Their actions spoke loud and clear that they were in love. They each wore a matching oversized sweatshirt that read in extra bold letters, “Engaged AF”. Without thinking I naively said, “Oh you’re engaged and in the Air Force! How cool is that?” From the response of hilarious laughter that came from the younger group around me, I knew once again that I’d fallen headlong into a cultural communication gap. In this case it was more like a chasm.

My grandfather, Andrew Jackson Briggs, was very fond of three things; his grandchildren, his railroad pocket watch, and his hat. As funny as it may seem, there were times when the lines between the three were a little blurred.

Papaw's life with his hat displayed multiple lessons of human posture to me. His hat was his trademark. Just as sure as his belly was pudgy, his khakis creased, and his head bald, his hat was with him at all times. He would tip his hat to ladies. He held his hat in his hand at the bank or church.

Surprise! Nowhere on the package did it read, “From God to Humanity.” Actually, the writings for the tiny bundle preceded it by hundreds of years. It read, “unto us.” Meaning, unto humanity, a child is born. A son is given. Yet, in so many ways, this messianic gift arrived unmarked!

Have you ever had seasons in your life that were particularly challenging or stressful? Have there been times where you wanted something to end, or maybe something to begin? Have you ever wanted to change your now to then? 

Help for holiday depression

Regrets come less than an hour after overindulging in the otherwise regal Holiday turkey. At the time of consumption, the cuisine is delicious! But shortly, you feel as if someone has jerked the proverbial rug out from under you! You not only hurt physically, but you feel fatigued, and suddenly, your brain doesn't function properly. You feel lethargic, and your mood goes into a tailspin.

By definition, a conversation is an exchange of sentiments, opinions, or ideas between two people. Most Christians get it half right! They know how to talk to God but never have learned to listen. How audacious is that? The species with all the questions have been allowed to engage in conversation with someone who has all knowledge.