Categories
webcomic

See how easily you can spot an unfair rule

Cartoon of a cat executive and a dog employee
© 2013 Kevin Spear

Cartoon of a cat executive and a dog employee. The cat says, “We have a ‘No Panting Policy’ around here.”

I thought of this idea several years ago when my kids were watching the movie, Cats and Dogs. It’s about dog spies and an evil genius cat that is planning to take over the world.

I thought of what would the world look like if cats were in charge and dogs had to bow to the felines’ whims. Then I wondered how many rules and laws are skewed towards the majority culture and we don’t even realize it.

Is it easy to spot those rules? I’m not so sure it is. What seems perfectly normal to one culture could look like oppression to another. It’s mighty hard to abide by The Golden Rule when you don’t ask the other party how they want to be treated.

So how do you spot an unfair rule?

  • Seek the input of all parties involved
  • Listen without being defensive. Besides, is that rule really worth defending?
  • Ask whether an old rule still makes sense
  • Ask why the rule was instituted in the first place
Categories
church cartoons

How to Show Appreciation to Your Pastor

Cartoon of a boy wanting show appreciation to his pastor

 

Cartoon of a boy speaking to his pastor. He says, “I want to show I appreciate you, Pastor. How about I give you a ride on my scooter?”

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. When I thought of this cartoon, I thought of the various ways people may try to show appreciation that is a little self-focused. Then again, maybe the pastor needs a scooter ride!

I drew this cartoon for the CHOGnews – October, 2013 newsletter.

Categories
sketch journal

How to have a happy career

Sketch of two guys. One has a wizard's hat

 

Sketch of two men. One has a wizard’s hat on. He says, “I’m going to stay into farming until the magic is gone.”

That’s good advice no matter what career you’re in. Whether it’s farming, banking, construction or widget making, keep the magic in whatever you do.

We can work to keep the magic in our career, especially if it’s something you had a passion for before. If we’re always learning, always finding a way to do something different and better in our career, the magic will still be there.

Our society is making it easy to keep the magic in our careers because we must change if we are going to stay in our industry. Technology and globalization requires it!

So what are you doing today to keep the magic in whatever you do?

Categories
webcomic

Why it is so hard to face our fears cartoon

cartoon of a girl and a monster. The monster is eating someone

Cartoon of a girl and a monster. The monster is eating someone. The girl says, “You see, Roger? This is why I don’t like facing my fears!”

Fears, whether real or imagined can stop us in our tracks. We adults forget that children’s fears are just as real and debilitating to them as any adult-sized fears. They can consume anyone (and either our friends). What do you do?

  • Acknowledge you have the fear. It does no good to pretend a fear isn’t there when it is affecting us. Denying the fear monster doesn’t make it go away.
  • Realize courage doesn’t come from the absence of fear. Many a person has broken through a fear because they chose to be courageous in the midst of their fear.
  • Talk about it with a trusted friend, teacher or pastor. You may be surprised to learn you are not the only one facing that same fear. And acknowledging a phobia or anxiety with someone else breaks the power of the fear monster
Categories
webcomic

Can an old dog, or a new kid change?

20131007-080209.jpg

Kids can be just as stubborn as older adults when it comes to change. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, change can be difficult!

Too often, adults know a change is coming, but figure kids will be able to deal with it because they are young. The truth is, every individual involved in a change needs to be informed and listened to, whether it’s the youngest or oldest member of a group.

So if a change is coming and it affects children, remember to be considerate of them and keep them informed in an age appropriate way. They have more in common with old dogs when it comes to teaching new tricks.