This week’s post celebrates the birth of freedom in the United States by offering possible actions to preserve freedom and justice for all. My June 10th post focused on the many injustices that will occur if the “One Big Beautiful” budget bill (2025 budget bill) is passed by Congress. I also wrote about the possible expansion of the conflict in Iran and the Middle East. This week’s post offers readers some practical simple actions to take. During your quiet time or mediation, you can ask: What’s mine to do to preserve freedom and advance equity and justice for all?
Leadership & Transitions
Leadership & Transitions — what we offer to readers on this topic...
Too many organizations underperform because they fail to pay sufficient attention to leader transitions. As a result, the mission, those served, and the employees suffer. In my work with more than 300 organizations facing leader transitions, I’ve identified many factors that influence the outcome of a leader transition.
The power of leader transitions to advance, weaken or destroy organizations and the power of a planned and well-executed transition to strengthen and transform organizations.
Unfortunately, not every leader transition goes so well. Think for a moment about organizations you might know that were weakened or destroyed by a flawed leader transition. Arts organizations, charter schools, food banks, group homes for people with developmental disabilities, neighborhood development initiatives and community health clinics of all sizes have felt the pain of failed or flawed transitions.
See our Resource Pages for additional information on each topic.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act and Faith in Action
Last week I began to think about writing a post about the pain the Appropriation bill passed by the U. S. House of Representatives on May 22, 2025 will cause, if it becomes law. I experienced an attack of deep sadness; I lost all energy to do anything for a day. This post is about the challenge of learning about and feeling the pain in the world. How do we hold on to faith, believing that all will be well?

Pope Francis, Dorothy Day and Faith
Easter Monday morning brought me and many the sad news that Pope Francis had died overnight. While expected and unavoidable, the fear of the leadership of another world institution becoming more conservative is real. And a nightmare in a time when the United States is led by a commitment to chaos, cruelty, and building wealth for the wealthy.
Spiritual practices for a Trump presidency
Chaos theory is being tested to its maximum in the United States these days. The pain, confusion and social and economic disruption caused by the Trump administration is hard to imagine in a free democratic country. Yet, it is happening and shows few signs of ending.

Exploring the “Female Founders” and Recovery Movement Origins
Editor’s Note: This week I am joined by Lorraine Hogan in expanding the story of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Lorraine is a longtime volunteer at The Wilson House in Vermont and is part of the team that presents the Female Founders Retreat held there annually.

Choosing our Focus and Actions for Justice in Trump II
I’ve been in several conversations recently about how to respond to the direction our country is heading. It is scary – there is ample evidence of that. This post is about the challenge of individually and collectively deciding where to focus our response and what actions to take.

Learning about Two Women Who Changed the World
History has a way of not always telling the whole story. Women’s History Month is a great time to celebrate two women who changed the world humbly, not seeking credit or recognition. Anne Smith and Lois Wilson whose birthdays occur March 3 (Anne) and March 4 (Lois) are unrecognized world changers.

Waiting and Wondering in a Chaotic Time
Chaos and uncertainty abound these days. Nature is doing its part to remind us life is messy and we aren’t in charge. I woke up last week to howling winds, temperatures too cold for my liking and some light snow. Friends in PA and MI were digging out from huge snow storms while friends in FL complained about this unusual cold and needing to turn on their heating systems.

The Circus is in Town: A Great Time to Consider the Power of Contemplation
The nomination of Matt Gaetz to be the Justice Department Secretary pushed me over the edge. I, like many, couldn’t believe it. It made crystal clear to me that the circus is indeed in town. Having studied a little Latin, I wondered if this was indeed the Circus Maximus, the greatest circus of all times.

Election Day 2024: Where from Here?
Thanks for voting and considering my posts about different ways to make sure every possible vote for good and justice gets cast. Today’s post for Election Day 2024 explores what’s next.