Spiritual Practices
Where does law and faith intersect in your life? At home, at work, while playing basketball, while driving... where? when? For some of you these might seem like weird questions and for yet others it may seem quite natural or logical. I imagine most of you fit in the former category. Most people think of these things as separate and are often quite intrigued when they read the title on my website or letterhead. I will continue to bring this question to light in more depth as I develop more seminars, conversations, and tools to assist people with both legal know how and spiritual fortification. In the mean time consider this - law and faith intersect in your life everyday - you simply have not noticed it. Stay tuned, as I have begun production of the short form documentary on law and faith (6-8 minutes) that will air on PBS Public Television. We had an exciting day of filming this past Wednesday, October 28th and I look forward to sharing more with you and to hearing your answers to the questions ...
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I found this in my home office when I was going through some old items. It is a picture of a small cardboard card that my late uncle H. Elliott Thompson gave to me when I was in my early twenties. Many of us cousins and his children knew him for dispensing answers to questions we did not even ask and sharing wisdom he thought would put our lives on the trajectory that was best for us. So I thought I would share with you what my uncle shared with me. It is timeless wisdom that reminds us of the simple ways that our elders and ancestors have always known would make our paths easier: PRAY: It is the greatest power on earth. LOVE: It is a God-give privilege. READ: It is the fountain of wisdom. THINK: It is the source of power. BE FRIENDLY: It is the road to happiness. GIVE: It is too short a day to be selfish. PLAY: It is the secret of perpetual youth. LAUGH: It is the music of the should. WORK: It is the price of success. SAVE: It is the secret to security. Now ...
Today I had someone say to me: “I thought because you were a minister…. you would help me!” This was in response to quoting a price for my legal services that included a payment plan. If I actually listed the terms here, both ministerial and legal colleagues would then ask if I was intending to GIVE my services away and open a free legal aid clinic!! Let’s just say it was a highly conflictual family law matter that most attorneys would start their opening retainer quote at $5,000.00. I required no down payment and, a weekly payment that would likely not cover my gas costs to court! What is important about this interaction is not the market cost of legal services, my potential sacrifice, nor the person’s glib statement (borne out of fear regarding fighting for their children's safety and wellbeing). What I am inviting you to consider is, that there is a misunderstanding about Christian ministry and it is this: ministry services should be free. Well ...