We were called, male and female, to do great works with separate approaches and separate assignments.

We learn much of parenting from our own parents. My love for my father deepened profoundly when he was kind, patient, and understanding.

Others can challenge and motivate us, but we must reach down deep into our souls and call forth our God-given intelligence and capabilities. We cannot do this when we depend on the efforts of someone else.

Discipleship does not come from positions of prominence, wealth, or advanced learning. The disciples of Jesus came from all walks of life.

Murders with guns are the No. 1 cause of death for African-American men between the ages of 15 and 34. But talking about race in the context of guns would also mean taking on a subject that can't be addressed by passing a law: the family-breakdown issues that lead too many minority children to find social status and power in guns.

We don't have real control over death. You could die of a heart attack, a building could fall on you, you could be in an accident, you could have a fatal disease. So, how should you conduct your life? You just go ahead and live, taking reasonable precautions - like handling the mail more carefully.

The death of my own son has made me more sensitive. It's made me more compassionate.

Any effort to make the death penalty speedier and less costly - more 'efficient' - will inevitably make it less just.