This graph is from a fascinating article in the Atlantic, regarding the economic history of the world.

While the industrial revolution certainly marked a turning point in the global economy, I’d agree with Seth Godin that those outputs are being challenged in our present economy. It’s no longer about who can work the fastest, for the cheapest, in a factory. The global economy will be impacted by the present and next generation more so in their ability to connect, adapt, and innovate.

I think we are living in the beginning of a creative revolution. More Here...

By Dave Burchett

(Reposted from theFish.com)

A classic song from the Hollies has taken on a much deeper meaning in my journey. In 1969 the recording of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” became a worldwide hit for the British group.

The road is long
With many a winding turn

That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when

The road is long and many of the turns lead to sadness, disappointment and grief. This song could be the theme song for what real community should look like in the church. I understand why so many Christians are reluctant to jump into unvarnished and honest relationship with other believers. Immersing yourself in the lives of others is messy, sad and difficult. And in a great paradox of our faith, it is the most fulfilling thing you can do. I have taken the risk of trusting a group of men with everything that is true about me. They have done the same with me. That commitment to trust these men with my weakness has been one of the best things I have ever done to grow in my faith. We have shared triumphs and tragedy. Hilarity and heartbreak. We have confessed our fears and exposed our shame to the healing power of relationship in the light of the Holy Spirit. Putting all of your cards on the relationship table is a scary play. But when you play all of your cards and you are still loved it is the most exhilarating and freeing thing you can imagine. More Here...

I was 13 and in High School, in Panama, Canal, Cristobal High; it was 1962.  There was a young man who was a senior at the time -- well I think he was. I did not know him and I don’t think he even knew I was alive, for five years difference in age is a lot when that young.   I will not use his real name for obvious reasons.  He would be 68 or 69 at this time and perhaps what happened has been forgotten by him; or forgiven, I hope so. More Here...

By Sharon at She Worships

I am very heavy hearted today.

I had planned to write a different post for today, and I will probably write it later this week, but I am just too burdened to write much. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt that way–the reality of this broken world confronts you so powerfully that it sucks the life right out of you. It drains you and breaks your heart and siphons off all your creative juices. That is how I feel today.

Right now Ike and I are watching a friend go through a time of suffering. In a lot of ways we feel incredibly helpless, and there are some nights when all I want to do is lie on the floor and weep because I feel so tired and sick about it. Other times I sit in a chair and literally shake with rage. This world is just not as it should be.

Yesterday morning at church, Joni Eareckson Tada spoke on the subject of suffering, and so much of what she said was helpful for me as I process this situation. In case you are unfamiliar with her story, she has been a quadriplegic for 45 years after diving into shallow water and injuring her spine as a teenager. Her testimony is powerful, and she is both spunky and searingly honest. More Here...