Guest Columns

One of the truly great inventions of the modern era is the DVR.

I love mine with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.

Last week I watched a movie I had recorded called “Sins of the Mother,” about the relationship between a young woman and her formerly abusive, alcoholic mother.

Scattered throughout any community are tiny, struggling churches.

Sometimes they’re invisible. If you blink while driving past them you’ll miss them. Or they’re eyesores - run down, weather worn.

In my 20 years covering local religion for the newspaper, I’ve gotten to know the people at some of these little churches.

I’ve attended their services and could count the people in the pews with two hands and not need a third.

Does God have a place in the platform of a political party? It depends upon whom you ask.

On day two of the Democratic National Convention, three attempts were made to include God in the Democratic Party Platform. San Antonio Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa asked for delegates to ratify the proposal by voice vote and an awkward moment ensued when the first two votes deadlocked.  The third vote drew even louder opposition, yet the chair gaveled the proposed change into place, which drew loud boos. Who knew God would be so controversial at the convention?

In my (albeit feeble) defense, I had just come from undergoing a medical test done under sedation, which may or may not have loosened my tongue. Or maybe it was because I hadn’t eaten in 24 hours and hunger affected my brain.

Whatever the reason, I said something that embarrassed my husband.

We had stopped at a local restaurant for a burger. I ordered the thickest, beefiest, cheesiest burger on the menu, plus fries, and my husband ordered a veggie burger and a salad.