past two weeks we have celebrated Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the start […]
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An anchor of hope?
Confession: I’m scrambling to get this column to IT and make a deadline for a presentation I’m to give at the Communicators for Women Religious Conference in Chicago next week, so I’m double-dipping. The conference theme is “Navigating the Winds of Change.” Months ago, I had to give the organizers a title. Hastily, without much […]
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Building a path forward: Tackling homelessness together
A recent report titled “State of Homelessness” from the National Alliance to End Homelessness reveals a challenging reality: the number of people experiencing homelessness in America reached an all-time high in 2023. Based on nationwide Point-in-Time counts, the report highlights a 12.1% increase in homelessness from the previous year. Further, between 2019 and 2023, there […]
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United Way’s Week of Action ignites the future with community impact
This week, more than 200 volunteers from across Sangamon and Menard counties are coming together to “ignite the future” as part of United Way of Central Illinois’ Week of Action. With 22 impactful projects planned, local businesses and organizations have rallied their employees for a collective effort to strengthen the community through hands-on service. From […]
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Unfolding lives
“When Jesus laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.” – Luke 13:13 The prophet Hosea (11:4) describes God as one who “bends down … to feed, to lift up and to hold.” Strength and flexibility are both necessary in the act of bending. We have a God who […]
