Blooms From the Old

by   September 25, 2026 with No Comments

(for Gail who asked how we are)

By Roger Barbee

Several flowering plants form new blooms from the dead wood of a previous season’s cycle. Next to our screened-in porch is one such plant—a dwarf, lime hydrangea which we planted two years ago. Since I have yet to move my stationary bike out to the elements and continue to ride in the dry of the porch, I have been watching this shrub for several weeks and it has, like all plants, taught me a lesson.

Although the browned and dead flowers from last summer are not attractive, Mary Ann prefers to leave them attached to the stems even though they could be snipped off. Thus, as I have been riding each morning, I sort of wished that she had removed the unsightly, spent blooms. However, I now understand that her decision has helped me see the cycle of nature.

The lime hydrangea does what it is designed to do. It grows by feeding from the past cycles of its life. As I look each morning at the brown and dead blooms, I also can see small, green leaves emerging on the stems that hold those dead blooms. Soon those small green leaves will be in full splendor and new, deliciously lime colored blooms will emerge. The old will be gone, and the new celebrated. Soon.

Living under self-quarantine because of the COVID-19 virus, I think of the lime hydrangea and it’s gaining the new from the old. So often in our belief that we, mere humans, are in control because of our 401k’s, our superhighways with fast cars, our 10,000 square foot houses, and more, we lose our way. We lose sight of how frail we really are- think of the TB sanitariums of the 1930’s, and other examples besides this virus which is just beginning for us.

Yet if we accept the fact that we need to come together and “be our brother’s keeper”, we will continue.  Like the simple plant that makes new by using all its parts and history, we need to band, to do what is best for the tribe, not any individual. This is not the time to think individually, but the time to think together. And when we think of the tribe, we each will give up some things or many things. So be it. To bloom again. Gloriously.

What does a Race Director do?

by   September 24, 2026 with No Comments

By David Freeze

What does a race director do and how to be a good one?

  In Rowan County, we have 32 races scheduled for this year and add to that a bunch of middle school and high school cross country races too. All of these must have someone who organizes them and is the final decision maker. I spent the late morning on Wednesday measuring and marking the 5K course for Saturday’s Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run, all held to help fund the South Rowan area Bible teachers. Lynn Furr is one of those good race directors, and she went along to make sure the course was right.

    Race directors have a long list of things to do, in fact SRR shares a couple lists of to- do guidelines. Race planning usually starts 4-5 months ahead of the event. The first things done are to name the race, set a date, secure a course and start finding major sponsors. Hopefully the aspiring race director has plenty of help in the first year, especially when all of these things are new. If the race has been held before, most of these major tasks are ready to go, especially if the race met participant and proceed expectations during the previous year.

     Then comes the second round of tasks which include getting the basic race information out by posting to runsignup.com, the major race registration vehicle currently available. As the second tier of sponsors are secured, they are added on all registration websites and social media. At this point, social media becomes a big place to share what is unique about the event. Shirt colors are chosen, and shirt size amounts are ordered. Awards are ordered and made. A printer for the shirts is secured and will wait for artwork and graphics which are also underway at this time. Race logo and date go on the front, and sponsors on the back, but the shirt is not printed usually until about a week before the race date.

    Then it is time to start on the third tier of to-do’s. Tentative plans then become real with police and fire departments and a slew of volunteers who work the course on race day. At that point, volunteers to work registration, finish line, pick up refreshments and other day of event duties are secured and assigned. Porta johns arrive. Race bibs are prepared the night before, shirts are divided by size and last-minute contacts with police or fire take place, and race day is ready to go.

    On race day, registration starts things rolling early while the course is set up. Participants and volunteers arrive and action ramps up. Good race directors either manage or delegate pre-race activities like the National Anthem and prayer. The race absolutely must start on time after participant instructions. When it does, the scene shifts to the finish line. Runners and then the walkers finish, awards and door prizes are given way. Then breaking down and packing up completes the event.

     A good race director doesn’t do all these things, but he or she makes sure they get done. It is truly a load of work that for most races lasts about four months, building in intensity to race day. In fact, most good race directors celebrate with a good afternoon nap.

     A successful race director is personable and people like working for and with them. This person can handle multiple talks and incoming details that make each day faster until race day is done. They manage time well too and prioritize with the best. And finally, they take the time to improve their practices, often by learning from other races and experienced race directors,

     Speaking of race directors, Tab McAllister manages the Sisters in the Fight 5K and Fun Run, set for 8:45am at Overton Elementary School on September 26th. McAllister says, “All 5K proceeds will directly impact local families in crisis.  Every step you take, and every dollar raised will help us provide food, clothing, household essentials, emergency support, and help supplement the cost of medication for those battling cancer and heart disease. Together, we can ensure that no woman or child faces their vulnerable moments alone.  Every step makes a difference!”

     SRR’s Beginning Runners Class is off to a great start, and participants can still join on Tuesday. Look for these and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: What does a race director do and how to be a good one?

Falling Down Drunk

by   September 23, 2026 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Have you ever been so embarrassed that you wanted to crawl under a table and hide? Like the time when I was a young mother and my skirt fell off at homecoming. We’re talking church gym full of covered dishes and gloriously sanctified saints. This was in the eighties so picture a cute little yellow wrap around number that tied on the side. My darling middle child, who was about five at the time, poked a hole in the bottom of her Styrofoam cup with her pointy little finger. Red punch poured freely onto those nearby while she examined her homemade fountain with wonder. Being a young nimble woman, I jumped into action. Unbeknownst to me the knotted end of my skirt tie was caught in the foldy part of the metal chair where I was perched. In one fell swoop my skirt was left behind as I bounded toward the buffet line for napkins. Praise God for petticoats.

Fast forward to 2019.

We’ve been dealing with a health issue for quite a while. I say “we” because David, my better half for 45 years has journeyed with me through all kinds of treatments. A few weeks ago the pain increased to the point that we decided to consult our family physician. I’ve been through so many tests and “cures” down through the years, that frankly even though I love my new doctor and have the utmost respect for her, I’ve never actually talked with her about this mystery. I decided it was time.

Together we chose a medication that might relieve some of the pain. By the second week in, I could barely toddle without help. Thank the good Lord I haven’t had to be in a hurry to fetch napkins. Annyyywayyy…

At my urging, David took me to a baby shower. Since I really wanted to see our nieces and nephews and all the new babies they’re having, I assured him I’d be fine. We parked close to the door but as he helped me inside, the August heat hit full force. I stumbled and could not tell which way was up. I’ve never been so drunk in all my life. Suddenly I felt very old and feeble. It was even more embarrassing than losing my skirt at church. Later one of my sweet nieces asked if I’d like to hold her baby. I shook my head no then mumbled something about being on drugs. Seems like I laughed quite a bit longer than I should have. Thankfully though, I still had all my clothes on.

When we left, David led me to the car. I stumbled again and hung onto him for dear life. Bless his sweet heart. Like the gentleman he is, he took the drunk girl home. I settled into my recliner and had a good cry. A short while later his sister Gail sent him a text to check on me. Her kindness reminded me of several things.

We all go through embarrassment. Some events are still funny forty years later while others are too fresh to laugh at just yet. AND the people who love us are going to love us no matter what. So since I’m not quite ready to laugh at my current embarrassment, here are two quotes found on Facebook lately that relate.

One: “I can talk an awful lot of smack for someone who tips over when putting on their underwear. Two: “People who are chronically ill are not pretending to be sick. They are pretending to be well.”

By the way, I called a nurse to ask for advice. She was very kind and suggested three things.

One: Stay cool. Two: Move slowly. Three: Call her back if I pass out.

First of all, this is the August from Sheol if I’m not mistaken. Second, I can’t move any slower. I’m already in sloth mode. Third, if I pass out, surely someone else will call 911.

Update:

One month later it’s still hot. But thankfully I was weaned off the extra meds and got the bulk of my balance back. So if you were one of the many people who gave me grace during the questionable times, I love you. And someday if you find yourself staggering, I promise to give you the benefit of the doubt.

It’s just no fun falling down drunk without a party.

September Sniffles

by   September 20, 2026 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

While my family eagerly awaits the cooler temperatures of fall and a slew of birthdays within several weeks of each other, one menacing bully lurking around the third week of September makes them shudder. Each year, this culprit subtly claims his territory, often shifting the blame to a fairly innocent bystander – ragweed, often confused with goldenrod.

Unlike the carpet of spring pollen, ragweed takes a more subtle approach, yet hits with intensity as it floats through the air and wrecks those it encounters. Naively, many leave windows open to welcome crisp morning breezes, and that is precisely when ragweed strikes. Symptoms pop up overnight without warning, but we know the pollen must have been waiting in the wings because it suddenly affects us.

I recently had conversations with young adults, asking them about spirituality and their beliefs about things beyond what they can see. As staunch materialists, they cannot fathom believing in something they cannot feel and measure. It could be easy to judge people with those beliefs, but I could also look at myself and wonder how often I don’t believe God is at work in my life or in the world when His work is not immediately visible to me.

Because I keep track of the supplements and medications we have needed from year to year, I try to prepare my family by having supplements and other care items on hand ahead of time. I encourage them to take specific supplements to get ahead of the issue. Some listen, and others take a little more risk. It is important to care for ourselves now, before the things we anticipate arrive.

The same is true of our spiritual lives. How many times do we wait until we are spiritually depleted before we call out to God? We often do not think to ask God for wisdom until we are overwhelmed by decisions. Do we wait until we are hurting and needy before we open a Bible or attend church? Do we see the gifts of prayer, scripture, and church as only for emergencies and when our life is falling apart? It does not have to be, nor should it be that way.

Despite our best efforts to keep doors and windows closed, change our clothes (sometimes multiple times) throughout the day, or shower at the end of the day, we cannot fully control or prevent the impact of the tiny pollen that invades our air. We still have to live our lives. We want to enjoy the fire pit in the backyard, outdoor playdates with friends, and jumping in piles of leaves. We just have to be smart about it.

The same is true of the environment and culture that surrounds us. Although many messages are loud and obvious enough to avoid, others subtly creep in to distract us and bring fear, unwanted opinions, damaging messages, and values inconsistent with ours. If we are not careful, we end up breathing in these seemingly insignificant influences which can eventually take over our lives. While we still cannot control the environment or even isolate ourselves from it, we can insulate ourselves against it.

Allergy season is upon us, whether you anticipated it like my family or whether it seems like an annual surprise. We know it is here by what we experience and how it affects us. We can prepare ahead of time if we take the time to notice the effects of subtle messages trying to invade our spirits. We do not have to be caught by surprise or poorly prepared. We can still live and move in the world without being overtaken by it, but we have to abide in the truth of Scripture, prayer, and godly fellowship. How are you preparing now for what lies ahead in your life?

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