Category Archives: BookNotes

Busy is Not Better: Finding Peace in a Culture of Speed

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In a world that increasingly celebrates busyness and equates worth with productivity, John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a timely and profound counterargument. This spiritual formation book, published in 2019, challenges the modern obsession with speed and efficiency by proposing a radical yet simple solution: slow down.

Through personal anecdotes, theological insights, and practical wisdom, Comer explores how the contemporary culture of hurry is not just exhausting us physically but impoverishing us spiritually. His work serves as both a cultural critique and a practical guide for those seeking to escape the crushing weight of an overcommitted, overscheduled life.

Is it possible that our productivity could actually be increased by first slowing down?

The Quick Summary – The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

 “Who am I becoming?”

That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. So he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words:

“Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life.”

It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was – and continues to be – the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil.

Within the pages of this book, you’ll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION

According to author John Mark Comer, the new normal of hurried digital distraction is robbing us of the ability to be present:

  • Present to God.
  • Present to other people.
  • Present to all that is good, beautiful, and true in our world.
  • Even present to our own souls.

The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we most need.

Whatever you call them: habits, practices, or spiritual disciplines are how we follow Jesus. How we adopt His lifestyle. How we create space for emotional health and spiritual life.

John Mark Comer

And like all habits, they are a means to an end. The end is life to the full with Jesus. The end is to spend every waking moment in the conscious enjoyment of Jesus’ company, to spend our entire lives with the most loving, joyful, peaceful person to ever live.

Silence and solitude

Here’s to tomorrow morning, six o’clock. Coffee, the chair by the window, the window by the tree. Time to breathe. A psalm and story from the Gospels. Hearing the Father’s voice. Pouring out my own. Or just sitting, resting. Maybe I’ll hear a word from God that will alter my destiny; maybe I’ll just process my anger over something that’s bothering me. Maybe I’ll feel my mind settle like untouched water; maybe my mind will ricochet from thought to thought, and never come to rest. If so, that’s fine. I’ll be back, same time tomorrow. Starting my day in the quiet place.

Sabbath

If your story is anything like mine, Sabbath will take you a little while to master. After all, Shabbat is a verb. It’s something you do. A practice, a skill you hone. To begin, just set aside a day. Clear your schedule. Turn off your phone! Say a prayer to invite the Holy Spirit to pastor you into His presence. And then? Rest and worship. In whatever way is life giving for your soul. And something happens about halfway through the day, something hard to put language to. It’s like my should catches up to my body. Like some deep part of me that got beat up and drowned out by meetings and email and Twitter and relational conflict and the difficulty of life comes back to the surface of my heat. I feel free. And at the end of the day when I turn my phone back on and reenter the modern world, I do so slowly. And, wow, does that ever feel good.

Simplicity

The goal isn’t just to declutter your closet or garage but to declutter your life. To clear away the myriad of distractions that ratchet up our anxiety, feed us an endless stream of mind-numbing drivel, and anesthetize us to what really matters. To follow Jesus, especially in the Western world, is to live in that same tension between grateful, happy enjoyment of nice, beautiful things, and simplicity. And when to err on the side of generous, simple living. The truth is you can be happy right here, right now, “through Christ who strengthens me,” meaning through investing your resources in ongoing relational connections to Jesus. Right now you have everything you need to live a happy, content life; you have access to the Father. To His loving attention.

Slowing

The basic idea behind the practice of slowing is this: slow down your body, slow down your life. If we can slow down both our minds and bodies – the pace at which we think and the pace at which we move our bodies through the world – maybe we can slow down our souls to a pace at which they can “taste and see the the Lord is good.” John Ortberg and Richard Foster both label this emerging practice the spiritual discipline of “slowing.” Ortberg defined it as “cultivating patience by deliberately choosing to place ourselves in positions where we have to wait. There’s more to life than an increase in speed. Life is right under our noses, waiting to be enjoyed.

John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Comer’s writing style is engaging and relatable, blending historical Christian wisdom with contemporary cultural analysis. He draws from diverse sources, including the Desert Fathers, Eugene Peterson, and modern psychology, while maintaining an accessible tone that feels like a conversation with a wise friend.

The book’s strengths lie in its practical applications and Comer’s vulnerability about his own struggles. He doesn’t just theorize about slowing down; he provides concrete steps and real-world examples. His insights about how technology and social media contribute to our collective hurry sickness are particularly astute.

What makes this book stand out is its timing and relevance. In an era where burnout is endemic and anxiety levels are soaring, Comer’s message feels prophetic. He’s not just addressing individual wellness but diagnosing a broader cultural malady.

The book succeeds in making a compelling case that hurry is not just a scheduling problem but a spiritual one. It challenges readers to consider how their pace of life affects their spiritual and emotional wellbeing, relationships, and overall quality of life.

For those feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” offers both a theoretical framework for understanding their condition and practical tools for making changes. While the solutions Comer proposes are radical by modern standards, he makes a convincing argument that such radical measures are exactly what we need.

The book is ultimately a call to countercultural living, suggesting that the path to a meaningful life might not be found in doing more faster, but in doing less slower.

A NEXT STEP

John Mark Comer believes that unlike other types of habits, the practices of Jesus aren’t just exercises for your mind and body to grow their willpower muscle and cultivate character. They are far more: they are how we open our minds and bodies to a power far beyond our own and effect change.

The four disciplines listed above may seem like a strange way to become more productive, but in the sugar-rush of the busy lives we are leading, slowing down will actually help you become better at what you do.

For excellent guidance on these disciplines, be sure to download the author’s workbook to accompany his book.

Toward which of the four disciplines are you feeling led by the Holy Spirit? What is one step to take today?

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Along with early and ongoing encouragement from my parents – especially my father – reading was established as a passion in my life that I was happy to continually learn from, share with my children, and watch them share with their children.

Reading keeps our minds alive and growing.

The Timeless Appeal of LEGO®: Engineering, Creativity, and Play

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Few toys have captured the imagination of generations quite like LEGO®. What began as a small Danish company’s venture into wooden toys in the 1930s transformed into one of the most iconic and beloved building systems in history. In 1958, the modern LEGO® brick was patented, introducing an interlocking system that allowed for limitless creativity and construction. Over the decades, LEGO® has expanded beyond simple bricks, incorporating robotics, architecture, and even real-world engineering principles – making it a staple in both childhood playrooms and professional design studios.

But LEGO® isn’t just for kids. The fascination with these small, colorful bricks extends to adults, engineers, artists, and educators alike. From intricate cityscapes to working mechanical models, LEGO® serves as both a creative outlet and an educational tool, encouraging problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and hands-on learning. The act of “playing” with LEGO® fosters patience, perseverance, and the ability to see failure as a step toward success—valuable lessons in any field, especially engineering.

This brings us to The LEGO® Engineer, a book that dives into the real-world applications of LEGO® as a tool for understanding complex engineering concepts. Whether you’re a lifelong LEGO® enthusiast (like our entire family!) or someone curious about the mechanics behind structures and machines, this book explores how LEGO® models can demonstrate principles of physics, architecture, and design in an accessible, engaging way. Take a closer look at The LEGO® Engineer, its key insights, and what it can teach us about the intersection of creativity and engineering.

In The LEGO® Engineer, you’ll explore how some of humanity’s greatest feats of engineering work, from towering skyscrapers to powerful rockets to speeding bullet trains. Then follow step-by-step instructions to build these marvels with LEGO® bricks as you experience the world of engineering in a fun new way.

How do diesel and electric engines work together to drive massive freight trains? How does a container ship’s bow shape contribute to its fuel efficiency? How do cable-stayed bridges distribute weight differently than suspension bridges? You’ll learn the answers to these engineering questions and more as you build your way through over 30 models, all designed by LEGO® expert Jeff Friesen. Understanding the engineering principles behind these structures will not only help you better appreciate the world around you, but will also help you make your own LEGO® builds more realistic.

The LEGO® Engineer by Jeff Friesen is an engaging and visually captivating exploration of engineering principles through the lens of LEGO® building. Friesen, a renowned LEGO® artist and photographer, takes readers on a journey through real-world engineering marvels, breaking down complex mechanical and structural concepts into stunning LEGO® models. The book features step-by-step instructions for building a variety of engineering-inspired LEGO® creations, from bridges and skyscrapers to locomotives and futuristic vehicles. Each model is accompanied by explanations of the engineering principles that make these structures work in real life, making the book an educational resource as well as an inspiration for builders of all ages.

Divided into sections based on different fields of engineering – including civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering – The LEGO® Engineer blends creativity with technical insight. Whether showcasing the suspension systems of trains or the aerodynamics of high-speed transport, the book presents each topic with clear visuals and concise, engaging explanations.

The LEGO® Engineer is a fantastic addition to the world of LEGO® books, especially for those interested in the intersection of creativity and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Friesen masterfully balances fun and education, making engineering concepts accessible to LEGO® enthusiasts, students, and even professional engineers looking for a unique way to visualize mechanics.

Here are a few things that stand out in the book:

  • Stunning Visuals: The photography in this book is exceptional, making it a pleasure to browse even if you don’t plan to build every model.
  • Clear Explanations: Engineering principles are broken down in an easy-to-understand manner, making the book suitable for beginners while still offering depth for more advanced readers.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: The book includes detailed guides for building various LEGO® models, encouraging hands-on learning.
  • Inspiration for Creativity: Even beyond the provided models, the book sparks ideas for custom LEGO® creations based on real-world engineering challenges.

A couple of items that only the nerdiest LEGO® builder might take issue with:

  • Limited to Smaller Builds: While the models are impressive, they are relatively small in scale. Readers looking for large, intricate builds may need to expand on Friesen’s concepts themselves.
  • Not a Deep Engineering Textbook: While the explanations are insightful, this book is more of an introduction to engineering principles rather than an in-depth technical guide.

The LEGO® Engineer is a must-read for LEGO® fans, aspiring engineers, and educators looking to make STEM topics more engaging. Jeff Friesen has crafted a book that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating, proving that LEGO® is much more than a toy – it’s a tool for learning, innovation, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a newcomer looking to expand your skills, this book is an inspiring addition to any LEGO® library.

For Baby Boomers who grew up with simple LEGO® brick sets (like me), Gen Xers who marveled at the first themed sets and minifigures, and Millennials who witnessed the rise of LEGO® Technic, Mindstorms, and epic licensed collections (our four kids and their spouses), LEGO® has been a constant source of creativity and connection across generations. Now, as Gen Z and Generation Alpha (our 11 grandchildren) discover the endless possibilities of LEGO® play, families have the opportunity to share not just a toy, but a legacy of imagination, problem-solving, and innovation.

The LEGO® Engineer is a testament to this enduring magic – bridging the past, present, and future by showing how something as simple as interlocking plastic bricks can teach complex engineering concepts, fuel curiosity, and bring generations together in the shared joy of building. Whether you’re revisiting LEGO® as an adult or introducing your grandchildren to its wonders, this book serves as a reminder that LEGO® is more than just a pastime – it’s a gateway to creativity, learning, and lifelong discovery.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

“Irreplaceable” – A Timely Manifesto for the Power of Place in a Digital World

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How many Americans having ‘surfed’ all the apps and bored by it all, wouldn’t like to slip on a jacket and walk down to the corner and have a beverage with the neighbors? Ah, but we’ve made sure there’s nothing on the corner but another private residence…indeed, nothing at all within easy walking distance.

Ray Oldenburg

In our rush to embrace technological convenience, we often overlook the inherent value of effort and meaningful human connection. While tech leaders champion their innovations as time-saving solutions that eliminate friction and connect the globe, this perspective fails to recognize that some of life’s most rewarding experiences require investment and intentionality. The correlation between effort and meaning suggests that by constantly seeking the path of least resistance, we may be sacrificing depth for convenience, whether in our personal relationships, professional interactions, or broader sense of community.

Do we still need physical places like grocery stores, restaurants, and office buildings? Or will the “Replacement Economy” led by the tech titans and retail giants wipe out these venues in their rapid ascent to unicorn status?

What about museums, universities, and performing arts venues? Considering the power of technology today, can’t we replace these relics with faster, cheaper, and more efficient online tools, apps, and AI?

Through engaging storytelling, human behavior insights, and proven design techniques, Kevin Kelley – an attention architect and cofounder of Shook Kelley, a strategic design firm that pioneered the field of “convening”—unfolds why physical places are essential to civil society, business, and community.

In Irreplaceable, he reveals what it takes for brick-and-mortar establishments to attract an audience and maintain a competitive edge in our increasingly digital world, whether you’re a:

–Retail leader or institutional manager trying to attract people to your offering while keeping the disruptors at bay

–Student of design who values social facilitation over object-oriented design

–Concerned citizen worried about the loss of community and civility

Irreplaceable offers a welcomed antidote to the anti-human digital future crushing our main streets and infiltrating every corner of our lives. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for creating human experiences that have the power to convene and bring friends, neighbors, and strangers together in prosocial environments in ways the digital replacements can’t replicate.

In an era where digital giants seem poised to dominate every aspect of our lives, Kevin Kelley’s Irreplaceable arrives as a compelling argument for the enduring importance of physical spaces. This thoughtful exploration of place-making couldn’t be more timely, as communities worldwide grapple with the erosion of traditional gathering spaces and the social connections they foster.

Kelley structures his book in four well-crafted parts, beginning with a fascinating examination of public markets’ historical role in civilization. Rather than merely waxing nostalgic, he introduces the concept of the “Bonfire Effect” – a framework for understanding why certain spaces naturally draw people together. This opening section also proposes a practical middle ground between funders and designers, acknowledging the real-world tensions in creating successful public spaces.

The second part of the book delves into the psychology of space, exploring how humans perceive and interact with their environment. Kelley’s analysis of why certain spaces energize while others deplete is particularly insightful, offering readers a new lens through which to view their daily environments. His discussion of how physical spaces influence emotional responses and social behavior is both fascinating and practical.

In the book’s third section, “How to Build Your Own Bonfire,” Kelley shifts from theory to practice, providing a comprehensive system for innovation in place-making. His choice to use grocery stores as a primary example proves surprisingly effective – these ubiquitous spaces serve as perfect case studies for understanding human behavior and spatial design. The author convincingly demonstrates how principles learned from supermarket design can inform spaces as diverse as office parks and symphony halls.

The final section may be the book’s most valuable contribution, as it addresses how these principles can be applied with limited resources. Through case studies of a struggling urban district and an unfashionable restaurant chain, Kelley proves that effective place-making isn’t solely the domain of luxury developments or well-funded institutions.

What sets Irreplaceable apart is its clear-eyed assessment of current challenges. Kelley acknowledges the formidable advantages of digital giants like Amazon in terms of price, variety, and convenience. However, rather than admitting defeat, he argues persuasively that physical spaces can compete on different terms – through joy, surprise, and social connection. This isn’t just wishful thinking; he provides practical frameworks for achieving these goals.

The book’s timing is particularly relevant as communities worldwide grapple with increasing polarization and the decline of traditional gathering spaces. Kelley makes a compelling case that the loss of physical meeting places contributes significantly to our current social tensions, though he refreshingly avoids both nostalgia and technological determinism in his analysis.

While the book excels in many areas, some readers might wish for more detailed case studies of successful implementations of Kelley’s principles. Additionally, the focus on commercial and institutional spaces occasionally leaves questions about how these ideas might apply to purely public spaces like parks and plazas.

Despite these minor limitations, Irreplaceable offers valuable insights for a wide range of readers – from business owners and urban planners to architects and community leaders. It’s also surprisingly relevant for parents and educators interested in how physical environments affect learning and social development.

Irreplaceable is more than a design book; it’s a roadmap for creating and maintaining spaces that matter in an increasingly digital world. Kelley’s message is ultimately hopeful: while online platforms may dominate commerce and communication, they cannot replicate the fundamental human experiences that well-designed physical spaces provide. This book offers both the theoretical framework and practical tools needed to ensure these spaces remain truly irreplaceable in our communities.

For anyone concerned with the future of public spaces, community building, or the intersection of physical and digital experiences, Irreplaceable is essential reading. It reminds us that in our rush to embrace digital convenience, we must not forget the irreplaceable value of physical places where human connections flourish.

Breaking Free from Stagnation: The Art of Strategic Reset

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Organizations around the world are plagued by staff burnout, high turnover, and low morale.

How do you turn this around? How do you make things better?

Changing how we work can feel overwhelming. Like trying to budge an enormous boulder, we’re stifled by the gravity of the way we’ve always done things. And we spend so much time fighting fires -and fighting colleagues – that we lack the energy to shift direction.

But with the right strategy, we can move the boulder.

In Reset, Dan Heath explores a framework for getting unstuck and making the changes that matter. The secret is to find “leverage points”: places where a little bit of effort can yield a disproportionate return. Then, we can thoughtfully rearrange our resources to push on those points.

Heath weaves together fascinating examples, ranging from a freakishly effective fast-food drive-thru to a simple trick from couples therapy to an inspirational campaign that saved a million cats.

In Reset, you’ll learn:

-Why the feeling of progress can be your secret weapon in accelerating change

-How leaders can uncover and stop wasteful activities

-Why your team’s motivation is often squandered—and how to avoid that mistake

-How you can jumpstart your change efforts by beginning with a “burst”

The book investigates mysteries: Why the middle is the roughest part of a change effort. Why inefficiency can sometimes accelerate progress. Why getting “buy-in” is the wrong way to think about change.

What if we could unlock forward movement – achieving progress on what matters most – without the need for more resources? The same people, the same assets…but dramatically better results. Yesterday, we were stuck. Today, we reset.

When organizations and individuals find themselves stuck in unsatisfactory situations, the natural instinct is often to push harder or work longer hours. However, as revealed in Reset from Heath’s extensive research spanning over two and a half years, meaningful change requires a more nuanced approach than simply applying more force to existing problems.

Through 240 interviews across various industries, combined with insights from psychology and successful transformation methodologies, Heath developed a clear framework for breaking free from stagnation. The key lies not in working harder, but in working smarter through strategic intervention points.

Think of being stuck as facing a massive boulder blocking your path. No amount of direct force will move it – you need leverage. This metaphor captures the essence of the reset process: identifying precise points where minimal effort can yield maximum results, known as Leverage Points.

However, finding these Leverage Points requires methodical investigation. There are five primary methods for uncovering them. 

  1. Direct observation of work processes can reveal inefficiencies that aren’t apparent from a distance. 
  2. Examining alternative routes to your ultimate goal might uncover easier paths forward.
  3. Studying your own success stories can highlight replicable winning strategies.
  4. Identifying the primary constraint holding you back helps focus efforts where they matter most. 
  5. Taking a holistic view of the system often reveals unexpected opportunities for intervention.

But identifying Leverage Points is only half the battle. The other crucial element is Restacking Resources – redirecting your existing assets, time, and energy toward these strategic pressure points. This process isn’t about finding additional resources; it’s about making smart trade-offs with what you already have.

The challenge lies in the fact that most resources are already committed to ongoing operations. No team member believes their current work is pointless, making it difficult to redirect efforts elsewhere. 

This is where six specific strategies come into play: 

  1. Beginning with an intense focused burst of effort.
  2. Eliminating wasteful activities.
  3. Shifting resources from low-value to high-value work.
  4. Tapping into intrinsic motivation.
  5. Empowering team members to lead change.
  6. Accelerating feedback loops for faster learning.

What makes this approach particularly powerful is its alignment with human psychology. Research by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer, involving over 12,000 diary entries from 238 employees across seven companies, revealed a fascinating insight: the single most powerful motivator in the workplace is making progress on meaningful work. On employees’ best days, 76% involved achieving progress, while only 13% involved setbacks. Surprisingly, only 5% of managers recognized progress as a primary motivator, ranking it last among potential motivational factors.

This “progress principle” becomes a powerful ally in the reset process. Once you start moving the boulder – even slightly – the psychological boost from that progress creates positive momentum that can help sustain the change effort. It transforms the daunting task of organizational change from an exhausting push against resistance into a more natural flow of continuous improvement.

As with his previous books (see here, here, and here), Heath uses real-world examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach across diverse situations: from turning around struggling libraries and companies to revitalizing hospital operations and even improving personal relationships. The framework has proven adaptable to various contexts, whether addressing operational inefficiencies, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, or strategic direction.

The process challenges several common assumptions about organizational change. It suggests that seeking “buy-in” might be the wrong approach to change management. It reveals that inefficiency can sometimes accelerate progress, and that people often overestimate their understanding of the systems they work within. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrates that the middle phase of any change effort is typically the most challenging – a insight that helps teams prepare for and push through the inevitable rough patches.

The beauty of this Reset framework lies in its simplicity: find the right leverage points and realign resources to apply pressure there. While the concept is straightforward, the execution requires careful analysis, strategic thinking, and willingness to make difficult trade-offs. However, the rewards are worth the effort: breaking free from unproductive patterns, experiencing forward momentum where there was once stagnation, and regaining a sense of agency over seemingly intractable situations.

This approach offers hope to anyone feeling stuck in a rut, whether personally or professionally. It provides a practical pathway to change that doesn’t rely on heroic efforts or unlimited resources, but rather on smart targeting of effort and strategic reallocation of existing assets. By understanding and applying these principles, individuals and organizations can transform themselves from spinning their wheels to moving purposefully toward their goals.

In a future post, I will be unpacking Reset in terms of how I am applying it in my personal life. Stay tuned!

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

The Heart and Science of Nursing

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A Personal Story

You know that nurse who helped you or your loved one during a hospital stay? The one who really saw you, heard you, and knew exactly what you needed? That’s not a coincidence – it’s what great nursing is all about. Whether we realize it or not, nurses are often there for many of life’s biggest moments, from our first breath to our last, the birth and growing pains of our children, and then the reality of aging adults – first our parents, then ourselves.

In a continuation of a recent post, I want to give you “the rest of the story.”

After 10 days in the hospital, spread over 2 stays, I was looking forward to going home – and I did, for 3 uneventful days. Then the pain returned with a vengeance, and so did I – back to the hospital. Imaging soon revealed that while the ulcer was continuing to heal, the aftereffects of the perforation had inflamed the gallbladder, and a stone lodged in a duct was causing the intense pain. Surgery was scheduled for the next day, and I was discharged two days later.

The pain was gone, and it was time to continue healing at home. I couldn’t do anything except lay in bed, and for those of you who know me, you know what’s coming next:

Reading.

In this case, I wanted to know more about that wonderful team of women (mostly) and men we call nurses who had provided care for me. A quick search of my local library and a pickup by Anita delivered this marvelous book that reflects so much of what I experienced over a two-week plus stay in the hospital, all under the care of the PSC-3 Nursing team at Atrium Cabarrus.

Nurses have always been vital to human existence. A nurse was likely there when you were born and a nurse might well be there when you die. Familiar in hospitals and doctors’ offices, these dedicated health professionals can also be found in schools, prisons, and people’s homes; at summer camps; on cruise ships, and at workplaces. Yet despite being celebrated during the Covid-19 epidemic, nurses are often undermined and undervalued in ways that reflect misogyny and racism, and that extend to their working conditions – and affect the care available to everyone. But the potential power of nursing to create a healthier, more just world endures.

The story of nursing is complicated. It is woven into war, plague, religion, the economy, and our individual lives in myriad ways. In Taking Care, journalist Sarah DiGregorio chronicles the lives of nurses past and tells the stories of those today – caregivers at the vital intersection of health care and community who are actively changing the world, often invisibly. An absorbing and empathetic work that combines storytelling with nuanced reporting, Taking Care examines how we have always tried to care for each other – the incredible ways we have succeeded and the ways in which we have failed. Fascinating, empowering and significant, it is a call for change and a love letter to the nurses of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Think about what comes to mind when you hear the word “nurse.” Maybe you remember clapping during the early days of COVID, or you picture Florence Nightingale with her lamp. Perhaps you think of TV shows like M*A*S*H or countless others.. But the reality of nursing goes much deeper than any of these images suggest.

Here’s something that might surprise you: nursing is actually one of the biggest professions in the world, with over 27 million nurses and midwives globally. In the U.S. alone, there are three times as many nurses as doctors! Without nurses, our healthcare system would basically grind to a halt.

And nurses? They’re everywhere! They’re not just in hospitals – they’re on cruise ships managing outbreaks, in libraries doing free blood pressure checks, at NASA monitoring astronauts (how cool is that?), and even in state legislatures writing healthcare policies. They’re the ultimate healthcare multitaskers.

But what exactly do nurses do? Well, it’s way more than just following doctors’ orders. While doctors typically focus deeply on specific medical conditions, nurses take care of the whole picture. Think of it this way: if you’re leaving the hospital, your doctor might prescribe your medications, but your nurse is the one making sure you understand how to take them, checking if you can handle the stairs at home, and figuring out if you have someone to help with cooking.

Here’s my real-world example: imagine you need gallbladder removal surgery. Sure, the hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeon does the actual operation, but nurses are there every step of the way. They’re prepping you, putting in your IV, checking your vitals, and acting like healthcare air traffic controllers – making sure everyone from social workers to anesthesiologists to radiology staff is in the right place at the right time. After surgery, they’re watching your pain levels, managing your medications, preventing infections, and teaching your family how to care for you at home.

One nurse quoted in Taking Care put it perfectly: “Doctors figure out where the patient is and where they need to be. Nurses are the ones who actually get you there.” It’s like doctors draw the map, but nurses help you navigate the journey.

And get this – nursing isn’t just about medical procedures and medications. It’s about building relationships and understanding people in their full context – their family situation, their community, their environment. As nurse researcher Monica McLemore explained in the book, “Everyone thinks it’s just skills and tasks, like putting in IVs or reading monitors. But that’s just one part. Our real job is helping people through transitions, whether that’s recovering from illness or adapting to a new health reality.”

Think about it: nurses are often the first ones to notice when something’s off. Maybe it’s a subtle change in someone’s mental state that could signal a stroke, or maybe it’s spotting a pattern of heat-related health issues in farm workers. They’re like healthcare detectives, constantly putting together pieces of the puzzle.

The cool thing about nursing is that it’s both super scientific and deeply human. Nurses need to understand complex biology and medical procedures, but they also need to be great communicators and problem-solvers. They’re the ones asking the practical questions that doctors might not think of: “Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood?” “Is there anyone at home who can help you?” “Do you need assistance getting food?”

And here’s something that often gets overlooked: nurses work with doctors, not for them. They’re separate but complementary professions, like two sides of the same healthcare coin. While doctors might focus on curing a specific condition, nurses focus on healing the whole person – and yes, there’s a difference!

So next time you’re in a healthcare setting, remember that the nurse caring for you is part of this amazing tradition that combines scientific knowledge, practical skills, and deep human connection. They’re not just there to take your temperature or give you medicine – they’re there to help guide you through whatever health journey you’re on, making sure you have what you need every step of the way.

After all, sooner or later, we all need someone to nurse us through tough times. And when that time comes, it’s pretty amazing to have someone who knows both the science of healing and the art of caring on your side.

With grateful appreciation to all the nursing team of PSC-3; you are caring professionals to the core.

Thank you.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Beyond Change: Mastering the Psychological Journey of Transition

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Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.

Fred Rogers

It has become almost a cliché that the only constant today is change.

What moves it from a cliché to a truism is that the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said the same thing – 2,500 years ago.

In spite of that historical background, we all feel that change is different today: it is without end, and increasingly complex. We talk not of a single change, but of change as an ongoing phenomenon. It’s a collage, not a single simple image; one change overlaps with another, and it’s all change as far as the eye can see.

To some degree, the downside of change is inevitable. Whenever human communities are forced to adjust to shifting conditions, pain is ever present. But a significant amount of the waste and anguish we’ve witnessed in change management is avoidable.

The typical organization – or person – has not operated well in a rapidly changing environment. Structure, systems, and culture have often been a drag on change rather than a facilitator.

The failure to sustain significant change recurs again and again despite substantial resources committed to the change effort, talented and committed people “driving the change,” and high stakes. In fact, leaders feeling an urgent need for change end up right: organizations that fail to sustain significant change end up facing crises.

This isn’t the sort of challenge you take on because it sounds good.

Adapting to and mastering change is not a choice. A significant part of a leader’s responsibility deals with being a change agent in the organization’s culture. In a time when changes come so fast and from so many unexpected angles, change is no longer a luxury but an imperative.

Even though change is a must, the “how-to’s” can often prove a problem. Many people lunge into change with no idea of its rules, its guiding principles, its nuances – and its dangers. Quite often disaster is the result. The only thing worse than ignoring change is leaping into it willy-nilly.

THE QUICK SUMMARY – Managing Transitions by William Bridges

The business world is constantly transforming. When restructures, mergers, bankruptcies, and layoffs hit the workplace, employees and managers naturally find the resulting situational shifts to be challenging. But the psychological transitions that accompany them are even more stressful. Organizational transitions affect people; it is always people, rather than a company, who have to embrace a new situation and carry out the corresponding change.

As veteran business consultant William Bridges explains, transition is successful when employees have a purpose, a plan, and a part to play. This indispensable guide is now updated to reflect the challenges of today’s ever-changing, always-on, and globally connected workplaces. Directed at managers on all rungs of the corporate ladder, this expanded edition of the classic bestseller provides practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing disruptions and navigating uncertain times.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION

If you were to gather a group of 10 to 20 people together, and ask them to discuss changes they are going through (or have recently gone through), before long you will notice all different types of change provide people with the same basic experience.

Three main similarities begin to present themselves:

  1. An ending, followed by
  2. A period of confusion and distress, leading to
  3. A new beginning.

However you deal with them, endings are the first phase of transition. The second phase is a time of lostness and emptiness before “life” resumes an intelligible pattern and direction, while the third phase is that of beginning anew.

That is the order of things in nature. Leaves fall in autumn, winter sets in, and then the green emerges again from the dry brown wood in the spring. Human affairs flow along similar channels, or they would if we were better able to stay in that current.

But endings are fearful. They break our connections with the setting in which we have come to know ourselves, and they awaken old memories of hurt and shame. Growing frightened, we are likely to abort the three-phase process of ending, lostness, and beginning.

Sometimes, we even twist the pattern around so that beginnings come first, then endings, and then…then what? Nothing.

It is when we turn things around in that way that transition becomes so unintelligible and frightening.

It isn’t the change that will do you in – it’s the transitions. Getting people through the transition is essential if the change is actually to work as planned.

The Three Phases of Transition

Endings – Letting go of the old ways and the old identity people had. This first phase of transition is an ending and the time when you need to help people deal with their losses.

Neutral Zone – Going through and in-between time when the old is gone but the new isn’t fully operational. Called the “neutral zone,” it’s when the critical psychological realignments and repatternings are taking place.

New Beginnings – Coming out of the transition and making a new beginning. This is when people develop the new identity, experience the new energy, and discover the new sense of purpose that make the change begin to work.

William Bridges, Managing Transitions

A NEXT STEP

On the top of a chart tablet, list a change in your organizational life that you have been considering.

Underneath this, divide the rest of the chart tablet into three columns, and write the headings “Endings,” “Neutral Zone,” and “New Beginnings” at the top of the columns.

Before you move forward, ask yourselves these three questions developed by the William Bridges Associates team:

  1. What is changing? Until any vagueness you have about change can be clarified and until the leaders of the change can explain it clearly, in a statement lasting no longer than one minute, there is no way that they are going to be able to get other people to buy into the change. Longer explanations and justifications will also have to be made but it is the one-minute statement that will be the core of people’s understanding.
  2. What will actually be different because of the change? Many change projects are designed and launched at such a high level in the organization that all the planning is unrelated to the everyday, operational details that make up the lives of most workers. In such cases, the decision-makers often have no idea how changes will actually make anyone’s life or job, or even the function of a whole department, different. Yet that is all that people need to know before they can embrace and support a change.
  3. Who’s going to lose what? There must be a hundred other versions of objections to dealing with endings and losses, but they are all variations on a single theme: the mistaken idea that the best way to get people through a transition is to deny that they are even in a transition. In fact many internal communications projects are based on this central misconception that you can (and should) talk people out of their reactions to the change.

Transition management is based on another idea: that the best way to get people through transition is to affirm their experience and to help them to deal with it. It is simply a question of understanding how the world looks to them and using that as the starting point in your dealings with them.

With an understanding of the dynamics covered in these three questions, spend at least one hour working through the three phases of transition, writing down words or phrases under each heading.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Attunement in Leadership: Converting Resistance into Collective Commitment

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One of the most challenging aspects of leadership isn’t dealing with external obstacles – it’s managing internal resistance from your own team. While leaders generally prepare themselves for external challenges, the emotional toll of facing opposition from within can be particularly devastating, often leaving them feeling betrayed and discouraged.

 Every leader knows the stormy seas of resistance. When faced with change, even the most dedicated teams can push back, especially when there’s something to lose. How do you guide your team through these turbulent times without losing sight of the mission? Leading Through Resistance by Tod Bolsinger is a beacon for leaders navigating the choppy waters of organizational change.

Leading Through Resistance offers more than just strategies; it delivers a mindset shift. With wisdom woven through every page, Tod Bolsinger teaches you unexpected skills to not only face resistance but to transform it into a mission-driving force.

Leading Through Resistance is a roadmap to resilient leadership. Equip yourself with the tools to lead with confidence, adapt with grace, and inspire transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, Leading Through Resistance is your essential guide to turning resistance into resilience.

Understanding Internal Resistance

Internal resistance emerges when we introduce new ideas or attempt to implement significant organizational changes. As leaders, we often take this resistance personally, allowing our egos to become overinvolved until any disagreement feels like a direct challenge to our professional identity. This emotional response can lead to either passive avoidance or counterproductive pushback.

However, it’s crucial to understand that resistance to change isn’t malicious – it’s natural. As Edwin Friedman noted, sabotage isn’t “the bad things that evil people do,” but rather “the human things that anxious people do.” In fact, resistance is so inherently linked to the leadership process that it should be expected whenever significant change is initiated.

The Path Forward: From Pushback to Pull-Together

Instead of trying to eliminate resistance, successful leaders learn to lead through it. The key is to implement an emotionally intelligent process that transforms pushback into buy-in. Rather than meeting resistance with force, invite your team to lock arms and channel their energy toward collective progress.

Core Principles for Managing Resistance

Start with Dual Convictions

  • The Preservation Conviction: Ensure all changes protect and maintain the organization’s core purpose and values
  • The Change Conviction: Acknowledge that adaptation is necessary to preserve and advance the organization’s mission

Stay Calm, Curious, and Connected

  • Maintain emotional equilibrium without becoming detached
  • Create psychologically safe spaces for honest dialogue
  • Move closer to resistance rather than away from it
  • Transform heated emails into personal conversations
  • Convert formal complaints into opportunities for coffee meetings

Practice Attunement

Research shows that nearly 90% of what distinguishes outstanding leaders comes down to emotional intelligence rather than cognitive abilities. This emotional intelligence manifests through four core competencies:

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-management
  • Social awareness
  • Relationship management

Practical Strategies for Implementation

Slow Down the Process – While crisis often provides the urgency needed for change, resist the temptation to rush. Frenetic action rarely leads to sustainable transformation.

Give the Work Back – Engage key stakeholders early in the process. As Patrick Lencioni wisely noted, “If people don’t weigh in, they can’t buy in.” Create a guiding coalition that includes even those likely to push back— – heir perspective is valuable.

Conduct an Accusation Audit – Begin by acknowledging potential objections and fears. People are typically twice as motivated by fear of loss as they are by potential gains. Creating this psychological safety helps lower defensive barriers.

Practice Active Mirroring – Listen intently enough to repeat key phrases and emotions expressed by others. The goal isn’t to get them to say “You’re right,” but rather to hear them say “That’s right” when you reflect their concerns back to them.

Embrace the Power of “No” – Counter-intuitively, a genuine “no” is more valuable than a “counterfeit yes.” When people feel safe expressing disagreement, it builds trust and opens the door to authentic commitment later.

For those of us trained in the old “command and control” mindset,  it is natural to assume that we have to stand our ground for things to go our way. Don’t eliminate resistance – lead through it.

Tod Bolsinger

The Adaptive Reset

The traditional leadership model of meeting resistance with resistance is outdated. Today’s effective leaders understand that attunement accelerates change. When clarity and empathy combine, they become powerful tools for reducing resistance and fostering genuine buy-in.

Remember that emotional connection precedes rational agreement. In the words of moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt, “Intuitions come first, strategic reasoning second.” By focusing on building trust and lowering defensiveness through genuine connection, leaders can create the conditions for meaningful transformation.

The path forward isn’t about domination or control – it’s about the art of persuading people to work toward a common goal. When leaders make the conscious choice to resist pushing back against pushback and instead attune with those who resist, they create the possibility for collective movement forward.

This approach isn’t manipulation; it’s a process of genuine mutual transformation rooted in deep values and full engagement. By combining clear purpose with emotional intelligence, leaders can turn opponents into allies and resistance into momentum for positive change.

Charcoal Mellowed and History Forgotten: The Legacy of Nearest Green and Jack Daniel

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As a Native Tennesseean, specifically Middle Tennessee, I have long been aware of the person of Jack Daniel and the distillery that bears his name.

Interestingly enough, other than name recognition, my first extended exposure to Jack Daniel was through music.

When Jack Daniel opened saloons in Lynchburg in 1892, he thought of a novel way to attract people to the town square. Mr. Jack formed The Silver Cornet Band with musically inclined locals – a bank clerk, grocer, policeman, and even a local lawyer. Like his whiskey, music brought folks together from every walk of life. Mr. Jack’s band played together for another 20 years. Even when the Distillery was closed due to various state and local Prohibition laws, the band kept Jack’s spirit alive.

Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band is an affectionate re-creation of a small town band that existed in Lynchburg, Tennessee from 1892 until about 1914.

The “modern” version of this band was the creation of David Fulmer in the mid-1970s, who wrote the show and performed as the “Professor” for many years.

The band began touring in 1978, performing in concert halls throughout the United States and Canada and delighting audiences at music festivals, music educator conferences, and for civic and private events with its joyful style and expert musicianship.

More than just a band concert, a performance by the Silver Cornet Band was a time traveling excursion to an era when life moved at a less hurried pace; when a warm summer evening was spent with a picnic supper in the park, the fellowship of friends and neighbors, and the sound of band music in the air.

I knew several of the band members over the years, as several came from the music program at my college, Tennessee Technological University. Although known primarily as an engineering school, it also had an outstanding low-brass music program, and the attraction of a “brass band” from a turn-of-the-century time period captured the imagination and participation of students.

I was fortunate to attend several concerts over the years, and have all of their music that has been released on CDs. I suppose it was my fondness for the music and the generosity of the man who inspired it, Jack Daniel, who lead me to take the next step in learning more.

Several years after the 100th anniversary of the founding of the distillery, I took part in a tour, fascinated by the stacks of hardwood burning to make the charcoal to filter the liquid, curious about the cave spring that supplied the water, impressed by the craftsmanship needed to create the barrels, and amazed at the huge gallons of mash as it begin the fermentation process that ultimately produced the golden amber liquid that was a part the southern culture of my teenage and college years.

Though not a partaker of alcohol, I was fascinated by the story of Jack Daniel and his life. Over the years, I would read and/or see articles about Jack Daniel and its contribution to culture – particularly the Southern culture from which it arose.

Then, in 2016, a story began to come out: Jack Daniel did own and operate the first registered distillery in the U.S. – but the secret of his charcoal-filtered whiskey came from the knowledge and expertise of a former slave (not owned by Jack Daniel) named Nearest Green who taught a young Jack Daniel all about distilling whiskey…

…and that brings us to today’s Wednesday Weekly reader.

New York Times bestselling author Fawn Weaver unveils the hidden narrative behind one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands. This book is a vibrant exploration set in the present day, delving into the life and legacy of Nearest Green, the African American distilling genius who played a pivotal role in the creation of the whiskey that bears Jack Daniel’s name.

Set against the backdrop of Lynchburg, Tennessee, Love & Whisky weaves together a thrilling blend of personal discovery, historical investigation, and the revelation of a story long overshadowed by time. Through extensive research, personal interviews, and the uncovering of long-buried documents, Weaver brings to light not only the remarkable bond between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel but also Daniel’s concerted efforts during his lifetime to ensure Green’s legacy would not be forgotten. This deep respect for his teacher, mentor, and friend was mirrored in Jack’s dedication to ensuring that the stories and achievements of Nearest Green’s descendants, who continued the tradition of working side by side with Jack and his descendants, would also not be forgotten.

Love & Whiskey is more than just a recounting of historical facts; it’s a live journey into the heart of storytelling, where every discovery adds a layer to the rich tapestry of American history. Weaver’s pursuit highlights the importance of acknowledging those who have shaped our cultural landscape; yet remained in the shadows.

As Weaver intertwines her present-day quest with the historical threads of Green and Daniel’s lives, she not only pays homage to their legacy but also spearheads the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This endeavor has not only brought Nearest Green’s name to the forefront of the whiskey industry but has also set new records, symbolizing a step forward in recognizing and celebrating African American contributions to the spirit world.

Love & Whiskey invites readers to witness a story of enduring friendship, resilience, and the impact of giving credit where it’s long overdue. It’s an inspiring tale of how uncovering the past can forge new paths and how the spirit of whiskey has connected lives across generations. Join Fawn Weaver on this extraordinary adventure, as she navigates through the layers of history, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed by the legacy of America’s native spirit, ensuring the stories of Nearest Green and his descendants live on in the heart of American culture.

The story of Nearest Green, one of the most remarkable yet long-forgotten figures in American whiskey history, has become an essential narrative in understanding the origins of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Nathan “Nearest” Green was not only the first known African American master distiller, but he was also instrumental in teaching Jack Daniel the craft of whiskey making. His story, rediscovered after more than a century of obscurity, has profoundly reshaped how we view the birth of one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands.

The Early Life of Nearest Green

Nathan Green, commonly known as “Uncle Nearest,” was born into slavery in the early 1800s in Maryland. Like many enslaved people of that time, his skills were not limited to manual labor. Green had an exceptional talent for distilling whiskey, a process that was complex and labor-intensive, requiring a mastery of both art and science. While little is known about his early life, it is likely that he learned the distillation process from earlier generations of enslaved African Americans or European settlers who practiced whiskey-making techniques brought over from Ireland and Scotland.

By the mid-1800s, Green was enslaved on a farm owned by the Reverend Dan Call, a preacher and distiller in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It was at Call’s distillery that Green’s talents in whiskey production would shape history.

Meeting Jack Daniel

Jack Daniel, born Jasper Newton Daniel in 1846, grew up in a world where whiskey was an essential part of southern life. After losing his mother at a young age and suffering from a strained relationship with his father, young Jack left home as a teenager. It was during this period that he was introduced to Reverend Dan Call, who not only took him under his wing but also introduced him to the art of whiskey making. However, it wasn’t Call who would provide Jack with the most important lessons in distilling; that honor belonged to Nearest Green.

Recognizing Green’s unmatched skill, Call entrusted him with teaching Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Green became Daniel’s mentor, passing on the essential techniques of distillation, including the critical process of charcoal mellowing – an important step in what would later become the defining feature of Tennessee whiskey. The charcoal mellowing technique, also known as the “Lincoln County Process,” involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal to remove impurities and smooth out the flavor. This unique process differentiates Tennessee whiskey from other American whiskeys like bourbon, and it was Green who mastered and shared this process with Jack Daniel.

The Role of Nearest Green in Shaping Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

Nearest Green’s contribution to the Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand goes far beyond simply passing down techniques. His expertise was fundamental to the product’s flavor, consistency, and quality, and his influence is seen in the principles that would guide Jack Daniel’s whiskey production for generations.

Green’s mastery of the charcoal mellowing process allowed Jack Daniel’s whiskey to stand out from competitors. This filtration method gave the whiskey its distinctive smoothness and refinement, creating the signature taste that would make Jack Daniel’s a household name. Green’s influence is not just in the technique but in the philosophy that great whiskey is a product of attention to detail, patience, and craftsmanship.

Even after the end of slavery following the Civil War, Nearest Green remained an integral part of the Jack Daniel’s distillery. When Jack Daniel formally established his distillery in 1866 (which today is considered the oldest registered distillery in the United States), Nearest Green continued to work alongside him, this time as a free man. In fact, records show that Green was one of the distillery’s first employees, making him not only one of the first African American master distillers but also an important partner in the founding of the brand. Later, Green’s two sons continued their father’s legacy at Jack Daniel’s distillery.

The Lost Legacy of Nearest Green

Despite his undeniable contributions, Nearest Green’s role in the creation of Jack Daniel’s whiskey faded from history over the decades. Whiskey production in the 19th century was dominated by white narratives, and the contributions of African Americans were often overlooked or erased altogether. As a result, Nearest Green’s name was not mentioned in the official Jack Daniel’s company history for over 150 years.

It wasn’t until the 21st century that Green’s role began to be rediscovered. In 2016, author and historian Fawn Weaver embarked on a mission to uncover the true history behind the origins of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Through meticulous research, Weaver uncovered documentation and oral histories that confirmed Nearest Green’s integral role in teaching Jack Daniel how to make whiskey.

Her efforts led to a groundbreaking realization: that Nearest Green was not only Jack Daniel’s teacher but also a key figure in the establishment of one of the most iconic whiskey brands in the world. This discovery marked a turning point in the narrative of American whiskey history and forced a reexamination of the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to the industry.

Restoring Green’s Place in History

The rediscovery of Nearest Green’s legacy has led to a concerted effort to ensure his contributions are recognized and celebrated. In 2017, Jack Daniel’s officially acknowledged Nearest Green as the first master distiller for the brand. The company has since made efforts to honor his memory, including creating a dedicated section on the distillery’s tour that focuses on Green’s contributions.

Fawn Weaver also founded the Nearest Green Foundation, which aims to preserve Green’s legacy and provide scholarships for his descendants. Additionally, in 2017, a new whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, was launched in his honor. Uncle Nearest Whiskey has quickly gained popularity, and its success serves as a fitting tribute to the man whose expertise and craftsmanship shaped the early days of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

The Legacy of Nearest Green

Nearest Green’s story is not just one of whiskey-making brilliance; it’s a story about how the contributions of African Americans were often sidelined or forgotten in history. The rediscovery of his legacy offers a fuller, more accurate picture of the origins of Jack Daniel’s whiskey and highlights the crucial role African Americans played in shaping the American whiskey industry.

Nearest Green’s influence endures in every bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, a testament to his mastery of distilling and the indelible mark he left on the industry. Today, his legacy is being restored and celebrated, reminding us of the rich and complex history behind one of the world’s most beloved spirits.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Breaking Free from Aimless Wandering: The Call to Follow

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It is into this deeply tired world of ours that God sends Jesus to speak the voice of love. Jesus says, “Follow me. Don’t keep running around. Follow me. Don’t just sit there. Follow me.”

Henri Nouwen

Following Jesus explores the spiritual concept of truly following Jesus, addressing a common human tendency to either be constantly busy or completely inactive. The author observes that many people live life in two extreme modes: perpetual restlessness or complete disengagement.

In the first mode, individuals are constantly moving, doing numerous activities, attending events, and meeting people, yet feeling a profound sense of meaninglessness. They’re exhausted by their own busyness, often unable to articulate what they’re actually accomplishing. This restless wandering leads to deep fatigue and a sense of being lived, rather than living purposefully.

The alternative state is total passivity, where people give up on their pursuits and sink into a state of apathy. They lose interest in life, spending time watching television, sleeping, or engaging in mindless activities. Some might seek escape through substances or other distractions, but fundamentally, they feel empty and unmotivated.

The core message is that Jesus offers a transformative alternative to these states through a gentle, loving call to “follow me.” This invitation isn’t forceful but is a sensitive, quiet voice that can reshape one’s entire existence. When people hear and respond to this call, their lives gain focus, purpose, and meaning. The wandering and listlessness are replaced by a clear direction and renewed excitement.

Author Henri Nouwen encourages readers to quiet themselves and listen for this voice of love, which speaks personally and intimately, calling each individual by name and offering a path out of spiritual exhaustion into a meaningful, directed life.

Henri Nouwen’s Following Jesus is a tender meditation on Christian discipleship that invites readers into a deeply personal and transformative journey of faith. At its core, the book is less a theological treatise and more a compassionate invitation to experience Christ’s love in the most intimate ways possible.

Nouwen begins by challenging the conventional understanding of following Jesus. It’s not about rigid adherence to rules or performing grand religious gestures, but about cultivating a profound, personal relationship with Christ. He emphasizes that discipleship is fundamentally about love – a love that transforms, heals, and provides radical hope.

Throughout the book, Nouwen explores several key themes of Christian discipleship. He speaks eloquently about vulnerability, suggesting that true following of Jesus means embracing our own brokenness and weakness. Instead of seeing our limitations as obstacles, Nouwen encourages readers to view them as sacred spaces where God’s grace can most powerfully manifest.

The spiritual journey, as Nouwen describes it, is not a linear path but a continuous process of surrender and discovery. He draws beautiful parallels between Jesus’s own life and the challenges believers face, highlighting that following Christ means walking a path of both profound joy and deep suffering. This isn’t a journey of achievement, but of continuous becoming – allowing oneself to be shaped by divine love.

Nouwen also delves into the importance of community and compassion. Following Jesus, he argues, isn’t a solitary endeavor but a collective experience of transformation. We grow closer to Christ not by isolating ourselves, but by opening our hearts to others, especially those who are marginalized or suffering. He challenges readers to see Christ in every person, particularly those society often overlooks.

Prayer and contemplation are central to Nouwen’s understanding of discipleship. He doesn’t present them as dutiful practices, but as intimate conversations with a loving God. These moments of stillness, he suggests, are where we truly learn to listen and align our hearts with divine purpose.

Another profound aspect of the book is Nouwen’s exploration of spiritual poverty. He suggests that truly following Jesus means letting go of our need for control, status, and self-sufficiency. It’s about creating space within ourselves for God’s grace to work – a radical act of trust and surrender.

Nouwen’s writing is characteristically gentle and deeply personal. He doesn’t lecture but invites readers into a reflective journey, sharing his own struggles and insights with remarkable honesty. His words feel like a compassionate conversation with a wise, loving spiritual mentor who understands the complexities of human faith.

The book ultimately presents following Jesus as a dynamic, living relationship rather than a static set of beliefs. It’s an ongoing dialogue of love, transformation, and grace. Nouwen reminds us that discipleship isn’t about perfection, but about persistent, humble openness to God’s transformative power.

For anyone seeking a more intimate, authentic understanding of Christian faith, Following Jesus offers a profoundly moving roadmap. It’s an invitation to experience divine love not as a distant concept, but as a lived, breathed reality that can reshape our entire existence.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Celebrating the Third Place: Ray Oldenburg’s Refinement of Community Spaces

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Nationwide, more and more entrepreneurs are committing themselves to creating and running “third places,” also known as “great good places.”

In his landmark work, The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg identified, portrayed, and promoted those third places. Ten years after the original publication of that book, Oldenburg wanted to celebrate the many third places that dot the American landscape and foster civic life.

Celebrating the Third Place brings together fifteen firsthand accounts by proprietors of third places, as well as appreciations by fans who have made spending time at these hangouts a regular part of their lives. Among the establishments profiled are a shopping center in Seattle, a three-hundred-year-old tavern in Washington, D.C., a garden shop in Amherst, Massachusetts, a coffeehouse in Raleigh, North Carolina, a bookstore in Traverse City, Michigan, and a restaurant in San Francisco.

Ray Oldenburg’s Celebrating the Third Place (2000) builds upon the ideas introduced in his earlier work, The Great Good Place (1989), and refines the concept of third places. While The Great Good Place laid the theoretical groundwork for understanding the importance of informal gathering spaces in fostering community, Celebrating the Third Place offers a more practical examination of these spaces. Through real-world examples and case studies, Oldenburg highlights how third places function in various cultural contexts and emphasizes their potential to revitalize and strengthen communities. This article will explore how it refines the concept of third places, and discuss its continuing impact on urban planning, social sciences, and community development.

In the aftermath of World War II, a significant shift occurred in American urban landscapes, dramatically impacting the existence and survival of “third places” – those informal public gathering spaces essential for community building. These places, often locally owned, independent, and small-scale businesses, have faced increasing challenges due to changing urban planning paradigms, economic pressures, and evolving social habits.

The Rise of Chains and Unifunctional Zoning

One of the primary culprits in the decline of third places has been the emergence of chain establishments, coinciding with the implementation of unifunctional zoning policies. This zoning approach, which separates residential areas from commercial ones, has forced Americans to rely heavily on cars for even the most basic errands. As a result, people now drive to strips and malls where only large chains can afford to operate, effectively squeezing out smaller, local businesses.

Before the advent of unifunctional zoning, communities were designed with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. Small stores, taverns, offices, and eateries were within walking distance for most town and city dwellers, forming the backbone of community life. These businesses typically served customers within a two or three-block radius and thrived in this localized ecosystem. However, the introduction of negative zoning created an environment where impersonal chain operations could flourish at the expense of independent establishments.

The Human Element: Public Characters vs. Corporate Policies

The shift from local independents to chain establishments has had profound implications for community dynamics. Many operators of mom-and-pop stores were what Jane Jacobs called “public characters” – individuals who knew and cared about everyone in the neighborhood. These figures played crucial roles in maintaining community cohesion, keeping an eye on children, monitoring neighborhood safety, and facilitating the flow of important local information.

In stark contrast, chain establishments often prioritize efficiency and standardization over community engagement. High employee turnover rates and corporate policies discouraging casual interactions with customers have eroded the personal connections that once defined local businesses. This shift has resulted in a less personalized, less engaged community experience.

Urban Planning and the Retreat to Private Spaces

Decades of poor urban planning have further exacerbated the challenges faced by third places. The public sphere has become increasingly inhospitable and difficult to navigate, encouraging a trend towards “nesting” or “cocooning” – the tendency for people to retreat to the comfort of their private homes. As homes have become better equipped, more comfortable, and more entertaining, the appeal of venturing out into public spaces has diminished.

This domestic retreat presents a significant challenge to movements like Traditional Town Planning or the New Urbanism, which aim to restore community and public life through architectural and layout principles reminiscent of the 1920s. However, the effectiveness of these approaches in isolation is questionable. Examples of well-designed public spaces failing to attract people suggest that architectural solutions alone may not be sufficient to revitalize community life.

The Digital Age and Its Impact

The rise of personal computers and internet connectivity has further complicated efforts to promote public life. Many people now spend significant time online, whether for work, entertainment, or social interaction. This digital engagement often comes at the expense of face-to-face community interactions, presenting yet another obstacle to the revival of third places.

Hope for Revival: The Harrisburg Example

Despite these challenges, there are examples of successful efforts to revitalize public life and support third places. The city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers an inspiring case study. Following years of economic stagnation and natural disasters, Harrisburg embarked on a concerted effort to promote community spirit and street life.

Key to Harrisburg’s success was the city government’s supportive approach to new, independent businesses. By recognizing and rewarding establishments that contributed to the city’s betterment, Harrisburg created a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and community builders. This approach, combined with the preservation of walkable, human-scale architecture and mixed land use, has resulted in a vibrant public life that larger cities might envy.

The Loss of Community Time

A final consideration in the struggle for third places is the loss of what could be called “community time.” The replacement of a post-work free hour with commuting time has had a significant impact on community cohesion. Where people once had time to engage with their community before returning home, they now often spend that time isolated in their cars, fostering frustration rather than connection.

The challenges facing third places in modern America are numerous and complex, ranging from urban planning decisions to economic pressures and changing social habits. However, the importance of these spaces for community building and social cohesion remains as vital as ever. Success stories like Harrisburg demonstrate that with intentional effort and supportive policies, it is possible to create and maintain vibrant third places.

As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the value of these spaces and work towards creating environments that foster their development. This may require rethinking our approach to urban planning, supporting local businesses, and actively encouraging community engagement. By doing so, we can hope to preserve and revitalize the “stuff of community” that third places provide, enriching our social fabric and improving the quality of life in our towns and cities.