Before you talk, listen. Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try.

“Because deep down we know that what matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What really matters is helping others win, too,”

It isn’t “sharing your faith” when you’re using legislation to do it. That’s “forcing your faith.” Jesus never gave us the right to impose our religious beliefs on anyone. When it violates human free will and matters of conscience, it isn’t about Jesus. It’s about control.

On Sunday, movement is optional.

“I wish you the kind of life's work in which you can use the greatest part of who you are, and I wish you the kind of life's love that will enhance all that you do, as well as all that you are.”

Rachel Goldberg-Polin: "Ok sweet boy, go now on your journey. I hope it's as good as the trips you dreamed about because finally, my sweet boy, finally, finally, finally, finally you are free. I will love you and I will miss you every single day for the rest of my life, but

When you demonize the immigrant, the poor, and the marginalized, I’m not interested in hearing about your religious beliefs. You’ve already shown me what they are by how you’re treating the immigrant, the poor, and the marginalized.

Nina Simone in Central Park, NY

New Year’s isn’t the only time to start fresh. Happy Fall! 🍁

Tea Bowl and Fruit, by Hayami Gyoshū, 1921

Women Waiting for the Moon to Rise, by Uemura Shoen, 1944

Fox by the Moonlit Water, by Ohara Koson, ca. 1928-1930

Notice how it’s always “vote according to Biblical values!” until it comes to welcoming the immigrant, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, bringing healthcare to the sick, forgiving debts, caring for our planet, laying down our swords, or loving our neighbors.

If our Christianity makes tyrants feel safe and supported and makes the poor, the marginalized, the immigrant, and the oppressed feel unsafe and rejected, we are following someone other than Jesus.

Jesus said to “love your neighbor.” Not control your neighbor. Not mock your neighbor. Not shame your neighbor. Not dehumanize your neighbor. Not demonize your neighbor. Not defeat your neighbor. Jesus said to “love your neighbor.”

Happy Valentine’s Day! #birdcpp

A rare sight on Manhattan's Upper East Side this afternoon: these two dolphins swam the East River for several hours at East 97th Street. 🐬🐬

“Don’t worry about the level of individual prominence you have achieved; worry about the individuals you have helped become better people.” s.hbr.org/38yFqS3

You learn to do this playing little league in Japan. The captain serves the team. Appropriate for Maundy Thursday.

A rainbow forms from midtown Manhattan to lower Manhattan after a thunderstorm in New York City, Saturday evening #newyorkcity #nyc #newyork #rainbow