I appreciate humility. But I have to say that last night's open mic segment may well have been our best ever.

The final 30 minutes of the show were powerful. Suicide, faith, sex addictions, panic attacks. Folks being honest and open about real life and faith.

If you did not listen, be sure to get the MP3 or podcast here on the web site.

I promise - you will be glad you did.

I never read this stuff, but today, my wife's cup of Starbucks had a quote in its series "The Way I see it." Where does Starbucks find these people?

David Quammen, whoever that is, compared Intelligent Design to the old Hindu idea that the Earth rests on Chukwa, the giant turtle. As opposed to his view of the indisputable truth of evolution.

Does Starbucks do this to be provocative? Probably, so given its Seattle-centric world view.

A better question might be, "How does Mr. Quammen explain the origin of creation?" The Darwinian explanation is either:
A) Poof! It came out of nowhere and nothing
or
B) I have no idea.

Neither of those seems particularly scientific. But then again, neither is Starbucks. That is the way I see it. Which is probably why I am dumb enough to buy a $2 cup of coffee.

Well, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles met and decided to give Troy Anthony Davis 90 more days to make his case. Good news and bad news.

Good news - at least they are trying to hear all the evidence before sending this man to his death by lethal injection. It is always good to know whether a person actually committed the crime before executing them.

Bad news - it looks like the death penalty will still be in play if it turns out that the evidence remains strong that Davis killed a police officer in 1989.

I have no idea whether Davis committed the murder or not. I do know that executing Davis in the name of the state of Georgia solves nothing. It brings no healing. It has cost the state of Georgia enormous sums of money. Davis may or may not have actually done the crime.

Executing Troy Anthony Davis would be just one more death.

Life without parole is punishment that fits the crime - any crime.

Lots of good reading this summer. Here are the three best business/leadership books I have read.

1) Made to Stick - by Chip and Dan Heath.
What a great book! Focuses on why some ideas make it and others fade away. 6 great principles for communicating as a manager, leader, or speaker. Great for preachers as well - how to make sure folks get and remember your message. One of ten best books of last 10 years in my opinion.

2) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni
Excellent memorable work that teaches by narrative. Great insight into how to lead and direct a team. Helpful for business, church, education or even volunteer work.

3) Good to Great - Jim Collins
Everyone has heard of this by now. Came out several years ago. But makes the important distinction that leadership is about results and about humility - not ego or stature. Great lessons for a leader.