Duel Citizenship

by   September 11, 2026 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

David McCullough’s The American Spirit is a timely read. A 2017 collection of fifteen of his speeches covering several years and settings, it is timely because its sub-title, Who We Are and What We Stand For is a reminder that 2022 is a good time to re-examine our character.

The selected speeches scan from 1989 to 2016 and were delivered at the White House and the United States Capitol and Monticello and other such settings, but, as fitting for a scholar like McCullough, most were shared at colleges and universities. As expected, each speech gave some history of the occasion, information about some of the people behind the occasion, and as he writes in the introduction, he always came away from each speaking date “with my outlook greatly restored, having seen, again and again, long-standing American values still firmly in place, good people involved in joint efforts to accomplish changes for the better, the American spirit still at work.” But, best of all, he gives a lesson or lessons in each speech.

 At Hillsdale College in 2005, for instance, he quotes Daniel Boorstin, Barbara Tuchman, E.M. Forster,  John and Abigail Adams, and speaks of such Signers as Benjamin Rush. Not surprisingly, all of his words are spoken from his love and appreciation of our history, which he implores us to learn. He shares how his friend Daniel Boorstin thought that “trying to plan for the future without a sense of the past is like trying to plant cut flowers”,  and he cautions us that, “Citizenship isn’t just voting.” And he shows us how to be more than just voting citizens.

“Read. Read, read!” A command from a fellow citizen who knows the necessity of being informed.

Now, I am sure that when McCullough delivered these speeches he was thinking of our secular citizenship and the debt we owe our country. He is correct that a good citizen does more than vote in every election cycle. A good citizen reads and studies and thinks of history and the events and people who came before. And a good citizen understands that those folks were like us-fallible humans.

But McCullough’s words are applicable to another citizenship role in many of our lives—the role of citizenship in Christ. Just as we are told to read our secular history, we need to read and study not only the Bible but other sources concerning Christianity.  Read the histories of Jesus’ world and better understand the forces He encountered. Read modern day Christian writers such as Clarence Jordan, Howard Thurman, C.S. Lewis, Samuel Wells, A.W. Tozer, or any number of the good writers available. Their words are reminders of how a Christian life should be lived, and when attending Sunday service do not act and think like the secular voter McCullough warns us against who believes that showing up is all that is required.

McCullough tells us that being a citizen requires more than voting just as Jesus tells us that being a Christ Follower requires more than sitting in a pew on Sunday.  Both citizenships require action: Acts of study, thought, and deeds. Anything short is false.

Fall Beginning Runner’s Class

by   September 10, 2026 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Fall Beginning Runners Class, Some Humor and Reflection

  Summer has nearly flown by again, faster and faster as I get older. We had another wonderful dragonboat competition last week and our August Prediction Run is this Saturday morning, and then we are looking at September. With September comes our 21st Annual Fall Beginning Runners Class, this year starting on September 8th at the Salisbury Police Department, continuing our long-term relationship with the PD as they continue to host these classes.

     Fall is the best time to take these classes because the training schedule will work its way through longer runs as the weather cools and humidity improves.  Fall classes are usually smaller in number of participants, but that means more individual coaching time and typically a higher finisher percentage. Please think about joining us if you have wanted to be a runner and haven’t yet been able to make it happen. Or maybe you left running behind years ago and want to find it again.

     Each Tuesday night, we will have a classroom topic that will include a class overview, shoes and equipment, stretching and strengthening, running form, injury prevention, nutrition and safety. Then we go out to run, and the first class will run/walk a half mile. Over the first seven weeks, we will gradually increase to running 2.5 miles. Then comes graduation night with the class completing one of our local 5K courses, followed by a graduation celebration complete with quality diplomas, a band and healthy refreshments.

    With the class, each participant becomes a member of Salisbury Rowan Runners for a year, gets a training shirt and free entry into our Santa Run 5K in December. Participants also get a training schedule and coaching during and after the class. Cost of the class remains at $65, payable on runsignup.com or at the first class.

    Many of our spring class are still running together and have several out-of-town race weekends planned. Taking the class is a great way to challenge yourself, meet others with similar interests and become active in a running club with many ongoing activities, both with running and otherwise.

    My bike ride on the Katy Trail in Missouri was wonderful and just what I needed to challenge myself. With the hot weather and humidity of that week, I became focused on staying hydrated quickly. Everything seemed a little easier and more tame than my usual bicycle journeys, just as a friend pointed out last week. Some of those have lasted much longer and one topped out at 54 days. Long days on the road always had lots of humor. So did the ride on the Katy Trail. Here is the best humorous memory of that ride for me.

     Many of the small Missouri towns had few stores and most were not open on Sundays and Mondays. According to my trail information, one town had a small hostile and several stores, plus a visitor center. The temperature was hot and at first look, none of the stores were open and no one was moving. I heard some talking and maybe a little music coming from a shaded spot on a hillside. I was nearly out of water and decided to take a chance.

    I walked up a long series of stairs and found an open bar at the top. Inside, I found two operators and a group of three eating lunch with their bike helmets on. I thought that was odd, but some alcohol was involved with lots of laughing and giggling. I asked for bottled water and found it for $2.50 a bottle. I paid and began to leave when the one man in the group of eaters said, “What is that on your hip?” I said, “It’s a radio, AM-FM.” The man said, “Wow, I didn’t think they still existed, how old is it?” I said, “I bought it a couple nights ago on Amazon to listen to while riding.” A 20’s woman, also with him, said, “I can’t remember when I have seen one.” They all giggled, I grabbed my bottles and headed for my bike, never seeing them again which suited me.

    Look for the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run in Landis on September 12. Support the Bible teachers in our local schools. More information is at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

    And finally, I will miss Dolly Parton. She never passed up a chance to make the world better. Good for us all to do!

Gotta’ Run: Fall Beginning Runners Class, some humor and reflection

A Good Time Was Had by All

by   September 9, 2026 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Did you hear about the incident at the East Rowan Library? It was all about me. Yeah… apparently I am a big deal. My friend Brittney who works there invited me to speak about my vast experience in writing. The media got wind of it. A crowd gathered. Authorities were called. As we approached the venue with great anticipation, emergency lights flashed in the distance. David pulled our vehicle to the right side of the road so they could lead us through the mob. Evidently Rockwell paparazzi can get pretty rowdy. I guess I need to get used to it. The life of a famous writer can be rather intense.

Did I mention that I write fiction?

So what really happened was…

A few friends shared the event on Facebook. As we traveled toward Rockwell the person in front of us drove at the rate of 25 mph the entire way. But that’s perfectly understandable since he was busy texting. The joy I’d claimed earlier in the day turned to a fervent, heartfelt prayer.

“Lord Jesus, please help me not cuss…”

Apparently someone keeled over at one of the fast food joints and needed emergency personnel. As lights flashed in our direction we pulled to the right. Though I encouraged my beloved to pass the dude in front of us as soon as the ambulance cleared, he is not that guy. David does not bend the rules of the highway. The man is so righteous that he slams on breaks for caution lights. It’s a wonder our marriage has lasted so long.

Texting dude slowly made his way back onto the road, making the star of the show late. Well, not actually late. I guess I should say later than I wanted to be. David always leaves early enough to account for such aggravation.

When finally we got there, the place was packed! We had to park across the way in the gravel lot by the dentist. There were at least thirteen people there… if you count me and David… and the two librarians who hosted… plus my best friend and her husband… and the two who walked out during my riveting presentation.

Dang Millennials. Hey… old people know stuff!

Annyyywayyy… a good time was had by all. I got to meet Michael, who I called Matthew several times. I met Judy and Brenda and Brooke the hugger. My friend Vickie stopped by even though she had groceries in the car. Randall asked good questions which sounded pre-planned, except that I didn’t have answers. But I will next time.

Did I say next time? What I meant was… if I can work another event into my very busy schedule. I’m kind of a big deal.

Someday I’m going to invent a sarcasm font. Folks with my warped sense of humor would certainly benefit.

PS:

The next big event is this Saturday in Lexington, NC. Missions Pottery and More is hosting my new book release from 9am – 4pm. I’ll bring copies of all my books. No pre-order necessary. I’d love to meet you!

Signs of Things to Come

by   September 6, 2026 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

I saw it on Monday, the last day of August. I was out on a very early morning walk, and as I approached the neighborhood entrance, fallen leaves of gold adorned the path. I instantly felt a slight, brisk chill despite the early-morning humidity. You’ve likely seen signs of autumn coming as well – acorns or walnuts on the ground or maybe your local barista’s fall menu – without needing to look at your calendar.

In North Carolina, however, we know not to set our hopes up too high. Fall may begin September 22, but Carolinians understand we will likely have a cooler week before that date and still welcome fall with 85 degrees or higher. It’s just the way it is here – still too early to put out real pumpkins. That won’t stop many from preparing, though. Maybe you have already grabbed that first PSL (pumpkin-spiced latte) of the season. Perhaps you plan to put away those summer white skirts and pants. Others will continue living a North Carolina extended summer for 6-8 more weeks with no thoughts or interest in the changing season.

Also, this week, I was reminded of a passage in Matthew 24 where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure from them. They had questions about eschatology – the study of end-time things. Picture the kid in the back seat continually asking, “Are we there yet?” They wanted to be sure they would not miss it…or HIM! A fair question, considering the many turn-the-world-upside-down things that Jesus had been teaching them.

He assured them that no man would know the day nor the hour of His return. People would continue to live their lives, unalarmed, just like people were doing during the days of Noah – that time the earth literally was turned upside down in a global flood.

I thought about that phrase “in the days of Noah.” Like any preschooler who attends church or has ever been in a nursery, the first image you probably envision at the mention of his name is the ark that Noah built. If you have seen the replica in Kentucky, you know how large the original vessel was. It was not easy to miss. Depending on the theologian you follow, the building of the boat took anywhere from 50 to 120 years! Again, word would have gotten around – not an easy project to miss. Yet, somehow, they did miss it – the message. They continued living their hedonistic lives, knowing full well what Noah was up to. They mocked him for it or willfully chose to ignore him – until it was too late.

That is what the coming of Jesus will be like. Many world events indicate that the stage has been set maybe for quite some time. Sometimes it is as evident as a massive boat under construction for almost a lifetime. Jesus’ soon coming is, well, sooner than it was before. There are warnings and calls for repentance, but we continue living complacently or willfully choosing to reject or mock the warnings.

Do we really need to know the date of Christ’s return to know that He will? We still live ordinary lives, but perhaps we should live them differently, knowing something extraordinary is coming. Can we ignore the evidence of a coming season because we do not know its arrival? The signs of a season do not announce a date, but they do tell us a change is coming, whether we are ready for it or not. Are you?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 … 260