Meanwhile, Back in 1985: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IV

 

FUTURE BOY: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum
Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry

"Fox's nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the backlot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex's bravado, Marty's flair, and Fox's comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time  -  a slice of entertainment history that's never been told. Featuring new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, this book is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon."

I bought this book using a Target gift card I had been given. Sure, I could have purchased a supply of socks or underwear instead, but where's the joy in that? The Back to the Future trilogy was our first DVD purchase, and attending a 40th Anniversary screening with Curtis and Dustin was a highlight of 2025...how could I not own this book full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes? It's like a several-hour special feature in book form...just my cup of Tab.

First Line: The concept of the space-time continuum was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of gravity and the nature of the universe.

Page 56 / Line 5: I had a work visa, granted because producers were able to make the case that I was special and unique in America: old enough to work the long hours of an adult, but with a look that allowed me to play a much younger character.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: I worked harder on the "Johnny B. Goode" scene than any other portion of the movie.

Last Line: It's a reminder that some of the best parts of our future can come from the past. One more gift from the year 1985.

 

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.