I just finished reading a book called “Hillbilly Elegy” by JD Vance. What I liked about this book: So many striking themes from my own family of origin: poverty, dysfunctional family relationships, addiction, alcoholism, abuse, vulnerability. It is also personally interesting to me that, like me, JD Vance also ended up graduating from high school,Continue reading “Standing in the Gap for Those in Need: My Review of HillBilly Elegy”
Tag Archives: Homelessness
Staring Into the Eyes of a Fatherless Generation.
There’s nothing like a Michigan summer. Memorial Day weekend means the beginning of summer – and, consequently, the end of the school year. Today was my last day of mentoring for the school year. Unless my student moves (which is always possible) I hope to see him in the Fall. Most of myContinue reading “Staring Into the Eyes of a Fatherless Generation.”
Calling the Next Generation of Leaders.
Good morning and Happy Thursday! It is a beautiful morning in downtown Grand Rapids! Yesterday was the annual meeting of the Trustees of Mel Trotter Ministries. It was one year ago that my term ended as Board Chair. Last year I shared my reflections on this experience. One of my great joys during thisContinue reading “Calling the Next Generation of Leaders.”
Lessons from Court: Real Estate Investors combating the Affordable Housing Crisis
I took this photo this morning. Even when its cold outside, there is just something about the morning sun rising over Grand Rapids that gets me excited. Wearing Multiple Hats. Life is complicated when we wear multiple hats. I’ve written about the multiple hats I wear. We all wear multiple hats. For example –Continue reading “Lessons from Court: Real Estate Investors combating the Affordable Housing Crisis”
Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me”
Occasionally when I am walking in downtown Grand Rapids I will run into a guy with dirty clothes, smelling bad, looking homeless. When I am asked for money, my gut reaction is to want to help. Honestly though, oftentimes I have no idea what is the right response. I will invariably pray for them,Continue reading “Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me””
Encountering the homeless in Downtown Grand Rapids and Mel Trotter’s Season of Hope.
Occasionally when I am walking in downtown Grand Rapids I will run into a guy with dirty clothes, smelling bad, looking homeless. When this guy asks me for money, my gut reaction is to want to help. Honestly though, oftentimes I have no idea what is the right response. I will invariably pray for them,Continue reading “Encountering the homeless in Downtown Grand Rapids and Mel Trotter’s Season of Hope.”
Lessons of Grace Found at Mel Trotter Ministries.
If you’re reading this post you may be aware that one of the “hats I wear” is Board Chair at Mel Trotter Ministries (“MTM”). Yesterday I was at MTM for a “Meet the Mission Luncheon” – our board and staff extend regular invitations to business/community leaders, churches, and anyone interested in learning about what we doContinue reading “Lessons of Grace Found at Mel Trotter Ministries.”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 