Rat Race. No, I’m not referring to the 2001 film starring Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, and Cuba Gooding Jr. I’m referring to that trap many of us fall into. Wikipedia says a rat race is an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit. The phrase equates humans to rats attempting to earn a reward such as cheese, in vain. Don’t get me wrong, this is not entirely bad. After all, our career is how we earn our income and our income is how we provide for our family. Providing for our family is honorable, right? Yes, of course it is. I think we all have a desire to create a better life for those we love that is better than the one we ourselves have experienced. 

The Bible is alive, it does speak to me. As I read it and go through my day, it shapes my thoughts and actions. It challenges me to grow in every part of my life, teaches me how to be a better husband, father, and worker. It teaches me about the character of God, morality, history, how to manage money, and so much more. It reveals my shortcomings and transforms my mind. 

Happy 2025, cortexifans! Join us this week as we discuss the first third of what is essentially a three-part finale! We share our thoughts on the episode and how we retroactively see the episode as mostly a setup.

This month we’re heading to the old west with Mr. Denton on Doomsday and Showdown with Rance McGrew. Both episodes share themes about facing consequences and getting a second chances. One of the episodes hit close to home for us and had some poignant moments, while the other’s comedic efforts landed more for one of us than the other.

Today is Monday Mailbag day and we have contribution from John. Here’s John’s submission.

During the second quarter of a football game last season as the crowd was raucously cheering on the home team, my friend leaned over to me and said, “Can I ask you a question?” “Sure,” I said. “What’s the secret to raising girls?” Of all the questions he could have asked me in that moment, I never would have guessed that would be it.