Liberty and Justice for All?

 For Renee Good & Alex Pretti

I've watched enough cop shows in my life to be familiar with what happens when there is an officer-involved shooting: The officer involved hands over their gun and badge (or shield, as the case may be) and is put on administrative duty while an investigation takes place.

Regarding the recent officer-involved shootings in the streets of Minneapolis, I'm wondering if that protocol is being followed.

I'm forced to wonder about that because all I've heard from the governmental entities overseeing the work of the involved officers are immediate statements of exoneration: Statements that are direct contradictions to the available video evidence.

In all fairness, the February 6 statement from the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is hopeful, but not exhaustive.

In no news conference have I heard an official say anything close to "The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation."

I reserve the right to be wrong about that. I mean, I admit to not seeing or hearing every statement made by every deputy director of this or that acronym. I had to turn things off for a bit. I was overwhelmed by the level of lies spewing out of the mouths of government spokespeople.

So...

I'm left wondering. What is happening with the people who pulled the triggers? Has the news cycle moved on already and now we're all upset about the Epstein files (again) and Border Patrol is breathing a sigh of relief because the spotlight is no longer on them?

American citizens have been killed. I'm wondering where the liberty and justice for all is.

Wisdom from an Empath: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. III

EGO AT THE HELM: The Hidden Cost of Narcissism in Leadership
Robert A. Damon

In [this book, the author] pulls back the curtain on an extraordinarily painful season he endured, and shares lessons learned. He paints a compelling and disturbing picture of a narcissist who wounded countless people, including his own family. Robert's description of the events will leave you a little breathless, but the story is not just about identifying the danger but also dealing with the destructive aftermath. To all who have been pushed out by a narcissist, or who are trying to outlast a narcissist, there are vital nuggets of encouragement, hope, and wisdom throughout this book. Read through these insights thoughtfully and prayerfully and integrate these principles into your life (~Dr. David Timms, from the Foreword).

I bought this book because I know the author; used to be his co-worker during my final youth ministry gig. We even shared an office. What he writes about took place in the church he went to after leaving where we were, and I confess to being grateful I didn't have to go through it with him. It sounds absolutely horrible, and yet he not only lived through it, but grew because of it and became a major pathfinder toward the church's healing.

Bob has always been an empathetic pastor, and he demonstrates both aspects of that two-word phrase throughout the pages of this book. He doesn't just recount his experiences under narcissistic leadership; he provides wise counsel and practical resources to help others in a similar boat.

First Line: Narcissism is a growing issue for organizations, especially when leadership roles require visible trust and interaction with the community to achieve mission success.

Page 56 / Line 5: Personally, I have come to realize that while there are many causes for discouragement in all this, I have several major disappointments that will require time and effort to overcome.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: Narcissism is not the same as being self-centered or selfish; there is a fine distinction here.

Last Line: May that never be true when talking about faith-based leadership, and may our informed leadership be a benchmark for others coming behind us to face successes and challenges with humor, grace, and tact.

 

Soundtrack to a Life: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. II

 

SING IT OUT
Ryan Weaver

Some people journal. Some people run. I’ve always had songs. Music cuts through the noise. Sometimes, it cuts right through you. It goes straight to your heart before your head even has a chance to catch up. A single lyric can say what you’ve been trying to put into words for months. A melody can calm you down, or get you hyped up, depending on the day.

These chapters are stories from my life, each one connected to a song that helped me get through something, or helped me understand who I’m becoming. It’s part memoir, part mixtape, and 100% real.

This book hasn't been published yet. I got to read it as I was formatting and editing it... preparing it so the author can self-publish. Ryan is the son of a couple Beloved and I were in a Sunday School class with back at our Home church in Markle, Indiana.

I think the concept for the book is really interesting, and Ryan does a great job at weaving the story of his life around the songs he listened to and was influenced by through the years. He also proves he has the heart of a pastor by having a strong life lesson as part of each chapter so it all goes far beyond just "strolling through the park and reminiscing." (Not that he quotes that song. The boy ain't that old.)

4 out of 5 stars. Look for it on Amazon later this year.

First Line: Life's a journey.

Page 56 / Line 5: And I hope that, as I continue on this journey of faith, I can give others the same gift of accountability, honesty, and grace that I received in that D Group.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: The seats were piled with empty fast food bags, the air smelled like a mixture of gasoline and freedom, and we always had enough space for one more person.

Last Line: And He always will be.

Well, When You Look at It THAT Way: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. I

 

STAR WARS FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: 40 Stories Celebrating 40 Years
Various Authors

On May 25, 1977, the world was introduced to Han, Luke, Leia, a pair of droids, a Wookie, an old wizard, a villain in black, and a galaxy full of possibilities. Forty years on, Star Wars remains an unparalleled cultural phenomenon, having inspired and influenced generations of fans and creators. Decades of rich storytelling were sparked by one film, in part because the Star Wars galaxy feels alive. Strange and wonderful characters fill the edges of the screen and make us wonder: What are their stories? This unique anthology celebrates that legacy, as more than 40 contributors lend their vision to this retelling of the original film. Each of the 40 short stories reimagines a moment from the film through the eyes of a supporting character.

I stumbled onto the sequel to this volume, based on The Empire Strikes Back, while browsing the library shelves and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Read about that by clicking here.) I vowed to back up and read this as well ... and well ... here I am.

This collection does a much better job than the first book I read (which is the second book in the series, blah blah blah...) of revealing the thoughts and off-screen activities of characters you actually remember seeing. It tells the tales of a member of Jabba the Hutt's house band, the stormtrooper whose mind was tricked by Obi-Wan ("These are not the droids you're looking for"), Greedo, and even the creature in the trash compactor that nearly drowns Luke. If you're a fan of the movie, I think you'll end up enjoying these short stories, too.

First Line: "What is it they've sent us?"

Page 56 / Line 5: She cast about until she found a long, heavy bar with a notch at the end.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: It is strange, still, to think of death as only the beginning of wisdom.

Last Line: Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plan that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy.

The First Time I've Ever Recommended a Podcast

ONCE WE WERE SPACEMEN
A Podcast with Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk

"Since co-starring on Firefly, they have also been aliens, mystery writers, veterinarians, superheroes, chickens, robots, and policemen. 

Now, they’re doing a podcast where they get to know their fellow creatives, learning about who they once were and what they’re up to now.

So, if you are looking to learn something new that will alter the course of your life, or discover something that will change the way you see the world, or you are simply looking to better yourself… keep looking. 

But, if you’d like to have the feeling of hanging out with two old buddies… You’ve come to the right place."

Can't argue with the final two paragraphs of this podcast's self-description. I've listened to the first six episodes and it is abundantly clear these two guys formed a lasting, hilarious bond when they worked together on the short-lived and much-missed TV series, Firefly. In those six episodes, they have had a guest half the time, but I've got to say I have a slight preference for the episodes where they are just chatting with each other.

There is talk about the unglamorous realities of an acting career, least-favorite auditions, how to not be a jerk, and plenty of mutual admiration that sometimes dissolves into self-deprecating humor and sarcastic digs into each other's humble egos.

So far, there hasn't been much PG-13 language, which I appreciate, so I feel fairly safe in recommending the show to the adult members of the elite group of friends who read Dewdrops.

You can find the show practically anywhere you find podcasts, but here's a link to its website and the YouTube introductory trailer.

Song Sung Blue: Proving There's More to Neil Diamond Than "Sweet Caroline" (And It's Not Even a Biography)

 

SONG SUNG BLUE: Inspired by a Legend. Bound by a Dream.
Starring Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson

"Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together."

When I first saw the poster for this, I thought it was a biopic, and I thought, "What a perfect choice for someone to play Neil Diamond!" Then, when I saw the trailer and realized it wasn't actually about Diamond but about, in the words of Kate Hudson's character, "Not a Neil Diamond impersonator, but a Neil Diamond interpreter," I was a little disappointed but still no less enthusiastic about the casting.

In terms of the overall effect of the movie, it is really "just" another love story with obstacles to overcome and troubles to live through until love conquers all, but the added spice of Neil Diamond's music and Jackman and Hudson's musical chops made it more fun than that description sounds. There were moments of pure joy and also times when my tears almost broke through.

And then, on top of that, add the fact that it's all based on fact.

Cool.

Weird Thing: I don't know if it was like this in the theaters, but watching this through Fandango at Home, there were times when the lip-syncing to the pre-recorded vocals was PDB: Pretty Dang Bad.

4 out of 5 stars

Watching and Weeping in the Land of the Free

 

I know, I know, I said I was going to avoid “current events” in my posts, but when a trusted friend shares something so unimaginable, to say nothing feels like complicity. FATHER GOD, open our eyes to what You would have us do in these troubling times!

From my friend: This is a hard post to write but last night I was in an ICE ambush raid & witnessed the abduction of 5 U.S. citizens. 

This horrific ICE abduction was the most violent assault on human life I have ever seen in my life.

No due process was followed. Not one ICE agent identified themselves. Not one ICE agent asked for names, legal status, or paperwork. These “men” were masked & heavily armed and immediately & viciously assaulted the young Latino men, workers from my local Mexican restaurant. 

They immediately attempted to try to also illegally seize me, a U.S. citizen and legal observer, but by a true miracle I was able to get into my car and lock the door. The ICE agents were ripping at my doors and threatening me and the other peaceful observers with huge guns like AR-15s, handguns, tasers, batons & devices to break car windows. They attempted to box me in with multiple vehicles but I escaped. The other car of men was violently broken into & taken. 

This is NOT the land of the free. Watching firsthand as U.S. citizens are brutally beaten & dragged by a paramilitary group of 8 unidentifiable men is unconscionable. This is not the FREEDOM my husband, my grandpas or my friends fought & continue to fight for. I am appalled and you should be too. This is both unconstitutional AND illegal. If you’re not already, wake up to this reality right now of ALL U.S. citizens, regardless of OUR skin color. 

It could be you next.