Grace and Grit: A Simple Tagline with Big Meaning
“Grace and grit” isn’t just a tagline for me—it’s a reflection of two values that have shaped my life. In this post, I explore how both grace and grit play out in everyday situations and how these values guide my actions and interactions with others.
What If ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Was the Original Protest Song?
Nursery rhymes like “Humpty Dumpty’ may have served as disguised social and political commentary—and why memes and TikToks might be our modern version of quiet resistance.
Losing Faith Without Losing Yourself
What happens when the faith that once anchored you begins to feel like a weight instead? A reflection on walking away from toxic theology without walking away from hope.
The Loan That Opened a Door—And the System That Shut It for Others
In 1979, a $2,500 loan helped launch my college journey—and my love for journalism. Today, that same dream leaves many students buried in debt. Somewhere along the way, the door stayed open for a few but slammed shut for the rest.
Still Here, But Not Necessarily at Home
I used to feel proud to be a Texan and grateful to be American. These days, I feel like an exile in both. Still here—but no longer at home.
Love is Not All—But It Better Be Something
The recent Kerr County floods remind us that “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough. Edna St. Vincent Millay was right—love isn’t all. But if it’s real, it moves us to do something more than perform compassion for the cameras.
The Quiet Gospel of ‘Pop’: Integrity Without a Megaphone
Gregg Popovich may never quote scripture, but he lives with a kind of quiet integrity that feels sacred. This reflection explores why his actions—not his words—remind me of the kind of faith I still believe in.
When Conquest Passes for Greatness
We often revere history’s great conquerors—people like Napoleon, Subutai, or Andrew Jackson—but rarely do we reckon with the human cost of their campaigns. Maybe it’s time we rethink what makes someone “great.”
The Red Clay Strays and the Complicated Joy of Discovering New Music
Discovering a new band is usually a simple joy. But these days, I find myself asking: who else is listening, and what does that say about the music — or about me? A reflection on The Red Clay Strays and the burden of cautious listening.
Randomly Rudimentary Life Stuff 
The Misguided Mantra of the ‘Temporarily Embarrassed Millionaire’
Wealth is not the enemy—but pretending we’re already rich while defending the actual billionaires? That’s costing us more than we realize. This post explores the mythical imaginations of the “temporarily embarrassed millionaire” and why so many of us fight to protect a club we’ll never join.