Tennessee designated July 2024 as “a time of prayer and fasting” by enacting Joint Resolution 803. The resolution, entitled “A Resolution to seek God’s hand of mercy healing on Tennessee.” It quoted Founding Fathers and Scripture in appealing for divine intervention and forgiveness to address the challenges. Now, Tennessee House Joint Resolution 51 (HJR51) in the 2025 session calls for a voluntary, annual period of statewide prayer and fasting across

As a small child, my father and I often walked to the country store down the road, for an ice cream treat after supper. Just spending time with my father was so special. He held my hand and we talked about my day’s activities. It was perfect, except for our neighbor’s big black dogs that always came out and barked and sometimes nipped my heels. I would become tense when

My dad is a know-it-all — in history, especially naval and American history; in politics; in random facts spanning from space exploration and “Star Wars” lore to bird calls and poems like “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” I credit my dad with giving me excellent taste in music, from Wagner and Holst to soundtrack composer Basil Poledouris. I also credit him for my excellent taste in movies like “Lawrence

The apartment was emptied and cleaned — an extraordinary accomplishment, given how much three college students crammed into such a small space over the past 18 months. Keys were returned to campus housing, and it was time to part ways. “Is everyone sure they have everything?” Jo asked her two roommates as she prepared to close the door. “Wait,” I said abruptly. “That door closing is a metaphor. Once it

If you’re familiar with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, you know William Maxwell. He’s been the administrative face of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board for more than 30 years. William grew up in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, just east of Athens. For 75 years, his family owned and operated The Oglethorpe Echo, the 151-year-old community newspaper serving the county. William’s father bought the paper after naval service during World War II, and