On this episode of Our American Stories Thomas Jefferson stood at the center of the American founding writing the Declaration of Independence and later serving as the third president of the United States He believed deeply in liberty and in the promise of the country but his life was marked by contradictions that continue to shape how he is remembered including the fact that he never freed his slaves despite his lofty ideals about freedom In this talk at the Library of Congress acclaimed historian and bestselling author of Thomas Jefferson The Art of Power Jon Meacham explores Jefferson as [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

Jesus saw a lonely man waiting by a pool for 38 years, and he asked him, 'Would you like to get well?' The man replied, 'I have no one to put me in the pool.' Jesus told him to stand up, pick up his mat, and walk. This story illustrates the importance of making a break with the past and following Jesus. Many people feel lonely and disconnected, but Jesus offers a way to overcome loneliness and find purpose through faith and discipleship. [... more]

Jesse Owens, a black American athlete, and Luz Long, a German long jumper, formed an unlikely friendship during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, despite the racist views of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. Long's advice and support helped Owens overcome his anxiety and win the gold medal in the long jump. Their friendship was a powerful symbol of human connection and equality, and it continues to inspire people to this day. [... more]

General Lafayette's triumphant return to the United States after 40 years away sparked a grand celebration of the past, national reconciliation, and a reaffirmation of the country's values and rights. The event was a testament to the enduring legacy of the American Revolution and its impact on the nation's history and identity. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's ownership of slaves in a country built on Christian principles raises questions about the gulf between ideals and practices. His famous line in the Declaration of Independence, 'all men are created equal,' was an aspiration, but not yet a reality on the ground. Jefferson's views on slavery reflect the tension between ideational and sensei cultures, and his inability to reconcile his ideals with the practical concerns of his time. [... more]

Navigating financial decisions in blended families requires intentional effort and a clear plan. Couples can use a Togetherness Agreement to promote peace and unity in their marriage by addressing emotionally charged issues and creating a roadmap for their financial future. This agreement can provide clarity on financial decisions, including how to manage debt, investments, and assets, and can help couples make decisions that align with their values and faith. [... more]

Understanding the three-legged stool of retirement income, Americans rely on Social Security, employer-sponsored plans, and personal savings, with individual retirement accounts playing a crucial role. Mark Biller breaks down the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, discussing tax implications, contribution limits, and eligibility. He also shares practical advice on setting up business finances, including separating personal and business accounts, choosing a simple accounting system, and treating taxes as a bill to be paid. [... more]

Hegel's philosophy, known as dialectical idealism, views history as the unfolding of the absolute spirit, where God is not distinct from his creation, but rather, history is God in the sense that it is the dynamic of God working himself out in time and space. This approach sees history as a process of development, where God is in process, and the development of God is history. The dialectical method involves a tension between seemingly disparate ideas, which are capable of being resolved through experience and the whole experience of human history. [... more]

Many older adults feel financially locked in their homes, which were never designed for aging bodies. A reverse mortgage can help them move into safer, healthier homes without taking on new monthly payments. Financial experts discuss the importance of prevention and planning for housing decisions later in life, and offer guidance on budgeting, debt management, and building an emergency fund. [... more]

Trusting God for daily bread is a concept that takes us back to Israel's journey through the wilderness, where God fed his people with manna each morning, enough for the day, no more, no less. This idea is not about passivity, but about dependence on God, and it's a rhythm that Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread, not burdening ourselves with the need to control tomorrow. In a world of economic anxiety, where budgets are tight and the future feels uncertain, this concept is more relevant than ever, inviting us to rest in real care, and to rely on God for provision, not just for our financial needs, but for his kingdom. [... more]

A God-centered young man, Joseph, is placed in a position of usefulness by Pharaoh, where he demonstrates wisdom, leadership, and faith, showing that every act of service is notable to God, regardless of its visibility or prominence. [... more]

President Calvin Coolidge's defense of the Declaration of Independence on America's 150th birthday highlights the importance of its principles, including equality, liberty, and popular sovereignty, which are essential to the nation's enduring success. [... more]

The history of facial hair is a centuries-long cycle of changing ideals of masculinity, influenced by cultural and societal norms. From ancient civilizations to modern times, beards have been associated with cleanliness, holiness, strength, and individualism, reflecting the balance between cultural discipline and conformity to authority and the norm. [... more]

The story of America's founding is marked by the Puritans' attempt to establish a utopian society in the wilderness, where they sought to practice their own religion without interference. However, individuals like Ann Hutchinson and Roger Williams challenged the orthodoxy of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, advocating for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Meanwhile, other colonies like Pennsylvania and Georgia were founded on different principles, such as the Quakers' rejection of formal services and the British humanitarians' goal of creating a colony for debtors. Despite the failure of these utopian experiments, they contributed to the development of the American character, which is characterized by adaptability, idealism, and a commitment to self-rule. [... more]

Choosing contentment is a daily path that comes from a surrendered heart, cultivated through walking with Christ. It's not found in having everything, but in knowing the one who is everything. A biblical approach to financial decisions and stewardship can help individuals navigate their finances and make wise investment choices, especially in retirement. Additionally, seeking help with debt and credit counseling can provide freedom and peace of mind. [... more]

Exploring the intersection of faith and culture, the hosts discuss the changing landscape of sports and faith, the importance of marriage and family, and the challenges facing young men in finding purpose. They also delve into the history of the American Revolution and the ideals that shaped the nation, as well as the impact of feminism on women's understanding of sin and identity. [... more]

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, grew up in a family of patriots and was deeply influenced by his father's values of service and courage. He traveled extensively throughout Europe as a young man, learning multiple languages and developing a deep understanding of politics and diplomacy. Adams went on to become a skilled diplomat and politician, serving as Secretary of State and eventually president. However, his presidency was marked by controversy and failure, and he was eventually recalled from office. Undeterred, Adams returned to Congress, where he became a leading voice against slavery, introducing petitions and arguing cases before the Supreme Court. His most notable victory came in the Amistad case, where he successfully argued for the freedom of enslaved Africans on a ship that had been seized by the US Navy. Adams' unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him a hero of the anti-slavery movement and a lasting figure in American history. [... more]

Jesse Owens, a United States Olympic legend, faced racism and adversity at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but found an unlikely friend in Luz Long, a German long jumper who shared his humanity and helped him overcome his struggles. [... more]

The city of Bethlehem holds significant importance in the story of Jesus' birth, being the place where the Virgin Mother gave birth to the infant Son of God. Historically, Bethlehem was prepared for the birth of Christ through the stories of Rachel, David, and Ruth, who all played a crucial role in the lineage of Jesus. Symbolically, the city's name 'Bethlehem' means 'house of bread,' and 'Ephrata' means 'fruitfulness,' foreshadowing the birth of Jesus as the bread of life. The city was also prepared prophetically, with Micah's prophecy in 722 BC predicting the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, a prediction that was fulfilled 600 years later. [... more]