Author Archives: Don Watkins

About Don Watkins

I'm a FOSS advocate, writer, educator, Python coder, Linux user, US Navy Veteran, Secular Franciscan, husband,father and grandfather. I blog about my life and experiences that give it meaning.

Wrong man for the job

Posted on September 23, 2020

Rage by Bob Woodward My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is a page turner. Woodward does a great job of reporting on the Trump presidency with extensive interviews with the principals in the story. It’s one of the best … Continue reading →

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Radical Equality

Posted on September 20, 2020

Today’s Gospel in Catholic churches everywhere is drawn from the Matthew 20: 1-16. It’s a familiar parable of the landowner who is hiring people to work in his vineyard. You’ve heard it many times I’m sure. The landowner goes out … Continue reading →

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Call to conversion

Posted on September 4, 2020

Waging Peace: One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First by Diana Oestreich I’ve read so many good books this summer that i didn’t think it was possible to read one more. This invitation to read this book from a class … Continue reading →

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Those who have eyes to see

Posted on August 28, 2020

I’ve come to believe that white supremacy is so embedded in Eurocentric American Christianity that most folks can’t believe that Jesus and the early church were not white. That they were in fact brown and/or black. Look at the statues … Continue reading →

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The Epic Journey of Malcolm X

Posted on August 22, 2020

“Again, the actor Ossie Davis stood. His deep voice delivered the eulogy to Malcolm X which was going to cause Davis subsequently to be hailed more than ever among Negroes in Harlem: “Here—at this final hour, in this quiet place, … Continue reading →

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Welcome Fiona

Posted on August 11, 2020

A couple of years ago while I was visiting Assisi the leader of our pilgrimage invited us to pray a special prayer request in the Basillica of St. Clare in front of the cross of San Damiano. This is the … Continue reading →

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You cannot out give God

Posted on August 5, 2020

Many years ago a pastor friend of mine delivered a sermon titled, “You can’t out give God.” I never forgot it and it’s animated my life ever since. There are many scriptural references around the theme of giving but this … Continue reading →

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The Executive Officer Wants to See You

Posted on July 26, 2020

I had been at work a few hours taking care of the neonates in the newborn nursery at the Dispensary of Naval Air Station Albany GA. I was working the afternoon shift and as I recall I was getting ready … Continue reading →

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The paradox of the cross and American Christianity

Posted on July 23, 2020

James Cone’s powerful book, ‘The Cross and the Lynching Tree’ is the reason I’m in this course. I don’t remember who recommended it to me earlier this spring but reading became a metanoia for me. It is the reason that … Continue reading →

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I surrender

Posted on July 19, 2020

Surrender, White People!: Our Unconditional Terms for Peace by D.L. Hughley My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is one of the best books I’ve read on the history of racism in America. Much of the factual data presented in … Continue reading →

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