Tag: life
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Why I Don’t Think You Have a “Soul Mate”
It’s a strong idea: Each of us has a mate out there—a perfect mate. A match-made-in-heaven. A “soul mate.” Most people think of their “soul” as the essential, non-visible, real-me part of themselves. So in the soul mate scenario, two of these meant-to-be entities would magically connect, harmonize, and illumine the cosmos around them. Making…
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Be The Evidence That Someone’s Life Made A Difference
On April 14th, 1912 something happened at 11:40pm. A huge ship holding over 3300 people hit an iceberg. Over the next few hours it would sink to the bottom of the North Atlantic. That ship was the Titanic. Researchers and divers know the spot. And recently a new picture was released. It shows 2 boots and a coat.…
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If You Knew The Day You Were Going To Die
Would you live any differently? My dad died in November and we recently had his birthday. It made me reflective. As I said at the time (click here to read what I said at his funeral), it’s not just the sick who are “terminal.” We’re all terminal. We’re all going to die. But what if we knew the…
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Assisted Suicide: Is It Ethical? Or Murder? Or Both?
I know it’s a highly-charged topic. And it’s in the news. Recently CTV reported, “The Supreme Court of Canada has unanimously struck down the ban on providing a doctor-assisted death to mentally competent but suffering and “irremediable” patients.” Some will remember 1993 when 12-year old Tracy Latimer, severely disabled by cerebral palsy, had her life taken by her…
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My Dad Just Died. Quickly. Here’s What I Said At His Funeral.
(My dad, Eric Ruttan, died on Sunday, November 16th. He lived 2 months less two days after being diagnosed with aggressive cancers in several parts of his body. He was 64. His obituary can be accessed here.) From Dad’s memorial service on November 21, 2014: Before I share my thoughts I want to share with…
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The 10 Things I Get Asked Most as a Minister (And How I Answer Them)
Einstein said that “curiosity has its own reason for existing.” As if wonder has its own self-propelling magnetism. Curiosity and questioning are daily menu items for a minister—especially as we lead those looking to lead godly lives. So I thought I’d put together a few of the questions I get asked most. Everyone has different…
