Relaunch

After over a year out of commission, I've decided to relaunch the blog.

Allow me to wax ridiculously dramatic with a pointless phoenix metaphor.

You didn't miss much, really. Emily just turned a year old, Brodie is three years old now, Kimberly and I are working together at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, and I'm working towards my Funeral Director's License. We've got a little monstrous Jack Russel terrier, too (his name is Marvin).

It was really difficult for me to decide against attending law school. After all, it had been my lifelong dream to be an attorney, advocating for justice and helping to improve government here and around the world. After I graduated from Henderson with a Political Science degree, my father-in-law offered me the opportunity to join the family's funeral firm full-time. Since I had been helping out part-time, I had an idea what this would involve.

I had no idea, however, that I would fall in love with the ministry that can happen in a funeral operation. I know it isn't like this everywhere; some funeral "professionals" give society ample justification to find fault with the industry. But I can honestly say (without a bribe) that my colleagues are genuinely dedicated to doing all that they can do to bring honor and healing to hurting families and to give all the glory to God.

At the end of this week, I'm headed to West Africa to realize a dream of mine-- to use the French skills I've built in school to make a difference on that continent. But what I have come to realize is that I don't have to be building governments in the Third World or see my name in lights or on buildings; I make a difference every day. Through my work as a Funeral Director. Through my efforts with the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. And, most importantly, through the level of dedication I give to my family.

Hopefully, you'll all be willing to check back once in a while to share with me the thrill present in success and the lessons learned from defeat.