J O N T I E

I believe open, honest, and civil conversations have the power to heal our divisions
Tag:
Personal Growth

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Real Americans

Jontie and Pik are walking around the kitchen doing chores, as they chat with their daughter about her day at school. Their daughter keeps talking about the “American kids” at school, and Pik and Jontie look at each other confused.

December 21, 2020
Family
Personal Growth

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How a Little Empathy and an Offhand Comment Changed My Worldview

A few years ago I moved back to upstate NY, to the small town where I was born and raised. If I’m being completely honest, I was a bit apprehensive.

December 9, 2020
Faith
Family
Personal Growth

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World War II, My Grandparents, And A Plea

How could two people from opposite sides of a horrendous conflict find common ground and build a life together? What caused them to leave everything familiar, and take a chance on a new life in America?

October 29, 2020
Family
Personal Growth
Politics

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How a Dictatorship Taught Me the Value of Voting

I thought I always appreciated our right to vote. However, this year, because of an offhand comment and a lifetime of stories, I have a newfound sense of gratitude.

November 3, 2020
Politics
Personal Growth
Family

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You Don't Know What You Got Til It's Gone

Recently, the Counting Crows cover of Big Yellow Taxi has been running through my mind, specifically the lyric, “you don’t know what you got til it’s gone.” It’s been the theme of 2020 for me and my family

October 30, 2020
Personal Growth
Politics
Faith
Travel