Pandemic shows need for broader view of national security

They say the sun never sets on the U.S. military. Our military remains vigilant around the globe, at all times, to respond to any and every threat before it reaches American shores. That has long been and remains an important mission. But, while the sun may never set on our military might, the United States …

What is good about Good Friday?

What is good about Good Friday? As a child, pondering the horrible pain and suffering wrapped up in the Christian Passion narrative, I often asked this question. What is good about something that, on the surface, is so horrible? This question has taken on special meaning for me this year, as we — both Christians …

‘Second Chance Month’ highlights need to help inmates successfully reintegrate to society

ENID, Okla. — For men and women coming out of prison, release from custody can be the beginning of a new set of hurdles in life. For many of them, those hurdles end in a return to crime, and to a jail cell. In an effort to highlight the need for more initiatives to help …

Mental health experts point to meditation to reduce stress of pandemic

ENID, Okla. — With the coronavirus keeping many Americans cooped up at home, and stress and anxiety soaring amid the pandemic, some experts are pointing to the practice of meditation as a means to improve mental health. The Oklahoma chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recently published an online flier promoting the …

Let us continue to see the unseen after this pandemic passes

Who do we see? This question has taken on new meaning, as the upending of society and its norms by the coronavirus has fundamentally changed who we see, and how we see them. I’m talking about more than just who we lay eyes on. I mean: Who do we really see? Who do we see …

‘HEART OF THE FAITH’ Principles of unity, equality and peace emphasized in Bahá’í community

ENID, Okla. — If you browse the listings for area churches, there’s no shortage of options in Christian congregations. But, there’s one listing that stands out, if only because few people are familiar with it — the Bahá’ís of Enid. Background to the faith The small local congregation is part of a worldwide faith that is …

‘A DIFFERENT PATH’ Buddhism and yoga bring practitioner back to Christ

ENID, Okla. — In a region often described as the “buckle of the Bible belt,” there are numerous paths to Christian faith. But for one local man, finding Christ again after an episode of abuse within the church meant first rediscovering peace, love and compassion through the practices of Buddhism and yoga. Abuse in the …