The final thing John Wilkes Booth did before going to Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865, was to stop at a bar next to the theater. The establishment was known as Star Saloon. Booth had been drinking all day—doubtlessly trying to work up the nerve to do what had never been done before—assassinate the presidentContinue reading “The Failure to Lead”
Category Archives: History
Known but to God
Maude Brown writes that in the spring of 1862, when Confederate General Albert Sydney Johnson led his forces out of Corinth, Mississippi, and into Tennessee to launch a sneak attack on Grant’s forces at Shiloh, he had 500 coffins made. The good general was unduly optimistic in regard to the number of casualties his ArmyContinue reading “Known but to God”
Gloriously More
When Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine were engaged in 1796, he gave her a ring composed of two tear shaped stones—a diamond and a blue sapphire set in opposite directions on a slim gold band. Each stone weighs slightly less than a carat. The ring is relatively modest considering the people involved but reflects the factContinue reading “Gloriously More”
The Right Side of History
“You don’t want to be on the wrong side of history.” I majored in history when I was in college (I tell our grandchildren it was easy because then there was a lot less of it to learn). Maybe that’s the reason my ears perk up a bit whenever I hear someone say the above.Continue reading “The Right Side of History”
Back to Bethlehem
Well, it’s that time of year when the Christmas cliches are taken out of their boxes, dusted off, and put back into circulation. Jesus (not the risen Lord but the less imposing perpetual baby) is brought out for brief appearances in Christmas pageants and plays. Everyone from movie makers to beer companies use His birthContinue reading “Back to Bethlehem”
And That Is What She Did!
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is tomorrow. I can’t think of anything in my life that compares to what we’ve witnessed in the week and a half since her passing. (But then again, I can think of anyone who served in a position for 70 years). The only thing that I thought might come close was inContinue reading “And That Is What She Did!”
911 And Singing On The Steps
For those of you who were around and remember, did your life change significantly because of the events of 911? Unless you lost a loved one, had someone in the military, or are a first responder, I’m guessing your answer is “no.” There have been some changes here and there, maybe a greater appreciation of world events,Continue reading “911 And Singing On The Steps”
A Tornado and a Tragedy
If you live in the South you know this, but if you grew up in the South you understand it’s a way of life. You take it for granted that with spring comes azaleas, dogwoods, pollen and bad weather. Fierce thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes dot our existence. Every so often, they result in the tragicContinue reading “A Tornado and a Tragedy”
Blind Spots and Due Diligence (2)
When Jesus spoke to the church located at Sardis, they were making the same mistake spiritually that their descendants had made militarily centuries before. They had a reputation and they were arrogantly living off of that. Because of their overconfidence, they had left some things unfinished that needed to be done—but they didn’t care. They had started believingContinue reading “Blind Spots and Due Diligence (2)”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 