Saturday morning I was watching the Twitter stream when the first accounts of the shooting in Arizona began to ring out. The news reports were, as we all know now, all over the map, with various accounts of what happened, and the reported death of Congresswoman Giffords. At the same time, within the first hours … Continue reading The Missing Conversation from Arizona
Category: Community
Thoughts on life together
Competence Is Boring…
A little while ago I was watching a press conference with John Brennan, the counter-terrorism guru for the Obama administration, on the latest terrorism scare related to cargo from Yemen. I was struck by how different this press conference seemed from earlier terrorist scares. Here was a person who shared what he was willing to … Continue reading Competence Is Boring…
American Decline: The Issue of Individual or Communal Responsibility
I was just reading David Brook's latest commentary suggesting changes that President Obama will have to make during the next two years in the wake of what seems to be coming defeats on Tuesday's elections. In the midst of Brooks's suggestions, a phrase jumped out at me that I've been wrestling with for a while, … Continue reading American Decline: The Issue of Individual or Communal Responsibility
Prayer for a Saint Known From Afar
I learned this afternoon that Harold Frelix Jr. was killed yesterday in a motorcycle accident on I-24. Harold is a the son of Harold Sr., pastor of the Priest Lake Community Baptist Church, and after a stint in the military, was becoming a leader in the Antioch community. Harold and I were at best acquaintances, … Continue reading Prayer for a Saint Known From Afar
And we listen to Pat . . . why?
Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess and others scoffed at comments by nationally known televangelist Pat Robertson on his 700 Club program Thursday that Muslims could bribe local officials to expand their influence. "It's entirely possible," Robertson said during the broadcast following a report from his show about the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro's plans to build … Continue reading And we listen to Pat . . . why?
How Soon We Forget
There are more stories about other groups that are part of the paranoia and fear that periodically rear their ugly heads among us to demonize the newly arriving stranger, the "other" in our midst, this time Muslims. And what distinguishes each movement is that charismatic leaders incite the worst in us. via Edward Schumacher-Matos - … Continue reading How Soon We Forget
Trunk or Treat and Being Neighbors
Yes, I should be working on the sermon tonight, but as often happens I have to take a break to exercise the thoughts that burst forth when my mind goes into full gear. Tonight’s revolves around a comment Kay made earlier about the lack of “trick or treaters” in the neighborhood. Several years ago our … Continue reading Trunk or Treat and Being Neighbors
A Prayer for Meharry
Ed. Note: Last week I was invited to offer the invocation at the opening convocation of the Meharry Medical College, a historic institution that has trained doctors for the African American community since 1876, located in Nashville, TN. This is the prayer that I offered at that event. Creating God, giver of life and sustainer … Continue reading A Prayer for Meharry
A “Fair” Review
The Tennessee State Fair opened last night, and as has become the tradition of the Voorhees household, daughter number two and I traveled down Nolensville Road, braved the muddy field parking lot, and found ourselves in the middle of a world filled with the smells of grilling onions and peppers, cotton candy, with a whiff … Continue reading A “Fair” Review
A “Fair” Review
The Tennessee State Fair opened last night, and as has become the tradition of the Voorhees household, daughter number two and I traveled down Nolensville Road, braved the muddy field parking lot, and found ourselves in the middle of a world filled with the smells of grilling onions and peppers, cotton candy, with a whiff … Continue reading A “Fair” Review
The School Speech
In my last posting, I talked about the backlash of those who were upset that President Obama was giving a speech to public school students tomorrow. The concern seems to be that the speech would be political in nature, “indoctrinating” kids toward a more liberal (socialist?) point of view. I felt a little vindicated today … Continue reading The School Speech
The End of National Respect – A Letter to Jim Greer
"As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology. The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, … Continue reading The End of National Respect – A Letter to Jim Greer
The End of National Respect – A Letter to Jim Greer
"As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology. The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the President justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, … Continue reading The End of National Respect – A Letter to Jim Greer
The Music City Center Skeptic – Part 2
The last time I wrote on this topic I focused on the financial subterfuge in which we seem to be participating here in Music City. Of course there are many who would say that I am splitting hairs, and I’m willing to plead guilty to a bit of fiber carving. Yet let’s be honest in … Continue reading The Music City Center Skeptic – Part 2
The Music City Center Skeptic – Part 2
The last time I wrote on this topic I focused on the financial subterfuge in which we seem to be participating here in Music City. Of course there are many who would say that I am splitting hairs, and I’m willing to plead guilty to a bit of fiber carving. Yet let’s be honest in … Continue reading The Music City Center Skeptic – Part 2
Another Music City Center Skeptic – Part 1
One of the ongoing recent debates in my hometown has been the development and creation of a new convention center for our city, known as the Music City Center. As a former meeting planner responsible for a large denomination meeting, I understand both the need and desire for a new convention center in Nashville. Our … Continue reading Another Music City Center Skeptic – Part 1
Another Music City Center Skeptic – Part 1
One of the ongoing recent debates in my hometown has been the development and creation of a new convention center for our city, known as the Music City Center. As a former meeting planner responsible for a large denomination meeting, I understand both the need and desire for a new convention center in Nashville. Our … Continue reading Another Music City Center Skeptic – Part 1
Nashville must support General Hospital
April 26,2009 written by Rev. Jay Voorhees As a pastor, I spend a lot of time in area hospitals. Fortunately, when most of us seek healing in a hospital, we trust that insurance will cover most of the bill. However, for growing numbers of Nashvillians, money is a huge concern when they need health care. … Continue reading Nashville must support General Hospital
Let’s Talk Rezoning
Currently in Nashville there is some debate about a proposed school rezoning plan. This issue has been tough for me, for I have good friends on both sides of the debate. The main point of contention is that this plan, which attempts to move kids who live an a chronically impoverished area of town from … Continue reading Let’s Talk Rezoning
Let’s Talk Rezoning
Currently in Nashville there is some debate about a proposed school rezoning plan. This issue has been tough for me, for I have good friends on both sides of the debate. The main point of contention is that this plan, which attempts to move kids who live an a chronically impoverished area of town from … Continue reading Let’s Talk Rezoning
Only Wonder Understands 