Category: family
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Reflection on Dante’s Inferno: The Fall of Leaders and the Faithless
Part 4 As we journey deeper into the testimonies of Hell, it is clear that Hell is not just for the so-called “wicked”—those we might consider the most corrupt. No, Hell has many chambers, many circles, and many souls within its grasp. Among the most tragic of these are the leaders—the evangelists, pastors and spiritual…
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Reflections on Dante’s Inferno: Lords and Beasts of the Pit
Part 3 During Dexter’s initial experience of Hell, his journey did not stop at the fiery lake. He descended deeper into the darkness, encountering sights that would chill anyone’s soul. In the midst of his vision, Dexter came face to face with four British lords, clad in Medieval armor, leading a cursed army. These lords—who…
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Reflections on Dante’s Inferno: A Descent Into Darkness
Part 2 In 2018, my husband Dexter nearly lost his life to sepsis, an infection that ravaged his body after he contracted Salmonella poisoning. The nightmare began with what seemed like a simple illness, but soon escalated into something far darker. As Dexter slipped further from this world, something extraordinary happened—he entered Hell. For hours,…
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A Reflection on Dante’s Inferno
Part 1 As I delve into The Inferno by Dante Alighieri this season, it’s not in honor of Halloween but as a reflection on profound spiritual truths. Studying English at Maryville University has greatly deepened my appreciation for ancient and medieval literature, especially works like Dante’s. I love immersing myself in the rich history and…
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Taking a Break and Considering the Ecological Impact After the Hurricane
As I sit by a riverside in South Georgia today, surrounded by nature, I can’t help but reflect on the unseen damage that Hurricane Helene has caused—not just to people, but to the environment as well. While watching videos of people rescuing pets and livestock from roofs that once protected homes, and mothers crying over…
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Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina: A Personal Reflection and Call to Action
The Appalachian Mountains, a region steeped in both beauty and history, has long been a defining force in my life. Western North Carolina, where I was born and where most of my family still lives, is not only a landscape of serene valleys and rolling hills, but also a region prone to the destructive forces…
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Walls: A Biblical Perspective
A picture of my own prayer wall Life is full of walls—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Some walls protect us, while others stand as barriers needing to be torn down. In Scripture, walls can represent God’s protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, or challenges we must overcome, like the walls of Jericho. As a preacher’s wife,…
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A Tribute to Pete Rose: The Legend Lives On
Dave Bristol, Kay Underwood and Pete Rose The world of baseball lost an icon today with the passing of Pete Rose. Affectionately known as “Charlie Hustle,” Rose was more than just a ballplayer—he was a symbol of grit, determination, and the heart of the game. His 24-year career, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, made him…
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Understanding Fanconi Anemia: A Rare Genetic Disorder
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, leading to a host of serious health complications. It’s most commonly inherited and can be passed down if both parents carry a defective gene related to FA. The disease primarily targets the bone marrow, resulting in decreased production…
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Rare to Rare: Caregiving for a Rare as a Rare
Being a caregiver is a challenging role, but when you’re balancing your own chronic illness while caring for a spouse with another rare disease, the challenges intensify. I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder that leads to chronic pain and physical limitations, while my husband, Dexter, has Fanconi Anemia (FA), a…
Country Girl Gone City 