By NANCY PATRICK America, one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in the world, affords its citizens more freedom, education, success, and affluence than most other countries. You might think that would make Americans the happiest people on the earth; ironically, they are not. Examples of our unhappiness and dissatisfaction surround us—among them: stress, debt, family conflict, addiction, violence,
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By NANCY PATRICK Women’s History Month provides a time for everyone to pause and reflect on the value of women in society. Modern women benefit greatly from the dedication, persistence, commitment, and sacrifice of our female predecessors. No longer does the developed world relegate women to the home as wives, mothers, and caregivers. Though many modern women choose to retain
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By LORETTA FULTON During March, which is Women’s History Month, Spirit of Abilene will feature posts from contributors about women of spiritual influence in the Bible, in their personal lives, and from history. Below is a story I wrote for the Abilene Reporter-News for Women’s History Month in 2016. It is about a woman who was a giant in the
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By NANCY PATRICK Living in the Bible Belt of America has many advantages. Christian people who live morally upright lives, support their families, participate in their communities, donate to charities, and exemplify integrity and honor comprise the majority of the community. In spite of the positive aspects of living in a Christian community, some people feel alone and alienated when
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To Be or Not to Be By Nancy Patrick What you know of me— Fragile minutiae, Miniscule iota, Deceptive shard. Evasive splinter of— Who I am Was Have been Can be Might be Would be Could be May be Must be Should be Will be. By NANCY PATRICK In 1962 when I was 12-years-old, Neil Sedaka released his hit
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By NANCY PATRICK My upbringing, though a simple one, taught me about worthwhile values. I confess that I have materialistic moments and desires, but I strive to keep them at a minimum. When I contemplate my New Year’s resolutions, I try to keep them simple, unselfish, and realistic. I consider several categories of behavior for my own life. One area
Read moreNancy Patrick at new home in Illinois, far from home, on Christmas 1974. Nancy and her husband, Mike, had just moved to Illinois for Mike’s first pastorate and they were among strangers for the first time. By NANCY PATRICK Every year by Thanksgiving, our society transforms into a charitable, adoring, nostalgic, and sentimental group of people who seem to
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