• WAYPOINTS: Is Integrity Dead in America?

• PSYCHO-PATHS: Accepting What Is Makes Life Better (Podcast or Video)

• SOULPRINTS: Thrive with Prayer and Self-Worth

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This week in America the virtue of integrity was showcased in a dramatic juxtaposition unprecedented in 249 years of national history. It’s vital we reflect on what happened and why it is important.

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having high moral principles. It is a cornerstone of personal and public life. The value of integrity is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian ethic. From the Ten Commandments to Paul’s imperative to “put off falsehood,” it is clear that a person with integrity is aligned with God and with a life of virtue.

Four prominent politicians in Washington, D.C., in the past few days showcase dramatic contrast in the virtue of Integrity.

President Jimmy Carter exemplified integrity. His election campaign in 1976 promised, “I will not lie to you,” to an America who had heard lies from Nixon’s Oval Office repeated again and again. He talked to the nation honestly about the oil embargo, Iranian hostages, and the environment. In the years following he won the Nobel Peace Prize, fought for fair elections around the world, and eradicated diseases. He lived a full century of integrity that is being remembered with his death and legacy.

Kamala Harris presented decades of public integrity. As California Attorney General, US Senator, and Vice-President, she served with honesty in all aspects.  Her personal life shows integrity with a strong marriage, loving family connections, and business dealings that have been public and ethical. Her last public act was to certify the results of the 2024 election as a defeated candidate, yet true to the ideals of democracy.

The work of Joe Biden demonstrated integrity since his election to the Senate 57 years ago. In countless encounters his compassion, wisdom, and honesty have worked for the good of the nation. As President he led from the strength of character which bridged partisan division and lifted the nation to economic recovery. World leaders know they can trust his leadership. He respected the democratic process in this election.

In complete contrast and juxtaposition, Donald Trump lacks even the most basic integrity and moral principles. He is the first President to be a convicted felon, defrauding the state and now paying millions in penalties. He has declared bankruptcy multiple times. His divorces and affairs are well-documented. The Big Lie of a stolen election was proven wrong by every court and election board in the nation yet was a central feature of his 2024 campaign. Four years ago, he tried to steal the election from Joe Biden with a gang of insurgents seeking to overthrow the Constitution. America has never had such a criminal in the Oval Office as now.

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”

I am gratified that more people voted against this criminal, over 77.5 million, than voted for him. We can curse the Electoral College for robbing these sincere voters. But 75 million voted for him, ignoring the corruption, lies, and failures. That is a shocking rejection of integrity as a qualification for the highest office in our land.

President Dwight Eisenhower said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”

This month the nation had a public showcase of integrity, juxtaposing those who lived it and one who doesn’t intend to.  Is integrity dead in our nation? What will we learn as the consequences of this failure unfold? The answer is up to each of us.

A new episode of the Tracks for the Journey Podcast and Videocast is available now!

Accepting life as it really is presents a challenge! We are frustrated when things don’t work like we want. We can find a path of serenity and well-being using the skill of Acceptance so prominent in the Serenity Prayer. With the wisdom of this time-honored petition we can make choices which bring well-being no matter what we face.  

 Segments include:

Niebuhr’s Prayer meets the frustrations of life

Four Unchangeable things we face

Acceptance amid the realities

Untangling thoughts from actions

The neglected ingredient—grace

The episode begins… “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” The prayer is used today by millions who are in recovery and hangs on thousands of walls as a beautiful plaque. Today I want to explore this prayer for the spiritual and psychological truth it provides. Frankly, all of us need the skill of Acceptance to navigate these difficult days….

The full episode is available! Listen or Read on Buzzsprout or Apple Podcasts

Watch on Youtube

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Most of us pray. What we think about our essential worth, the future, and God can help us thrive, or hinder, our prayer and our well-being. In this episode of Tracks for the Journey I explore exciting truths about relating to God, the openness of the future, and the vital need for positive self-worth. I share insights from Process Theology and Open Theism to challenge the toxic messages some receive about essential worth.

Segments include:
To pray is to believe God is aware
Self-worth is essential for prayer and well-being
Prayer creates the future with God

My SIGNPOSTS BLOG is now on the world’s most popular writer’s platform: Substack. This new home is free for unlimited reading by simply creating an account.

I plan to use SIGNPOSTS for in-depth explorations of important topics. This EXPRESS newsletter is where I’ll be creating shorter pieces and vital links. On the Substack SIGNPOSTS I’ll be posting long-form articles on the topics that promote well-being.

Topics for 2025 will include engagement with toxic theology, transgender hate, overcoming shame, loving your ugliness, happy sex, ecotheology, and who knows what else!

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