By NANCY PATRICK In the old Forest Gump movie, Forest tells people that his Mama always said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” I wonder how much truth that statement contains. Some of its veracity depends on whether or not the chocolate box has labels in the lid. Some boxes say simply
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury The season of spring–God bless it–wears many faces. It has inspired poets to greatness, encouraged the downhearted, confounded meteorologists and induced weeping by throngs of spouses who don’t care for yard work. I am one of those, ashamed that I’m far south of my wife’s expectations, rarely carrying “my part of the mulch.”
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON When I closed my eyes last night, I did not worry about whether I would wake up this morning or not. That was not my choice. If I didn’t, I knew I would live with my Lord. If not, he has more plans for me ahead. I am not worried about getting the flu, Coronavirus, cancer, or
Read moreHARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY News Release Jacob Brandt, director of university marketing Feb. 28, 2020 The Board of Trustees of Hardin-Simmons University recognizes we are at a critical juncture in our institution’s 129-year history. We are charged with the fiduciary responsibility of preserving the future of this great institution, and we remain committed to that responsibility by making difficult decisions to ensure
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS What would your decision be should you be asked to participate or support some action with which you disagree? Not just a mild disagreement, but a serious, considered disagreement for which there seemed to be no second alternative. The term “conscientious objector” is most often connected to military service. There is a long and worldwide history of
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By DARRYL TIPPENS There is the legend of the old Scottish True Believer who fervently prayed: “O Lord, I pray that I am right about everything, for Thou knowest I never change my mind.” While I’ve never prayed this prayer, I understand the sentiment of it. I was raised in a family which fostered self-confidence. My five siblings and I
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By The Rev. LESLIE DUNLAP On Ash Wednesday, Grace Lutheran Church will once again be offering “Drive-through Ashes,” a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition. I will be located on the sidewalk in front of the church at 1202 S. Pioneer Drive from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. You can pull up and
Read moreBy LESLIE STRADER Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor was once asked to describe the greatest paradigm shift she encountered during her rise to the Supreme Court. She responded by saying, “The existence of evil. I didn’t want to believe anybody could be purely evil, but I know now they can. Evil exists.” British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge once said, “The depravity
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS St. Francis of Assisi suggested that, when attempting to be God’s people to others, we should start with human suffering rather than human sinfulness. Have you ever made a hospital visit to a friend or relative and encountered a law enforcement officer sitting in a chair outside some room on the floor? Though not a common sight
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Spirit Of Abilene 