Inequality — The Achilles heel of American pandemic response

There always have been two Americas — the America of the “haves” and the America of the “have-nots.” These two Americas look nothing alike, and systemic structures have been built, reshaped and rebuilt to make sure the “haves” are not negatively impacted, inconvenienced or made uncomfortable by the hunger, oppression, poverty and suffering of the …

“Give thanks all year”: Small congregation makes big impact for Thanksgiving

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." That quote from St. Teresa referred to efforts to feed the hungry in Calcutta, India. But, it also could apply to one small congregation's efforts to feed Enid's hungry at Thanksgiving. Most Sundays the Rev. Garland Hall is joined by just three or four …

‘It’s just good being alive’: Homeless, food insecure share reasons to give thanks

Enid, Okla. -- As families gather today for Thanksgiving, some of those less fortunate are reminding others of reasons to give thanks, even when times are hard. Some of those in need were lined up outside Loaves & Fishes of Northwest Oklahoma on Tuesday, waiting to shop at the food resource center before the Thanksgiving holiday. …

Celebrate true patriotism this weekend

  It’s Memorial Day weekend, which means it’s time to dust off those flags in the back of the closet, fire up the grill and indulge in our annual orgy of patriotic fervor. It is appropriate to honor our nation’s fallen service men and women, and to thank veterans, especially those permanently damaged by war in body, …

Turning failure into success

When Alton Carter was a child, surviving to adulthood was by no means a given. Surrounded by addiction, poverty, abuse and neglect, rising to be nationally-recognized success as an adult was beyond a long shot. But, Carter did overcome those barriers, and now spends his days speaking to schools, prisons, businesses and civic clubs about …

King’s struggle remains relevant

America paused Wednesday to remember Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. It’s good to honor MLK. But, too often, we confine him to sentimental memory. A great man, dead too soon. With our obligatory honor paid, we box up the injustices against which Dr. King fought, and file them away …

Giving thanks for the harvest to come

Thanksgiving has passed, leftovers are packed away, and, if we’re lucky, the antacids are working. Hopefully we took time to give thanks. I am blessed with an amazing wife, two wonderful daughters, good friends, a reverent and inspiring church, my job and a warm place to sleep tonight, among other blessings. But, I’d like to …

Bridging the Gap

What happens when indigent mental health patients are released from in-patient care? All-too-often, after being stabilized on medication and inpatient treatment, they are released with no medication, and weeks to wait for follow-on treatment. What follows is a predictable spiral back into the darkness, culminating in another trip to the emergency room, jail, or emergency …

What would Jesus have us do?

  You don’t have to look far these days in Oklahoma to find a social service program that’s fallen prey to the state’s budget crisis. DHS, ODMHSAS, OHCA — the alphabet soup of agencies cutting services to our state’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens seems to grow daily. Why is this a matter for a …