By Jim Nichols In many ways Adam and Eve were typical humans. They seemed not to know what was going on and asked, either verbally or mentally, “Why?” Or “Why not?” The pattern was set for us. As wonderful as children are and as much as we appreciate their curiosity and quick learning, as soon as they learn to talk,
Read moreBy Danny Minton I remember a story that I had heard several years ago about a young woman who came to her mother to share some challenges she was having in life. Her mother listened briefly, then said, “Let me show you something.” The two entered the kitchen, where her mother took three pots of water and set them on
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Afterglows are wonderful, but are waning of late. Many folks forfeit times of warm reflection, too busy in endless pursuits of whatever comes next. Oh, afterglows are still around for important life events such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, promotions, holidays and such, but not like in yesteryear, when few roses went unsmelled. Uncle Mort and
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Pre-launch Party What: Pre-launch of Elayne Palmer’s new children’s book, Jameel’s PlanWhen: 5:30 p.m. July 25Where: Seven and One Books, 1138 N. 2nd StreetWho’s invited: EveryoneBook prices: $12.99 soft cover; $22.99 hardback By Loretta Fulton “I know,” Jameel whispered. “But I have a plan.” Those intriguing words are found on page 15 of Elayne Palmer’s new children’s book, Jameel’s Plan.
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By Loretta Fulton When Felicia Hopkins arrived in Abilene in the summer of 2013, she immediately made history. She was the first woman senior pastor at historic St. Paul United Methodist Church and its first Black pastor. But soon she was just “Felicia,” with no historical references attached. A committee at St. Paul selected her from a blind resume because
Read moreBy Mark Waters In a June 17, 2024 Washington Post opinion piece, Shadi Hamid provided a helpful perspective on changes in evangelicalism resulting from its current entanglement with politics. My further claim is that this phenomenon signals a possible change in the concept of religion itself. Hamid noted a Cooperative Election Study disclosing that 14 percent of Muslims, 12 percent
Read moreBy Danny Minton “The New Colossus”Not like the brazen giant of Greek fameWith conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,“Keep, ancient lands, your
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By Jim Nichols The first two weeks of July were part of my boyhood rhythm. More correctly, they were part of my family’s annual rhythm. Those were the weeks when Procter and Gamble (my father’s employer) shut down the plant. Only maintenance workers remained; everyone else was on vacation. My parents planned family trips for us and, since Kansas City
Read moreBy Marianne Wood Maitland: What will you do now? Miss Madrigal: Continue to explore the astonishment of living. Sometimes, a bit of a line in a movie–especially one for which you had low expectations–grabs you surprisingly. It inspires you to be a better person or moves you because it connects with a sore place in your heart. I’ll bet that’s
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Spirit Of Abilene 