“He’s fine. Leave him alone.” I couldn’t believe my father’s words. He had just asked my first son, his grandson, to come to him when he was about 3 years old. “No!” Caden said, and then proceeded to kick him in the shin and walk away. I braced for what I knew would happen next. […]
Comic Belief: Good Forgetters
A man looking through the paper saw an ad he couldn’t believe: “For Sale, almost new Jag, loaded, $200.” Thinking it was a misprint, he nevertheless called the number. Sure enough, the almost brand-new Jaguar was loaded and had only 300 miles on it. The woman verified the price and said the first one to […]
President’s Perspective: Furman and the Spirit of Revolution
Richard Furman is arguably the most important figure in early Baptist life in America and unquestionably the most important foundational figure in South Carolina Baptist life. Another well-known contemporary and important leader in his own right, W.B. Johnson, said that when Furman spoke on an issue, “he settled it.” Furman was sought after as a […]
Wholly Healthy: Church Good for Your Health
Our church hasn’t met for about two months now. Many of yours haven’t either. While this has been controversial, I applaud those who have stayed home out of concern for the safety of their brothers and sisters and respect for civil authorities. Pastors and church leaders have undoubtedly struggled with these decisions, but I appreciate […]
Editor’s Word: Independence Day
Mark Twain said, “True patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the nation all the time and loyalty to the government when it deserves it.” Even though America is going through hard times right now, we are blessed to live here. We have our problems, for sure, but we are also, with God’s help, […]
Wholly Healthy: Vegetarian Diets Not Simple Matter
What does it mean to eat a plant-based diet? Many people eat vegetarian or vegan diets and swear by the health benefits. But it isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are many types of vegetarian diets. Some include vegetables and fruit with no dairy or eggs. Some allow eggs but no dairy, and others […]
Outside the Walls: We Are Family
“I’m going to go run.” As my son pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and put his earphones in, there was a sense of anxiety that washed over me. What if others didn’t know who he was? What if someone tried to yell at him to stop, but he couldn’t hear them […]
Comic Belief: Something to Think About
Our thinking often influences how we feel. If it rains on Saturday, the farmers are happy and the golfers are sad. It’s the same rain, but they’re thinking different thoughts about the rain. I first learned the importance of how we think when I was at the mental health clinic (remember, I was on staff, […]
President’s Perspective: S.C. Baptists and the Soul of Christian Education
Southern Baptist higher education is rooted in South Carolina. It found its soul here as well. It began deep in the 18th century — in 1755, when Oliver Hart led the Charleston Baptist Association to take up a collection of 155 pounds, in order to “defray the cost of expenses of needy young men while […]
Editor’s Word: Unusual Times
To say we are living in unusual times is an understatement. COVID-19 has attacked the world, and we are forced to wage an unusual war against an invisible enemy. Some put their trust in science to discover a cure, develop a vaccine, and win the war. But even if scientists find ways to stop or […]