Columns

As this is written, we know not what the next steps will be in the case of the Kentucky official who has been refusing to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples, claiming that to do so would violate her religious principles.

There seems to be a lot of that going around these days, with folks claiming that their religious principles are endangered by baking wedding cakes, or providing flowers for wedding ceremonies, etc., etc.

By MARK BANKER

Author’s note: The following three premises are essential to this column: 1) None of us see the past or present with absolute clarity; 2) Each of us has the capacity for glimpses of informed insight that draw from and reflect our personal values; and 3) Cordial, forthright exchange of those insights enhances our mutual well being.

My last two columns explored consequences of the Civil War yet failed to mention the war’s impact on the locale most dear to the majority of my readers.

Those who attended womens’ ministry service in Knoxville last Tuesday were Mary Hickey (great soloist), Julia Harris, Ceola Lawrence, Virginia Childress, Marie Frazier, Rosa Osborn, Virginia Hickman, Carolyn Griffin, Carolyn Clemmons, Gloria Ward and Louise Warmley, who gave the memorial.

The general theme was “Refocusing our missions.”

The Rev. Margaret Mack presided. Guest speaker was Minister Ruby Winton.

She gave a great message.

Henrietta Caldwell is the president. Elder Dr. Joe B. Maddox is moderator.

You know, gentle reader, that there are times when you are on a losing streak, and no matter what you do, nor how you do it, nothing seems to come out right, and then, dictu mirabile — wondrous to say — all of a sudden everything changes, and all your cards are right, your numbers are what they should be, your dice are charmed, in short your luck has changed, and every thing is coming up roses.