As many who read the posts from A Legacy of Faith know, the annual Freed-Hardeman University Lectureship takes place on the first full week of each February. For years, I have looked forward to that week and its events. In so many ways, this event is a true “spiritual feast.” One of the highlights each year is the opportunity I have to spend time with people who have meant – and continue to mean – a great deal to me. It is good to hear many of them speak, to share ideas with them, and to just enjoy their fellowship. This year, the older gentleman in the picture above will not be there. He…

I am typing these words on January 20, 2017. As I type these words, millions of people are waiting for a new president to take the oath of office and begin a new era in our nation’s history. According to some information I have read, the cost of the inauguration will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 million.  Flags are flying. Bands have been–and will be–playing. “Important” documents will be signed. Millions will witness the events, either in person or by means of some form of mass media. While I love all of the fanfare, excitement, and meaning involved in every inauguration, this date is particularly important to me. Its importance is not due to…

It was one quarter. Just twenty-five cents. However, it seemed to make all the difference in one particular woman’s day. I’m an Aldi’s shopper, and I keep a quarter in a little compartment in my car when I go there so I can quickly get my shopping cart and begin saving all that money on groceries. It was right before the holidays and I was shopping as I usually do about once a week. When I finished loading my groceries in the back of my car I headed back to the store with my shopping cart. I happened to notice a young woman on her way to get a cart, so I asked her…

Almost five years ago, I wrote this post, wherein I talked about an experience I had in trying to help a lady who turned out to be drunk. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, I saw it all on display again. As my dad wrote on Monday, our family was able to enjoy the recent Music City Bowl together. It was a wonderful time with family; a day I will not forget. However, not every detail of the day was a delight. Sitting behind us were some fans of one of the teams (I will not reveal which team, because I am certain there were fans of both teams…

Depression is real, and its effects are not only felt by those who have some type of mental health disorder. According to The Journal of Biological & Medical Rhythm Research, “Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder subset in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter.” Winter can be a very difficult time of the year. The weather is harsh, the sun is rarely seen, and those who are elderly, alone, bereft, handicapped – really just anyone dealing with a difficult circumstance – are likely to be affected by this seasonal…