Ben Franklin's Moral Algebra

Every Sunday, for years, a “Sandals and a Stick” article was published. I was pleased with that record. To me, it reinforced the chosen path for the analysis and discovery of who I am as a person with a gauge for tracking my spiritual progress – or lack thereof. A year ago, 30-Second Sermons and Seasonings videos were added to the workload, along with high hopes and forward-looking excitement.

But if you’ve read the main webpage in recent times, you’ll notice things have changed. Mentioned here were moments of clarity and hope. There were also times when the ‘agony of defeat’ ruled the day. “Sandals and a Stick” was waffling.

I wavered. I lost focus. I couldn’t continue on the same wavelength as before because, well, everything changed this year. “Sandals and a Stick” was designed to focus on situations used to clarify what living a ‘Godly life’ might look like. The concept encouraged me to evaluate whether I was meeting this challenge, while opening my thoughts to others who might also appreciate a bit of self-reflection. 

Choosing moments for consideration has been clouded by current events. The desire to keep politics out of the weekly submissions created a paralysis. A previously normalized direction of genre seemed no longer relevant, and ‘spinning out of control’ would only be one description for this confusion. 

The number of posts dwindled. Since a typical year would target 52 articles, I see today that 2025 shows less than half of that number. The only answer? Gradual withdrawal towards a complete surrender. Well, maybe not completely. Yet.

A cure for this malady might shout, “Take a deep breath. Figure out a new direction and then move forward – again!” 

One did say that. 

One said that several times. 

One is saying that again today in the throes of succumbing to a death of acceptance.

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Lord of the Rings 

Where did that come from? I guess I remember that quote from the movie. But maybe, I am remembering my own words from “In My Time”, published in August 2022 

“Bolts of lightning rarely change the world, but erosion does. Streams turn into rivers, and rivers persist.” Seth Godin. 

These are but two examples of the barrage of ‘hints” (for lack of a better term) that have seemingly been pointed at me everywhere I turn lately.

So, there must still be a spark of promise. 

It’s born of witnessing the hope, dedication, and nose-to-the-grindstone determination of others. (There are many of you on this list. You have shared hopefulness and enthusiasm through your words, actions, and attitude. You do not know the impact you are having on me. I am so very grateful!) 

A new Sandals and a Stick commitment is needed - once again. Perhaps it is even time to adjust the old policy as well.

The main theme of this season is, of course, Christmas. The traditional songs of the season are being played everywhere. Joy fills the air – or at least it’s supposed to. 

And while we’re being joyful (which would be a normal topic to write about), we’re also seeing people snatched from their homes, jobs, and even the streets. But that’s part of the political taboo. It is also today’s reality. The crux of my waffling is Shakespearean in nature: “To be or not to be” is not only to live in suffering or die, but the translation might also be a worthwhile code for living. (My opinion.) 

• Confronting Injustice: To be ignored or be activated?
• Welcoming the Stranger: To be dismissed or be invitational?
• Protect the vulnerable, the marginalized, the targets of hate: To be silent or vocal?

Maybe the answer to these statements/questions will be discovered with some decision-making analysis. Enter our friend, Ben Franklin’s Moral Algebra. Let’s see how that pans out.

Full Disclosure

Although a true Moral Algebra chart includes weighted numbers showing values of importance, I just could not assign them. Only a few moments were spent on this chart, and the results are perhaps more emotional than not. As I started adding comments to the columns, I came to an early conclusion that an adjustment to policy is the only path forward. 

New Commitment

The first goal for 2026 is to get back to an article every week. Without judgments and without finger-pointing, these publications will include serious thoughts about this world, leaving you to ponder and reflect on your viewpoints as well. Personal bias will be clear, however. The reason for Sandals and a Stick is still personal. Growing in my relationship with God needs to rule my everyday life. I can’t do that without self-reflection, and these articles help me to do that. I hope they will help you too.

A secondary goal includes the continuation of new 30-second videos. I have a great deal of fun creating these. One of the benefits for you is that, rather than reading articles like this, our interactions take less than a minute. I wish I could tell you how difficult that is for a wordy writer like me!

The content will often include scripture. That fits with the reason for Sandals and a Stick. However, much of the content will not include biblical references. We all live in this world with various viewpoints. I believe that most of us want to live good lives. Sometimes a Bible comes into play; sometimes it does not. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water, as they say. 

Lastly, I think the Sandals and a Stick home page will be condensed and will point people to this article for a more complete explanation of what this company is hoping to do.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year with all the gratitude and hope for you and yours that I can muster,

m