News Articles in First Person

With the recent announcement of a sixth candidate throwing their hat into the ring for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) presidency, the collective response has been a mix of surprise, amusement, and perhaps even a touch of exasperation. Social media platforms buzz with comments and jokes about the growing number of contenders, but beneath the surface lies a more profound challenge—one that beckons us to reconsider our approach to this pivotal decision.

A little more than 100 years ago, Baptist soldiers and volunteers were returning to America from World War I-ravaged Europe, lamenting the physical, emotional and spiritual devastation they were leaving behind. Back home they found many of those same needs in a traumatized America.

During Passion Week this year, I contemplated how it took the empty tomb to flip the narrative about Jesus.  Leading up to the cross, the narrative was scandalous.  Jesus was labeled a lawbreaker, usurper, heretic, and pretender. To most, the truth of the scandal was substantiated on Friday at the Cross. They supposed He wouldn’t allow the crucifixion if he wasn't all the things they said about Him.  

It was a cold, wind-swept winter evening in 1921, way out on the wide-open Texas plains in the little community of Texline. The old timers were fond of saying that the terrain was so flat out there that you could stand on a brick and see the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific to the west.

More than 2 million people flocked to northern Italy in 2015 to take a rare glimpse at the Shroud of Turin, purportedly the burial cloth in which the crucified Christ was wrapped and which now bears His image. Around the same time, CNN featured the shroud in the first of several documentaries attempting to uncover the “historical Jesus” by examining such relics.

Work, when rightfully understood, is about who we are and what we do for the glory of God and the good of humanity. Work is a way created for people to honor God.

I enjoy hiking. It brings together some of my favorite things: family, nature, and exercise. I cherish the moments of discovery on the trail when my children are surprised by spectacular views. I love how the quiet of a nature hike declares God’s glory. I look forward to the physical challenge of a trek.

After Daddy died, I had another 12 years with my mama. Even though I didn’t live close, we kept up with each other, and I’d make it home when I could.

Jeff Iorg has been unanimously elected as the new president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee. In one way, this is not a surprising event. In another way, given our recent past experiences, this is almost miraculous.

What do you do when Friday didn't end the way you envisioned and Sunday hasn't arrived?