The modern state of Israel is now 75 years old, created in 1948, about the time I was born. Its antecedents are much older, going back to the 32nd chapter of the…
Category: Editorials
Learning As I Go: Grieving
We always hear the importance of grieving. “Make sure you grieve,” is a common phrase after someone passes. “Give yourself grace and permission to grieve,” is another one. Grief is not an…
Praying to impress God, not people
Jesus addresses people praying as another example of doing religious things to impress people (Matthew 6:5-8). He talks to the crowd about praying in secret (in the closet); praying using meaningful words…
From the Sunny Side: November
I recently saw a social media post from a friend that showed the month of November with all the dates after Thanksgiving circled and labeled, “Christmas season.” It also had the dates…
Passing Parade: Finish the job
Nelson A. Pryor: Guest Columnist On Thursday, Oct. 5, President Joe Biden announced that he was going to “fast-track” 17 miles of new construction of a barrier wall along the border of…
The Game of Life: College Edition Reading the room
Every week, my coach sends out the practice plan, along with the quote of the week. This year, she started sending out questions to answer along with the quote that we turn…
Washing dishes with a cheerful heart
Cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing toilets and mopping floors often feels like an interruption to my schedule. And my attitude while doing these chores often shows, especially when I’m exhausted. One day, in…
National Security: All Saints
Today is All Saints’ Day. Many churches, such as the Episcopal, Catholic, AME. and Methodist, use this occasion to honor the church triumphant in Heaven, with the souls of many saints. This…
Learning As I Go: Losing my other granny
At eighteen, my grandmother left her small town of Glen Rogers, W. Va., with only a small suitcase of essentials, and headed to Washington, D.C. No job. Nowhere to live. Only the…
Motive for charitable giving
In His first illustration of people practicing their righteousness to be seen of men, Jesus talks about giving to the poor (Matthew 6:2-4). He describes both the correct and incorrect motive for…
From the sunny side: Beauty when we needed it the most
To say the world has been in a tough spot over the past couple of weeks would be the “Mother of all Understatements.” To see and hear some of the horror stories…
Passing Parade: A buffet of license plates
Nelson A. Pryor: Guest Columnist In Florida, our Sunshine State automobile license plates can say much about us, our values and those causes we hold dear. Over 10 percent of just more…
Have you been broken by sin?
Do you know someone who reminds you of a broken doll that needs to be returned to the toy factory? So brokenhearted from their mess-ups that their spirits are crushed? Someone so…
National Security: Florida Forestry
The Florida Forestry Association reminded me that this week is Florida Forestry Week, and it would be a good idea to write about the subject, not only because it is important to…
Learning As I Go: Control issues
I had the wonderful privilege of spending last week at Florida Christian Writers Conference, on the beautiful Lake Yale campus. Yearly, I plan for and anticipate this trip and depend on this…
A righteousness to be seen by God
As Jesus makes a topical transition in His sermon on the mount, He now informs His listeners that they are not to “practice [their] righteousness before men to be noticed by them”…
From the sunny side: October’s here
During the hot days of this past summer I often told people to remember that “October’s coming.” This was my way of assuring folks who may have been uncomfortable with the heat…
Passing Parade: Boomers may be last with a Southern drawl
Nelson A. Pryor: Guest Columnist “Bid farewell to the Southern twang.” “Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But Georgians are high-tailing away from that grits-and gravy drawl faster than a scalded dog.”…
The Game of Life: College Edition – Chopping wood
This past weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to come home for the first time since school started. I needed a reset, and being with my family helped tremendously. While at home,…
Are you going through a difficult time?
“Hi, Emma. I’m calling to see how you’re doing.” “I’m doing okay. Thanks for checking.” Her voice was somber but strong. “It’s been tough. My car broke down – again. But the…