I gave a bit of detail as I chronicled the travels of this past weekend. As I was driving north the length of the state of Alabama, I reflected as to the catalyst for how all this came together. It was absolutely a BUT, GOD experience that started because of a box of Christmas decorations.On December 5, 2023 a man invited me to breakfast. One of his first questions was, “What is going to be under ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.As our bible study teacher at House of Purpose recently taught, sometimes we need to experience some solitude – some me time. Think of it as an opportunity to separate ourselves from all things and connect and commune with the Father.  Solitude can be a very good and healthy thing for us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Jesus...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Part of what we do through our ministry, My Brothers’ Crossing, is a jail and prison ministry.  We connect with people who are incarcerated at the local, regional or state level.  For the next two columns I submit, I’ll share a writing that I received from one of these men.  His name is Randy.  This week, I’m sharing the first four of...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.We are routinely reminded as we start a new year, it is a time of new beginnings.  We have just experienced another holiday season – a time of thanksgiving, recognition of the birth of Jesus, and a fresh start with a new year.  For many it has been a time of celebration and an opportunity to serve others.  I want to encourage each per...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.My pastor, C.J. Martin of House of Purpose Ministries, will quickly tell you that he is a Psalm 150 preacher.  He believes in praising his Lord and Savior.  In fact, the very first words I ever heard him speak were a part of a praise.  He cried out, “Oh my Jesus!”  It was a poignant moment for everyone who heard it.If you’re not famil...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.My wife and I continue to be invited to speak, preach, and share testimonies at churches and other venues, nearly every week.  It has been a humbling experience.  Lately, the messages have featured my battles with depression and suicidal ideation; and my wife’s steadfast love in walking this journey with me. For thirty years (1979 – 2...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.An aspect of our ministry, My Brothers’ Crossing, is an outreach to those that find themselves incarcerated.  I would estimate that we are ministering to more than two dozen men who are behind bars at local and regional jails and state correctional centers.  I promise you that this is not a place that I ever saw myself as recent as th...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.One of my pastors, Mike Price, the pastor at T.R.A.S.H. Ministry in Collinsville, VA has an expression that he uses to encourage others.  He will say, “I am either up or I am getting up.”  What he is expressing through that simple statement is that He is pressing onward to a higher calling.  He confesses that he is not perfect.  He ac...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.This week, my wife and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary.  I also celebrated the one-year anniversary of having been ordained as a minister at House of Purpose Ministries in Bassett, VA.  This has resulted in the authority and responsibility to minister wedding ceremonies.  I have had the privilege and honor to conduct three s...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Just over two weeks ago, I accepted an invitation from this newspaper’s editor, Mary Kate White, to write this column on a rotating basis.  The way it is scheduled, I will submit a column once every four weeks for inclusion in the Religion Page of the newspaper.  I asked her why she would be interested in me contributing in such a way...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Just over three years ago, I returned to church.  I showed up at a church in Bassett on November 8th, 2015.  Why did I go to that church on that day?  The story is a compelling one, but the very simple answer is, because I was asked.  A transformation has continued within my life that did not exist prior.  Research shows an increase i...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.As I reflected upon what I might write for this week’s column, I was reminded of a story documented in one of the Gospels.  In the account documented by Luke, he tells of a situation involving two disciples who had an encounter with Jesus as they walked on the road to Emmaus.  This encounter took place after Jesus had emerged from the...  Read More