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The Things We Leave Behind

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 There’s a clip going around right now on TikTok that stopped me in my tracks. A young man—tough looking, outdoors type, not someone you’d expect to wear his emotions on his sleeve—starts off by saying: “I don’t really get emotional about a lot of things…” And then it hits. A simple note. A handmade cross. A few words from a friend who is no longer here. The note reads: “Hey buddy, I’m going to keep it short… don’t forget I love you. I had this made so you can hang it in your truck. When you see it, you’ll think of me.” That’s it. No long goodbye. No dramatic speech. Just a few lines… and something to remember him by. And suddenly, that tough exterior cracks. Because it always does. We All Think We Have More Time That’s the lie we live with. We think there will be another conversation. Another laugh. Another chance to say what needs to be said. But sometimes… there isn’t. And when that moment comes, all that’s left are the things people leave behind. A note. A voice message. A memo...
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When the Ride Becomes the Roadblock

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 I want to say this carefully, because I’m not trying to nit-pick or stir up controversy—but it’s something I’ve seen happen far too many times to ignore. And that is ministers falling by the wayside… over something as simple as a motorcycle. Now let me be clear: a motorcycle, in and of itself, is not evil. It’s just a machine. It’s no different than a car or a truck in that regard. But what comes with it —the image, the culture, the identity—can become a stumbling block if we’re not careful. Whether we like it or not, motorcycles often carry a certain image: rebellion, rough living, black leather, gangs, and violence. That may not be true for everyone who rides—but perception matters, especially in ministry. And I’ve seen what happens when that line gets blurred. Last year, I watched a pastor purchase a motorcycle. At first, it seemed harmless. But within days—days—he walked away from his church. He stopped attending services altogether. Before long, he was back to cussing an...
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Beyond Burial & Cremation: Alternative Methods of Final Disposition

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  When most people think about end-of-life arrangements, two options typically come to mind: traditional burial or cremation. However, in recent years, several alternative methods of final disposition have emerged—many of them designed to be more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, or personally meaningful. While some of these methods are still gaining acceptance in certain regions, they represent a growing shift in how we think about death care and legacy. Green Burial Green burial is one of the most widely recognized alternatives to traditional burial. At its core, it focuses on returning the body to the earth in the most natural way possible. This means no embalming chemicals, no metal caskets, and often no concrete vaults. Instead, the body is typically placed in a biodegradable casket or simple shroud and buried in a natural setting. The goal of green burial is to minimize environmental impact and allow natural decomposition to occur. Many green cemeteries also maint...
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When the Lights Begin to Flicker: Power, Growth, and the Cost of Ignoring Limits

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  In Appalachia, decline rarely arrives all at once. It comes quietly. A notice tucked into a utility bill. A rate increase justified by necessity. Another explanation built on complexity. And slowly, life becomes harder to afford in the very places that once powered the nation. Across Eastern Kentucky and much of Appalachia, electric rates have climbed again and again—sometimes multiple times within a single year. Double-digit percentage increases, once unthinkable, have become routine. For families already stretched thin, electricity is no longer a background expense. It is a source of anxiety. The explanation offered is familiar: retired power plants, storm recovery, environmental compliance, fuel costs, infrastructure upgrades. Some of this is real. Some of it is greed. Most of it is a system straining under weight it was never designed to carry. On the surface, this appears to be a regulatory or economic problem. From a moral and prophetic perspective, it looks like ...
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When the Wells Run Dry: A Prophetic Warning

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 Several communities across Eastern Kentucky are facing a quiet but deeply unsettling crisis. In those communities and in small towns across Appalachia ,  residents are once again being reminded of a truth so basic we often overlook it: life depends on water. Recently, a city official in Hazard, KY stated publicly that population growth is outpacing infrastructure—that the available water supply is no longer sufficient to meet the community’s needs. On the surface, that sounds like a civil engineering problem. From a pastoral and prophetic perspective, it sounds like a warning In Scripture, water is never treated as merely a resource. It is sacred, symbolic, and inseparable from life itself. From the opening verses of Genesis to the final invitation in Revelation— “let him that is athirst come” —water represents sustenance, renewal, covenant, and the presence of God. When water flows freely, communities flourish. When water becomes scarce, Scripture consistently treats it...
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Keyboard Kindness

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  Keyboard Kindness Yesterday, standing in the shower - where some of the clearest thoughts seem to arrive—a simple phrase came to me: Keyboard Kindness. And the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Have you ever noticed how brave people become behind a screen? From the comfort of their own home… Sometimes anonymously… Often without ever knowing the person they’re attacking… People say things online they would never say face-to-face. Why? Because most of the time, there are no repercussions . No awkward silence. No eye contact. No immediate reminder that the person on the other side of the screen is a real human being with a heart, a history, and a breaking point. Social media has given us incredible tools to connect—but it has also handed some people a shield. A place to throw stones without being seen. And here’s the thing that bothers me most: So much cruelty is aimed at people the attacker doesn’t even know. No shared history. No context. No unde...
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Why Funeral Homes Cannot Offer Free or Heavily Discounted Funerals

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  Why Funeral Homes Cannot Offer Free or Heavily Discounted Funerals (And Why That Doesn’t Mean They Don’t Care) by Joe Clark, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer When families are grieving, cost is often the last thing they want to think about. And that’s understandable. But over the past few years, many funeral homes have noticed a growing belief that funeral services should be free — or nearly free — simply because compassion is involved. That belief usually isn’t rooted in bad intentions. It’s rooted in what the public doesn’t see . Funeral Directors Are Highly Educated, Licensed Professionals Many people are surprised to learn that funeral directors are not “trained on the job.” Before ever caring for your loved one, funeral directors must: Attend mortuary college Pass national and state board examinations Complete an extensive apprenticeship Maintain licensure through required continuing education These requirements exist to protect families and ensure ever...
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