By LORETTA FULTON This Easter was supposed to be different. A year ago, Msgr. Frederick G. Nawarskas or “Father Fred” as he is better known, was so weak he couldn’t make it down the aisle for the third Mass of Easter Sunday at Holy Family Catholic Church. He had undergone a stress test on Good Friday because doctors believed the
Read moreEditor’s Note: The Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action was founded in 2018 at Abilene Christian University. Beginning Monday, April 13, the center will release a weekly prayer guide for communities that are threatened to be disproportionately impacted by the spread of the coronavirus. To get the weekly release, go to https://carlspaincenter.org and click on “Contact Us”
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By LORETTA FULTON Second-semester students in the physician assistant program at Hardin-Simmons University were all set for a mission trip to Peru at the end of April when their plans were abruptly halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. The students were disappointed but quickly regrouped and turned their attention to people in need in Abilene or wherever the students are
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Editor’s Note: Carolyn Newman, a retired public school music educator, provides some much-needed entertainment as we keep our social distance, shelter in place, and wait out the coronavirus pandemic. By CAROLYN NEWMAN My hair’s a little whiter, My jean’s a little tighter So I’m not Little Debbie no more. Expanded in my middle Jalapeno peanut brittle And I just
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON There are a lot of lessons that have come out of the current pandemic facing the world. In many ways, the world was unprepared for what has taken place, and as a result, the lives of thousands face death, and millions of more lives changed. Stores were mobbed with people filled with fear, feeling unprepared for something
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By LORETTA FULTON COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, creating havoc, shutting down schools, churches and some businesses, and leaving everyone wondering when “social distancing” will disappear from our vocabulary. One thing it hasn’t been able to do is stifle creativity. Nowhere is that more evident than in the children’s and youth departments at local churches. Sunday School teachers
Read moreEditor’s Note: Lke other nonprofits, New Beginnings Big Country, a housing ministry for women transitioning from incarceration, is hurting with the COVID-19 shutdown. To donate, go to http://www.newbeginningsbigcountry.com Scroll to bottom of page for “Donate” button A MESSAGE FROM MISSY DENARD During these uncertain times we can be confident in knowing God’s word will not return void. It will accomplish
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By TERRY CAGLE Are you feeling a little thrown for a loop? Today, I’ve already heard COVID-19 compared to a hurricane, a tornado, and a perfect storm. Others feel like sand is shifting beneath their feet. Things are changing rapidly. We are in unpredictable times. Many people are feeling helpless, isolated, and anxious. At the same time, so many are
Read moreBy NANCY PATRICK In 1624, British poet John Donne wrote “Meditation 17” as part of a larger collection of devotional pieces. The theme of the meditation relates to the interconnectedness of humankind. The first part delineates how people—regardless of location, race, social status, or religion—connect to one another as parts of humanity even if the individuals know nothing of the
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Spirit Of Abilene 