Category: Ethics

Ash Wednesday, Ethics, Hope, humanity, Justice, Theology, Ukraine, violence, war1 Comment

A Prayer for the Russian People

Gary Furr

Today I pray for the people of Russia, passive victims of a sociopathic leader, taken into war without their voices and opinions being considered, lacking full knowledge or with the benefit of a factual and free press we pray. Lord have mercy. For a nation whose history is replete with czars, dictators and authoritarians, who have crushed dissent, stolen her wealth, compromised her people’s trust and repelled her Christian heritage unless it bow the knee to the idols. Lord have mercy. For mothers and grandmothers, whose young sons have been sent on a mission of bloodshed against kinsmen for no … Continue reading A Prayer for the Russian People

change, Citizenship, Culture, Higher Education, hope, Institutions, Leadership, Modern Life, Selfishness3 Comments
Sticky post

Your Bag of Wedges: A Commencement Address

Gary Furr

I was invited by President Beck Taylor to give the afternoon Commencement Address for Samford University’s winter graduation on Saturday, December 18, 2021 2 p.m. This is my text.. This reflection was originally part of a sermon that appears in my forthcoming book, Shadow Prayers. it will be out soon through Mossy Creek Press. Congratulations, graduates! What an accomplishment! We are proud of you today and you should be, too. Let me share the three measures of maturity that I gave my three daughters years ago: You’re out of the house, out of school and out of my money. My … Continue reading Your Bag of Wedges: A Commencement Address

Citizenship, Culture, Disease, Healthcare, Leadership, Pandemic, Politics1 Comment

Michael Lewis’ Premonition: A Cautionary Tale

Gary Furr

REVIEW of Michael Lewis, The Premonition: A Pandemic Story W. W. Norton & Company (May 4, 2021). After retirement I am deeply enjoying reading again at a level that I could not do when I was so busy. I just finished The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis. Michael Lewis is the best-selling author of Liar’s Poker, Moneyball, The Blind Side, The Big Short, The Undoing Project, and The Fifth Risk. Rather than an exhaustive overview of the pandemic, Lewis tells us from the viewpoint of individuals—a state public health officer, an epidemiologist, IT entrepreneurs and medical researchers racing … Continue reading Michael Lewis’ Premonition: A Cautionary Tale

Culture, Gospel music, Hymns, hymns, Modern Life1 Comment

Poplar Tent Memories: album release

Gary Furr

I have updated and re-released an album I put together with some friends ten years ago, POPLAR TENT MEMORIES. The name of the album comes from the road where I lived after I was born, Poplar Tent Road, in Concord, NC.  There was no Interstate 85 roaring through, moonshiners lived down the road and my grandpa and grandma were two houses away. I attended Poplar Grove Baptist Church before I could walk. My Grandpa Price led the music, and I have memories of the singing from pre-age five. Poplar Tent Memories is sixteen songs from the 2011 album and some … Continue reading Poplar Tent Memories: album release

9-11, Citizenship, Culture, fear, Grief, history, Hope, humanity, Justice, Politics, Selfishness, September 11, Suffering, Terrorism4 Comments

Remembering 9/11

Gary Furr

The Watchers Gary Allison Furr. September 11, 2020 I wasn’t on a plane, or a family member receiving frantic calls, I was not one of the air traffic controllers or military leaders Or an advisor to the President. I wasn’t at the Pentegon that day Or even a taxi driver or cop on duty in New York that day. I sometimes wished to have been more useful as the Towers fell, Reaching out to help someone else or at least console them. I was a witness like the rest, but I was where I’ve been since then, Watching on television, … Continue reading Remembering 9/11