I love history, but for some history can feel like a dusty shelf—distant, sepia-toned, cordoned off from our lives by textbooks and grainy black-and-white photos. But every so often, a story, a date, or a person cracks open time and reminds us just how close history truly is. For me, it’s this: My grandfather, Ferdinand Green McKenzie, was born on May 14, 1873 (yes, 152 years ago today). That’s just eight years and one month after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Let that sit with you for a minute. Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, and died the next morning. The Civil War had ended less than a week earlier. America was torn and traumatized. And in less time than it takes to complete The rest of the story

I have been thinking a great deal about DEI or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I served for several years on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team for New Hanover County Schools. It was enlightening and challenging work that was also incredibly rewarding! However, in today’s world, conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be polarizing. Some, like me, embrace these principles as fundamental to justice and community, while others view them with skepticism, seeing them as politically charged buzzwords. Yet, long before DEI became part of corporate or social frameworks, they were already embedded in the character of God and the mission of the Church. The biblical narrative reveals a God who creates diversity, commands justice, and invites all people into divine love and The rest of the story

Recent studies reveal a significant shift in the spiritual landscape of the United States. While traditional religious affiliation has seen a decline, spirituality remains a vital aspect of many Americans’ lives. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that 86% of U.S. adults believe in the existence of a soul or spirit, 83% believe in God or a universal spirit, and 79% believe in something beyond the natural world. These statistics suggest that while organized religion may be waning, the quest for spiritual meaning persists. The Essence of Spirituality: Love At its core, spirituality is often intertwined with the concept of love—love for oneself, others, and the universe. This love transcends doctrinal boundaries and focuses on genuine connections and compassion. However, there’s a growing sentiment that The rest of the story