It’s the confluence of Father’s Day and Juneteenth (both yesterday) and West Virginia Day (today, happy 159). So, let me tell you some of what my dad taught me about race growing up in our beloved Mountain State. I played ball with black kids and had black coaches as a kid. I heard about the klan and got really scared—for them and, for some reason, my own safety. My dad had to tell me … [Read more...] about My Dad Treated Black Folks Different
Home. Life.
Happy Birthday, S. D. Smith
I’m officially 45. Here are four or five things I love and am grateful for. Just things, not all of them are the most important stuff. Relax, my dudes. Just some things, man. I love pickles and olives, but not together. But I love that mixed olive mashup at some restaurants for spreading on the pre-meal bread. I love soccer. And let Uncle Sam help you out, here. It’s just … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, S. D. Smith
What Are We Reading? What Are You Reading?
What book are you loving now???????? We Smiths are traveling and having a great time. ✈️???♀️??I asked each member of our family to tell me what they are reading (or listening to) on the trip. ??Gina/Mom: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness OrczySam/Dad: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Anne: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Josiah: The Weight of Glory by C. S. LewisMicah: As Brave as You by … [Read more...] about What Are We Reading? What Are You Reading?
S. D. Smith and Dude Perfect
So, my kids are VERY big Dude Perfect fans. I mean, as much as I looked up to athletes or other stars as a kid, my kids adore Coby, Cory, Garrett, Cody, and Tyler. And it’s not just them. These guys are some of the most popular entertainers alive, with 13 BILLION views on their videos. No. Joke. We got tickets to see DP at Bristol Motor Speedway last Friday and surprised the … [Read more...] about S. D. Smith and Dude Perfect
Sam and Gina: 21 Years!
My Gina!I’m so grateful for these past 21 years of life together. TWO became ONE twenty-one years ago on this date in the year of our Lord, 2000. Thank you for marrying me, for sticking with me through the many dark days we’ve faced and for being the brightest part of the sunny ones. I love you. I will never leave you. Your Sam … [Read more...] about Sam and Gina: 21 Years!
Thank You, Fallen Warriors
Every nation, people, or culture has a story. It seems to me that in every one of those cultures there is a place of honor reserved for those whose work it is, or has been, to physically protect all the others. Such is certainly the case in the American story. From our imperfect founding, our heroes have often been warriors. This seems to be the case for most cultures which endure at all (for … [Read more...] about Thank You, Fallen Warriors
Enjoy Your Smallness
Be small in a big world, Little girl. Run free and fast and happy, While you have the strength, And stamina, And the painless ease, Of good knees. Run, With the wide stride of an athlete, Competing with the last joy, A lithe, gliding repeat, Of the same song you just sang, In a new key, With a new beat, A familiar innovation, And a singalong chorus. Enjoy your smallness, Before your head blocks … [Read more...] about Enjoy Your Smallness
Why the Resurrection Means So Much
Happy Easter! I love this holiday, this season of hope and resurrection. If Jesus rose from the dead, then everything else comes into focus and balances against that cloud-cresting mountain of meaning. The resurrection of Jesus shows us that our troubles aren’t final and our weakness and failures aren’t eternal. Our sickness, suffering, and sin are a part of our story, not the last, sad … [Read more...] about Why the Resurrection Means So Much
Reading Together: A Real, Shared Adventure
Reading is always more than it seems. What Twila Farmer so beautifully painted here is a vision of what I dream. A child receiving from a parent who is giving, but also receiving. Their imaginations are knit together. They are where they are, but are also off on a daring, shared adventure. The journeys we go on together in books are real. They do not happen in the same sense that an embodied … [Read more...] about Reading Together: A Real, Shared Adventure
Saying Yes By Saying No: Taking a Social Media Break
“I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello!” —The Beatles I love saying yes. Yes is often scary, but it’s the way I want to be. I want to show up and be faithful and hopeful in my callings. The main thing “yes” people have to do, I think, is say “no.” Because when you say YES, you are saying NO. You’re saying no to all the things you’re not going to do in order to do what you most must … [Read more...] about Saying Yes By Saying No: Taking a Social Media Break
S. D. Smith’s 44th Birthday is Happening Today On His Birthday (Today)
It’s my 44th birthday! It feels like I am older than ever before. I was born in a blizzard. Interestingly, we are also having weather today! It’s going to be a good day. I want to say four things I’m thankful for because (A) you can’t stop me—nice try, sucka—and (B) forty-four things is too much for me to manage at this age. 1) I am so grateful for my mother! Barbara … [Read more...] about S. D. Smith’s 44th Birthday is Happening Today On His Birthday (Today)
2020, Am I Right? A Brief, Grateful Remembrance
Last year was tough for most of us, and so many continue to struggle through sickness, loss, economic instability, and other divisions and uncertainties. It’s been a painful opportunity for growth, and I’m hopeful about how God will use this chapter in our lives. The story isn’t over.As for us, we had our coast to coast book tour cancelled, which was a bummer because we wanted to see lots of … [Read more...] about 2020, Am I Right? A Brief, Grateful Remembrance