Rusty Wright

An Easter Story Worth Remembering

You've probably seen Santa Claus; but have you ever seen the Easter Bunny? As a small child, I enjoyed visiting Santa at a local department store at Christmastime. My parents would take me downtown to the jolly bearded man in the red suit. I felt comfortable climbing into his lap, telling him my wish list and receiving a gift along with his encouraging...

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Lessons in Decision-Making
Lessons in Decision-Making

Forty years after his tragic death, President John F. Kennedy continues to fascinate. A new JFK biography hit the bestseller lists. His relatives -- America's royalty to some -- are frequent newsmakers.  An intriguing facet of his legacy involves his decision-making procedures. Some brought great success, others colossal failure. In 1961, after...

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How To Surprise Your Mayor
How To Surprise Your Mayor

Leadership can be lonely.  When you’re the mayor, people who talk to you very often want something from you. That’s why Portland, Oregon, Mayor Tom Potter was so surprised when one citizen – a prominent international figure – asked what he and his network of local leaders and activists could do for the mayor and the city. “In all...

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Dealing with Disappointment
Dealing with Disappointment

What kinds of things disappoint you?" I once asked a friend out of curiosity. "Yuck! Don't ask me that!" she exclaimed. "I'd rather focus on the positive!" Disappointments can be quite painful, regardless of their magnitude. My friend Nancy1 terminated a long-term relationship in which she'd struggled for decades. Harsh words, bitter memories,...

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Forgiveness Can Be Good for Your Health
Forgiveness Can Be Good for Your Health

Got lingering anger, stress or high blood pressure? You may need to forgive someone (or to be forgiven yourself). That's the conclusion of an increasing number of social scientists. Religion has long held that forgiveness is an important component of a fruitful life. A recent Christianity Today article outlined secular research that also supports...

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Global Food Crisis Hits Home
Global Food Crisis Hits Home

Happy with your grocery bills these days?  Do those gasoline pump meters seem to whir like Vegas slot machines, except you never hit the jackpot? The two issues are not unrelated and they’re affecting pocketbooks and bellies at home and around the globe.  Some Westerners might react with detached shock to stories of food riots in places like...

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A Little “Kramer” in All of Us?
A Little "Kramer" in All of Us?

Comedian Michael Richards—“Kramer” on TV’s Seinfeld—saw his racist tirade at African-American hecklers ignite a firestorm. Mel Gibson, whose earlier anti-Semitic rant made headlines, said he felt compassion for Richards.{1} Lots of people have dark sides. Maybe everyone. Maybe you. I do. Remember Susan Hawk? Her infamous diatribe...

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Superman Returns: Superhero Still Needed?
Superman Returns: Superhero Still Needed?

Does the world still need a superhero? Watch out, bad guys, as Superman Returns … fighting movie villains, rescuing the imperiled, desiring Lois Lane (now a single mom), saving the world. The guy is everywhere. Superman’s promotional ties include Burger King, Duracell, got milk?, even a dating website. NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has a...

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