There is the Hebrew word, tzedakah , which is often translated as “charity” or almsgiving, But it ultimately means “justice.”  So. think justice flavored with generosity. And there is Chesed , which simply means “kindness.” Take Chesed and Tzedakah together and you have justice and kindness, flavored with generosity. Imagine being at the corner of Chesed and Tzedakah . and join me there. Now which comes first? If you start with chesed, tzedakah  follows close behind. And it

For Seda In Hawaiian, there are two kinds of family. Ohana is biological family. Hanai signifies adopted family members, or more precisely people placed in your care. And we can be placed in the care of others. I think of Ohana as the room you are born into, Hanai consists of beautiful things that present themselves to adorn the room. Ohana is biology.  Hanai is a gift from God, fate, or the universe— Wherever you may wish to attribute it. The two together are necessary for a

君子成人之美 As a Christian, I observe Lent. Instead of doing something easy like giving up chocolate or alcohol. I am going to take something on rather than give something up. This year I will observe it by trying to be a Junzi. A Junzi is described many ways, but the most useful is “a person of virtue.” A Junzi is a person who is noble by character, not by birth, wealth, or influence. To be a Junzi, one must demonstrate— Ren (benevolence),  Yi (righteousness),  Li (propriety), Zh

Did you ever feel that charge, that current? Did you ever feel the charge that transforms strangers into friends? Did you ever feel the power of that current that carries fire? That is the current that charges two solitudes! You cannot know when two eyes meet Whether two souls will connect. You cannot know when two fingers touch,  Whether it will ignite a fire that warms you both or not. It could be a lover or just a welcome fellow traveler With whom you navigate through life