Special Features

The Middle Ground

Published May 21, 2012
Photo illustration by Jasmic via Flickr

Whether it’s good versus evil, us against them, left versus right, paper or plastic, regular or decaf, we seem to live in an age that values polarization. But whatever happened to the good old middle ground, the place where diverse people can come together in a sense of unity? Click the links below to read how these essayists believe some middle ground can still be found.

  1. The Tense Middle
  2. The Value of the Middle
  3. Finding One’s Own Middle Ground
  4. The 50-Percent Theory of Life
  5. In Praise of the ‘Wobblies’

Best Friends

Published May 14, 2012
Photo illustration by Bev Sykes via Flickr

They keep our secrets, challenge our thinking and sometimes frustrate us terribly. But best friends are the people we know we can count on to be there with us through good times and bad. Click the links below to read how these essayists found their beliefs in a relationship with a special friend.

  1. The Friend That Makes Me Complete
  2. We Will Get Through This Together
  3. The Deepest Sources Of Joy
  4. The Friends Who Opened My Heart
  5. The Faith That Brings Me Peace

Mother’s Day

Published May 7, 2012

We celebrate moms everywhere this week with a selection of essays from our new book, This I Believe: On Motherhood. These writers tell of the lessons learned from being a mother, and of the wisdom gained from the mothers in their lives. As one essayist says, “A mother’s love can overcome hatred, animosity and selfishness. It has the power to heal an abused heart and body.”

  1. Our Children
  2. Am I Doing This Right?
  3. Bessie Mae: Nobody Famous
  4. Miracle from Within
  5. The Second-Hardest Job
  6. Hope Dished Out in Plenty
  7. Do What You Have To Do
  8. It Takes a Mother’s Love

The Human Body

Published April 30, 2012
Photo illustration by Prashant Zi via Flickr

The human body is an amazing network of blood, bone, tissue and neurons. The wonders of our bodies — from the finely toned specimen working at peak performance, to those struggling with disease or disability — can inspire powerful beliefs. Click the links below to read the statements of those in tune with their bodies.

  1. The Heartbreaking Splendor of Human Bodies
  2. I Am Not My Body
  3. The Flaw-Free Body
  4. An Athlete of God
  5. A Model Body

Alternative Transportation

Published April 22, 2012
Photo illustration by Kevin Connors via morgueFile.com

The American Dream may include cruising down the highway in your own car, but many people prefer alternative means of getting from point A to point B. Whether it’s mass transit or human-powered modes of travel, these essayists have come to believe in the unique ways they move around town.

  1. Bus Chick’s Manifesto
  2. Commuting by Bike
  3. A Daily Dose of Walking
  4. Born to Bike
  5. Seeing the World by Sidewalk

National Volunteer Week

Published April 16, 2012
Photo illustration by The Snow Thief via Flickr

This week, we honor the people who give of their time, talents and energy to assist those in need. Whether it’s cleaning up after a disaster, building a home, mentoring a child, or rescuing a stray animal, the act of helping another can be wondrously fulfilling for the person doing the work and for those receiving the assistance. Please click the links below to read about the beliefs inspired by volunteering.

  1. If You Don’t Do It, Who Will?
  2. For All the Right Reasons
  3. A Belief Worthy of a Lifetime of Effort
  4. Everyday Heroes
  5. The Kindness Of Strangers

Living Through Poetry

Published April 9, 2012
Design by Chin-Yee Lai via Academy of American Poets

Poetry can be an expression of love, a processing of grief, or a way to freeze a moment in time. Whether a sonnet, a haiku or free verse, it is a distillation of language that reveals the very essence of an idea or emotion. In celebration of National Poetry Month, we hope you’ll click the links below to read how these essayists have found their beliefs in poetry.

  1. The Making Of Poems
  2. Music And Medicine For The Soul
  3. More Than Just Words
  4. Our Ultimate Inspiration
  5. The Untamed Habitat of Language

Stand by Your Man… or Woman

Published April 2, 2012
Photo illustration by Elliot Margolies via Flickr

The wedding vows encourage the couple to remain faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health. The bonds of love between spouses can offer strength and hope regardless of the challenge a marriage may face. Click the links below to read how these couples are inspired by their love for each other.

  1. Semper Fidelis
  2. God Knows About Sacrifice
  3. The Value of Your Life
  4. A Walk in the Woods Together
  5. Staying Close

Pennies

Published March 26, 2012
Photo illustration by Skez via Flickr

The American one-cent piece is a common part of our everyday lives, piled on dressers, stored in jars or collected in piggy banks. Although this smallest part of our monetary system dates back to 1793, there are some who argue in favor of eliminating the penny. Whether the coin represents nostalgia or nuisance for you, these essayists have found the cent to be a source of their belief.

  1. Hunting Pennies
  2. Pennies from Heaven
  3. Taking Care of Pennies
  4. The Power of a Penny
  5. Lucky Pennies

The Change of Seasons

Published March 19, 2012
Photo illustration by Code Poet via Flickr

Although the official start of spring is this week, many places are already enjoying the arrival of warm weather and blossoming trees. The vernal equinox not only marks a change in the seasons, but a transition in life as well as the dormancy of winter gives way to life blooming anew. Click the links below to read how these essayists are inspired by the coming of spring.

  1. Beauty for Everyone
  2. Hope Arrives on the Wind
  3. The Dawn of a New Season
  4. The Most Wonderful Rite of Spring
  5. The Annual Cycle That Is Life