Only God Can Make a Nurse
When my mother became violently ill in May of this year, the extraordinary staff and nurses at Wesley Gardens acted quickly. They sent her to the ER staff and nurses at Baptist East who, in turn, sent her to Flowers Hospital in Dothan.Once there, she...
The Road Trip Rebellion
There comes a point every summer when someone says, “We should all take a road trip.” And somehow, no one fakes a medical emergency. On paper, it sounds charming. Load up the van, hit the road, make memories. That is because “on paper” does not...
Never Stop Looking Forward
At 54, I’ve discovered something I didn’t fully appreciate when I was younger: Having something to look forward to matters more than I ever realized. Maybe it’s because life feels different now. My son is approaching 30. My daughter is 25. I have a grandchild...
The Age of Reinvention: Why Retirement is Being Written
For generations, retirement followed a familiar script. Work hard, reach retirement age, collect a pension or Social Security, and enjoy a slower pace of life. Today, that script is changing. Increasingly, adults over 50 are choosing not to retire in the traditional sense. Instead, they...
BOOM! COVER PROFILE: Susan Fisher
In this heartfelt conversation, Susan Fisher reflects on a life shaped by faith, family, service, and intentional presence. From her years in retail leadership and ministry at Frazer Church to the quieter joys of retirement, Susan shares the wisdom she has gained through seasons of...
A Man’s Guide to Menopause: What She Needs to Know
At some point, you may start to notice changes in your wife. Maybe she’s not sleeping well. Maybe she’s more tired than usual, or more easily overwhelmed. You might notice shifts in mood, energy, or even memory, things that don’t quite add up or feel...
Helping Widows and Widowers Move Forward On Their Own
The loss of a spouse can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, especially if it was unexpected. The stress of handling all the legal and financial issues can be overwhelming, even for women or men who are financially savvy.Widows are one of the fastest growing...
Here’s to You, Mr. (Bill) Robinson
Before I introduce you to Mr. Robinson, ponder this number: 2,703. 2,703 would make for a nice take-home paycheck. For purposes of this story, let’s convert the dollars into days. What can happen in that span of time? 2,703 days – roughly 7 years and...
Fall Prevention and Detection
Fall prevention in older adults is a major health priority because falls can lead to serious injuries, reduced independence, and even death. Effective prevention usually involves addressing physical, environmental, and medical risk factors together. Some key risk factors include muscle weakness, poor balance, vision impairment,...
Callaway’s Calling
The story of Callaway Gardens is reminiscent of Bible prophecy. Isaiah 35:1 NIV: The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. According to horticulturist Chris Hall, “Mr. (Cason) Callaway was into conservation. This property was burnt-out cotton and...
The Gift of Presence
This month kept pulling me toward one word: presence. Not the rushed, distracted version we all fall into sometimes. Real presence. The kind that slows down enough to notice people, linger in conversations, show up for family, encourage someone hurting, or simply make room for...
Summer Starts Early Around Here
You can always tell when summer is arriving in Alabama because the fireworks tents start showing up in random parking lots like invasive species. One day it’s an empty lot beside a gas station. The next day there’s a giant red, white, and blue tent...
BOOM! COVER PROFILE: Debby Thomas
For more than four decades, Debby Thomas has quietly built a life rooted in service, faith, and community across Alabama’s River Region. A nurse by profession and a servant at heart, her journey has taken her from Midwestern beginnings to a life deeply woven into...
Greg on The Value of Citizenship: Why It’s More Than Just a Fancy Passport Stamp
In an era where there’s such political polarity, one item has established massive support among all. Voter I.D. The concept enjoys 80-20 support among Dems, Republicans, and Indies. Yet, the current Congress could not bring itself to pass the SAVE Act, requiring proof of citizenship...
Chivalry. In a Teahouse?
When wife Cindy suggests I write about a “teahouse” in Auburn, I’m not too excited. But my deadline is approaching and I don’t have time to plan a truly exciting writing assignment like rappelling from a helicopter into a tropical jungle. How does an outdoorsman...