The New Aristocrats
For a fascinating and entertaining look at aristocratic life, look no further than the PBS show, Downton Abbey. Set in the early part of the twentieth century when the old European aristocratic life was on the decline, Downton offers a look into how true aristocrats and "noble" families lived. Wa

posted 11:24:14am Feb. 07, 2012 | read full post »

Apologies, equations, and the end of poverty...
Apologies are never easy because they unmask our failings. I am not above recognizing my mistakes--and my organization's mistakes--while trying to help lift people out of poverty. Sometimes our "help" has turned into hurt. Unintentional, perhaps prideful, mistakes have been made. And for those mi

posted 10:32:57am Jan. 30, 2012 | read full post »

What causes change?
Muhammad Yunus--one of the earlier pioneers of microfinance in the developing world--gets right to the heart of the matter in less than two minutes. The current framework is completely broken ... It focuses too much on money... We need businesses that exist to solve human problems... It is peopl

posted 8:52:55am Jan. 27, 2012 | read full post »

Is Africa poor because of aid?
According to Dambisa Moyo, the answer is, "Yes." The Zambian economist who has worked at Goldman Sachs favors a complete cut-off of foreign aid to African nations over a five-year timeframe.  Her primary complaints are that aid has fostered dependence, promoted government corruption, and choked

posted 9:42:14am Jan. 26, 2012 | read full post »

We aren't doing as much good as we think...
For 14 years, I've dealt with situations where people are utterly hopeless due to the desperation of their circumstances. People who need someone to come to their side and lend a helping hand. Today, HopeChest is serving over 11,500 orphans and vulnerable children every day. Our work spans 9 coun

posted 1:55:36pm Jan. 23, 2012 | read full post »