By DANNY MINTON Second Lt. Charles “Charlie” Brown and his B-17 crew had just finished a mission bombing several areas in Germany. Their B-17, severely damaged in the skirmish and riddled with bullets tearing the plane apart, amazingly could still fly. There was a dead gunner with injured crew throughout. Their main obstacle was that they would have to cross
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The words “wash and wear” exploded in the 1950’s, thanks to the introduction of treated cotton and synthetics that meant clothing could be worn straight from the washing machine. Ironing board sales plummeted, and housewives singing “Wash Day Blues” gave way to “Happy Days are Here Again.” Never in our dreams–up to and including wildest–did
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS My editor has issued a caution to avoid writing anything that is too political. I will do my best, but note that I am presenting a testimonial here; you do not have to agree with it. It is mine. Two items have come together in my thinking. The first is the great story of Samuel choosing David
Read moreBy LORETTA FULTON Todd Wilson, pastor for worship and music at First Baptist Church, contributed a devotional to a new book, “Rise Up and Praise Him.” The book of daily devotionals was compiled by Phil Barfoot. Wilson’s devotional, “The Question That Everyone Asks,” is posted below. Wilson has been at First Baptist Church since December 2002. He also has served
Read moreMcMurry University News releaseAlaisha Montanez McMurry University is offering a Community Commitment scholarship for new freshmen and transfer students whose families have chosen careers in service. The scholarship will offer a minimum of half tuition for students who fit that category. Students do not have to financially qualify, and additional merit and need-based scholarships may be added. “This meaningful and
Read moreSt. Paul United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time director of student ministries to work with junior high and senior high students. Interested applicants should contact Steve Patterson, St. Paul pastor, atspatterson@stpaulabilene.org.
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By LORETTA FULTON In March 2019, Bishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo conducted Ash Wednesday services at all three of Abilene’s universities–and no one did a double-take. All three universities are affiliated with a denomination, but none has a Catholic connection. The campuses are affiliated with the Church of Christ (Abilene Christian), Baptist (Hardin-Simmons) and United
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Mike Wilson, editor of the Dallas Morning News since 2015, has resigned the position, and the almost six-year tenure probably has seemed much longer. He was charged with what likely is an inevitability, that of converting most delivery of news from “the printed page” to digital transmission. Somehow, he has maintained excellence in both. There’s no
Read moreBy NANCY PATRICK In the midst of COVID restrictions, racial unrest across the country, and national political upheaval, I find my days full of frustration, emotional ups and downs, confusion, and sheer exhaustion. I do realize that many share my symptoms of long-term anxiety, fear, and worry. Some days feel long and useless while others seem filled with unpleasant news
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Spirit Of Abilene 