WSV columnist and limited licensed psychologist Charles Thomas writes, “While there weren’t many silver linings to the pandemic, one good thing that did happen as a result of it was that our culture developed a fresh appreciation of the importance of mental health care. But a large block of Americans has been left behind. This is in spite of the fact that they make up nearly 80% of all suicides, have fewer friendships and social connections than other groups, and are also more likely to binge drink and have substance use disorders than other groups.”
Opinion
“Reclaimin’ Space: The Cost of Closing Eyes” is written by Rock Island, Illinois native Aubrey Barnes, also known as “Aubs.” Barnes performed at the 2022 Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers at the Huss Project, where he will return to perform in July.
Naomi Ludman of Dowagiac argues Michigan should vote to join the National Popular Vote Compact, which would mean all of the state’s electoral votes would be awarded to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote.
Malachi “A+scribe” Carter of The Unapologetics Podcast asks, “How did Critical Race Theory even become a whole problem in the church? Who fired shots first?”
This installment of Reading in Righteousness gives attention to one Christian thought leader who has become the most prominent in White, conservative evangelical spaces concerning the topic of and opposition to Critical Race Theory — Dr. Neil Shenvi. A+scribe reads and scrutinizes his article “Critical Race Theory and Christianity.”
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “If you’re lonely this Valentine’s Day, I think it’s normal and even laudable to yearn for the opportunity to love in this active way and to find the kind of love that is real, harsh, and at times, even dreadful.
“But dreaming of a love perpetually frozen in the moments after a meet cute is likely to bring only sorrow. While that kind of love does exist, it’s as fragile as a soap bubble that immediately pops when hit with the faintest of breezes. When that bubble has burst, we are left with a mess that must be cleaned up. Then it’s time for us to start the harder task of active love. As G.K. Chesterton wrote, ‘to love means loving the unlovable.'”
In this week’s #MomLife column, Steph Hightree discusses her upbringing and how it shaped the person she is today. Being the oldest of six wasn’t easy but she survived, as did her Hanson CD. Well, mostly.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes about the importance of deliberate practice when attempting to develop expertise.
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree laments over her daughter getting older, and what she’s doing to embrace this bittersweet time in a parent’s life.
WSV columnist Charles Thomas recalls the “saddest Christmas” he’s ever had, and how a recent exchange with a Las Vegas taxi driver helped put into focus what Charles and many of us take for granted.
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes, “I love being a mother and a wife. I am happy to take care of my family. But I am also going to learn how to say no more often to allow for some me time.”
Ken Peterson, MAJ USA (Ret.), of Buchanan urges fellow Michigan residents to vote “Yes” on Michigan Proposal 3, Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas imagines what C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” would look like if instead of trying to damn “the patient” to hell, the two demons at the center of the story tried to create the worst mental health in that patient. So if you’re looking to improve your mental health, stop listening to those inner demons, and go for a walk.
Michigan Advance’s Rick Haglund ponders whether state and federal funding for automakers is “a critical public-private partnership needed to save the planet from greenhouse gas-spewing internal combustion engines, and reduce dependence on Chinese-made batteries and computer chips? Or is it corporate welfare gone wild?”
Ken Peterson, MAJ USA (Ret.), of Buchanan urges fellow Michigan residents to vote “Yes” on Proposal 2 (Promote the Vote).
Ken Peterson, MAJ USA (Ret.), of Buchanan gives “kudos to President Biden, Congressional Democrats, and a few Congressional Republicans” for a variety of legislation passed in recent years.
Watershed Voice’s Aundrea Sayrie says while reimagining Ariel is a step in the right direction, she has reservations about the upcoming live action adaption.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “Having now lived for a half century, I remember a time when things were different. I remember when people who disagreed could have vigorous debate about a topic and then walk away still liking the other person. In short, I remember a time when we were all better at empathy.”
Michigan Advance’s Rick Haglund says, “Michigan’s business-centric approach to economic development is lacking.” But how should the state address this apparent issue? Haglund suggests taking “a more local service-based approach.”