Mind on Tuscaloosa
April 27, 2011 is a date that will not soon be forgotten here in Alabama.
The most devastating series of storms in the history of the state.
In all, there were nearly 350 deaths across the southeast from the outbreak.
Close to 250 of those were in Alabama alone.
There isn’t a single person I know who wasn’t either directly affected, or close to someone that was.
As we look back on that day, what can we salvage from the rubble that still remains in so many towns across the region?
Where is the hope is such destruction?
Back in the Saddle
I’ve often heard that once you’ve done something, you’ll always be able to do it.
“Just like riding a bicycle,” or so the saying goes.
I really hope this is the case.
In a new town, at a new church, with a new pastor, I’m getting back into leading a student ministry.
From the ground up, with endless possibilities.
How did this come about, seemingly out of the blue, you ask?
Well, pretty much exactly like that.
Out of the blue.
Nothing Movielike
It has been quite an eventful few months.
I could apologize for having not written in a while…but, I’m not sorry.
It has been really nice for the people that are in my life to be the only ones in my life.
Yes, I know, I tweet a lot…but there is only so deep you can really go in 140 characters or less.
Granted, I did love the recognition and title of “blogger” that I once proudly carried.
But I am so much more than just that…I think…but for a while, that was fading into the background for me.
One Word.
What a year for a new year, right?
So much happened in 2010, that it really seems unreal to look back on.
I had the opportunity to spend a weekend working side by side with one of my favorite authors.
I had an incredible two-month romance that ended in a flurry of self realizations.
I had the difficult honor of speaking at my grandmother’s funeral.
I climbed a mountain. Almost.
So, what is to come of 2011? What are my resolutions?
I don’t have any.
I’ve decided that this year, I’m joining the OneWord2011 community.
No resolution.
No promises.
Just ONE word to define my year.
Identity.
I haven’t had much to say lately.
So, I’ve let the weeds grow up around this space on the web.
Cobwebs are hanging.
Windows are busted.
A good dusting could be in order.
Like any other haunted house at the beginning of November.
It’s not that I haven’t wanted to write more.
I have.
But for some reason, words don’t seem to come as easily as a few months ago. Read more…
