Forgiveness

I remember early Sunday mornings in the 1960s watching the musical program  “Gospel Singing Jubilee.”  Today, a jubilee is a celebration or special anniversary. The Biblical origins are more complicated. The year of Jubilee is part of the Old Testament Holiness Code.

Some mysteries written in stone

During the recent celebration of Graham County’s 150th birthday, Mike Ingram mentioned some writing on a rock during one of the history sessions. This seemed to arouse the interest of those present. Mike was referring to some strange writing on a rock atop Hooper Bald.

Living water

I have always been blessed with access to good water – from well water, city water and those times I was able to have spring water. It is hard to put into words the feeling of drinking a cool glass of water when you are thirsty. We are very blessed in most of Appalachia to have excellent water.

What’s your favorite season?

It’s no secret that I am not from Graham County. You can tell that from numerous ways, not the least of which is my accent. Aug. 26 marks the end of my eighth month as a reporter for The Graham Star.

4-H summers, spent in the woods

In 2019, Hoot Gibbs and I began assisting in a program of activities with the Graham County 4-H Club, to get young people outdoors more and off-the-couch, where much time was spent texting on their phones.

You can make a difference

Each summer, the Robbinsville United Methodist Church hosts an intern from the Duke Divinity School. This required program for students is called “Field Education,” and gives the students an opportunity to serve in a church setting for 10 weeks.

Truth is the daughter of time, not authority

While we are often told to “trust the experts,” many tend to view them with skepticism – especially if they are government bureaucrats.  This cynicism toward “experts”/authorities is growing with every generation. Chalk this up to secularization and the resulting devaluing of truth.

Graham County: 150 years ago

Graham County is celebrating its 150 birthday this year. A number of activities are planned for this month, in celebration of this event. The actual date that Graham became a separate county from Cherokee County was Jan. 30, 1872. The county was named for William A.

The ‘Four Alls’

The Protestant Pietism movement of the 18th century crossed the Atlantic and influenced the American religious landscape. Pietism stressed spiritual renewal, searching the scriptures and above all a personal religious experience with Christ. British minister the Rev W.B.

Tales of bicycle days on Atoah

One of the favorite pastimes of us boys growing up on Atoah Creek was riding our bicycles. There weren’t many times that we didn’t have skinned knees or elbows or both from wrecks. We knew about trick riders on motorcycles riding crisscross around each other in close formation.