Jesus and the Apostles relate parables throughout the New Testament about money, riches, and the love of anything above God. Paul had his issues with money and described them to Timothy as a warning of the power money can have in influencing our lives. It is a form of idolatry with the shine of silver and gold.

I’ve written a lot about being courageous. Being bold and standing up is an important life skill as a Christian. I’ve meant every word and have given plenty of scripture to back it up.

So, I have been watching the debate over the prospect of tribal elk hunting evolving. And as I have observed and listened, it was curious to me how much our discussions sounded like the outside world and not that of culturally sensitive people.

When I spoke with Ava Walkingstick, Youth of the Year Nominee, her Cherokee Youth Center Manager, and the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar Heel Region, I expected to hear a success story. What I heard was something deeper — a testament to what happens when a community refuses to leave its young people behind.

Good evening everyone. My name is Marissa Bradley-Ward and I am a person in long term recovery from Substance Use challenges.

I recently had coffee with a friend who was sharing frustration about a coworker who neglected or ignored duties.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so, through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.