What is "Awaken to Good Mourning" Anyway?
I often field the following question as I work with individuals and groups: “So Mark, what is Awaken to Good Mourning anyway?” Every time I receive that question I gladly share the details. Awaken to Good Mourning is a book read by over 40,000 people; given as gifts to the bereaved by faith organizations; shared […]
Children – Grief – The Holidays
The Holidays are upon us! Whether you celebrate Christmas, observe Hanukkah or engage in Kwanza festivities, the Holidays are here! Elements of celebration, remembrance, reflection and rejuvenation abound in each Holiday observance. For those who have lost loved ones to death within the past three years or so, the Holidays can be brutal! The death […]
The Candle vs the Dawn!
Forty or so years ago I heard the following: “Death is merely the extinguishing of the Candle because the Dawn has come.” Now I really like that! I creates a sense of comfort as I ponder the end of life . . . And yet as I think on that phrase today, another application comes […]
Imagination!
History! It is important is so many ways! Studying history helps us understand the foundations of societies, cultures, families, corporations and individuals! Reviewing history creates opportunities to gather wisdom and insight so that we might avoid duplicating mistakes of the past. Analyzing history opens the door for understanding the paths that have landed us where […]
Guardians of Change!
“Change – whether imposed, as a result of natural life progressions or self-initiated – often presents challenges that require practical, proactive and creative action!” This is a direct quote from one of the pages on the McKinney Counseling Services website! I’m not sure any of us really revel in the inevitability of change – not […]
One Never Knows!
One Never Knows! In the blink of an eye! At the drop of a hat! That’s exactly how long it can take for life to change completely! Instantly! No warnings! Boom! Just like that! We’ve all had those moments in life when, from out of nowhere, life beans us with a curve ball that doesn’t […]
What Do We do NOW, Daddy?
Author’s note: In January 1989, my first wife died as a result of injuries she received in an automobile accident. In the blink of an eye I found myself the single father of a seven year-old daughter – stripped of the presumed partnership of parenthood. From the moment I told my daughter that her mom […]
WHERE IS GOD???
Author’s Note: While on my run yesterday afternoon (Saturday December 15, 2012), I felt compelled to come back in and after cooling off a bit and write this rather long essay. I don’t know why, I just felt compelled to do so. I guess working to come to terms with the unbelievable events related to […]
Planning for the Unexpected!
After reading an Associated Press article recently, I felt compelled to write a brief article about “Planning for the Unexpected!” One of the most difficult “mean times” faced by individuals and families every day is the death of a loved one — especially if that loved one has direct responsibility for the well-being of the […]
Every Step Has a Story: The Saga of Sydney and Edwin
Every Step Has a Story: The Saga of Sydney and Edwin Good Mourning UNT! Recently, the University of North Texas online alumni newsletter published a story about Awaken to Good Mourning and Every Step Has a Story. I was honored and pleased with the wonderful job they did! You are invited to read the article […]