Blog Archive
August 6, 2020
Beacons of Hope
Beacons of Hope It’s a time of uncertainty, heightened emotion – especially emotions we prefer to minimize: fear, sadness, fatigue. We struggle with our ability to feel a host of emotions at the same time: How do we hold fear and joy, sadness and pride, humility and anger? Instead of… Read More
June 8, 2020
Standing Up Together
Standing Up Together I’m a little late to the support for the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter cause. Why? Because I want to be an authentic and appropriate voice for making meaningful systemic changes that are desperately needed in our society. For me, that takes thoughtful consideration. I – we –… Read More
February 12, 2020
New Perspectives
The start of the new year provides an opportunity to refresh perspective on intractable challenges and to consider possibilities. Read More
February 3, 2020
Possibility
Possibility A friend of mine recently said, “… one of the strengths that Sandi brings to her role as Executive Director is a critical ability to see the possibilities. Honestly, I think it is her shield that she wears in this very challenging and, at times, very dynamic sector of… Read More
October 30, 2019
Tornadoes and Whirlwinds
Tornadoes and Whirlwinds While LBSA was largely spared in the tornadic assault on Rice County on September 20 (We lost a few trees, and had no significant property damage.), it seems that the whirlwind from the storm remains. Or maybe it’s been here for some time. I’m not talking about… Read More
August 1, 2019
Let’s Stand Together
Let's Stand Together My pastor called me recently to provide support after the sudden loss of a long-time staff member. After we hung up, I paused to reflect on my mechanical responses. I was numb. And I realized that two years of unrelenting loss and challenges will do that to… Read More
May 3, 2019
Let’s Talk About the Value of Long-Term Care
Let's Talk About the Value of Long-Term Care Did you see the recent Facebook post from the guy who has decided that he’s not going into a nursing home, he’s going to live at Holiday Inns in the twilight of his years? He’s done the math and determined that he can… Read More
February 1, 2019
Heroes
Heroes Who are your heroes? How do you decide who gets on the list? Defining my heroes was not something I thought much about. Then someone asked me who my heroes are. My first instinct was to consider celebrities – they must be a celebrity for a reason,… Read More
August 23, 2018
Looking Beyond the Surface
Looking Beyond the Surface What’s below the surface? What exists beyond the first glance? In our hurry-up world, it’s easy to believe that a snapshot gives a three-dimensional picture. We can easily accept that rhetoric is reality. We want to have simple explanations to complex issues. In a world filled… Read More
August 21, 2018
The Power of Community
The Power of Community In America, we receive constant messages that each person can do it all, be it all, do it all on their own. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities challenge that notion. Sometimes, they challenge it based on their need for our support. Sometimes, they challenge the… Read More