Hello, good people. I am rarely sure how to describe myself. If I say I am a Christian, many things may arise in your mind that ain't necessarily so. I was homeless for seven years and learned more about myself in that stretch of time than in any other segment of my life. I read the Bible a lot out there and came across a passage in Proverbs that has shaped my approach to life: "A man's pursuit is his kindness." I am well educated with a Master of Social Work degree and have worked a wide variety of jobs in my 52 years. None have lasted too long however. When I was homeless, the beauty of Texas wildflowers made me decide to want to live again. Along with kindness, beauty, play, and self-expression are life-guiding ideas. My shadow contains things like feeling sorry for myself, a truckload of defiance, a desperate need to please women, and no small amount of cruelty. A quote from Luke also has had a lasting effect on me: "For God is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." When I read that I thought, "Hell, I have got a fighting chance." I am here to tell you, you have a fighting chance as well. Besides Christianity, practicing Buddhist and Shamanic techniques inform my relationship to God and the world.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “White Bird Canyon: A Wish To See Cultural Healing,” shares about his dad and relationship with local Nez Perce Natives.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “Because That’s What You Do in Life,” shares about Sarah and her life, someone he helps drive around when she needs it.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “Heart Centered and Compassion Oriented: ‘I want to help.’,” shares about his spirituality and experience with Kriya Yoga.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “Fathers at Their Best: 'Listen, You Are Wanted.',” reflects on the roles of dads and their impact whether they’re present or absent.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “That Good Light: Sending Wisdom, Sharing Poems,” considers and seeks ways for attaining balance during these times.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “The Scent of Lilacs: Missing My Mom on Mother’s Day,” shares about lilacs, his mom, and Mother’s Day.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “A Spiritual Emergency: Take Small Steps in the Direction of Your Joy,” is about listening and supporting the youth of today, and also figuring out your own ...
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “Human Kindness: ‘We Could Use Some More of It’,” is about one family’s story of living on the street, their struggles with recovering from meth, and kindness.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “Smile, Pick It Up, and Enjoy Nature’s Flow,” is about his recent time in Portland and seeing Hailey Whitters in concert at Mississippi Studios.
John Michael’s newest Life Is a Sweet, Tender Bruise column, “Get Behind Me, Satan! Before Love Entered My Town,” talks about Spring and Easter, progress and humility, and the teachings of Christ.