As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

Memphis is an economically poor city that despite our abundance of poverty we are filled with people who consider themselves to be fine and blessed. I am thankful to regularly encounter such saints.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

The city of Memphis has been a wonderful home for me the last thirty-nine years. I have gotten a beautiful wife, wonderful in-laws, hordes of good friends, and inspiring church affiliations over that course of time. I praise God for the opportunity to grow in the bluff city.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I am most grateful for living in a democracy and for those who insure that we continue to enjoy the freedoms inherent in a democracy. I never take for granted living in a pluralistic society where we can worship freely, express our opinions, and broaden our sense of who is in our universe of obligation. As I approach a significant birthday, I am grateful to simply be alive with the promise that each new day provides. Family, friends, and work that I love round out my deep sense of gratitude this Thanksgiving season.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I am grateful that Memphis does so much with so little and never loses hope. Americans usually paint the idyllic picture of Pilgrims inviting Indians to festive tables piled high with turkey and yams. In truth, the English settlers observed the first Thanksgiving in 1623 after a year of cruel adversity (250 of the 350 colonists died from sickness and drought), a time of much greater loss than we face today. And these were the people who gathered to give thanks to God with Psalm 71: “As for me, I will hope always, and add many praises to You.” That’s Memphis in a nutshell.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I love our city. I am so thankful I grew up here. I am thankful for Memphis City School that provided a great education my wife and me and our four daughters. I am thankful that God has allowed me to serve in Memphis for over 30 years. Most of all, I’m thankful that God loves Memphis.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I’m thankful for Gibson’s Doughnuts, The Brooks Museum, Jerry’s Sno-cones, The Zoo, Brother Juniper’s College Inn, Madison Tobacco Shop, The Memphis Leadership Foundation, Pho Saigon, Autozone Park, Pete and Sam’s, the bluffs, The Civil Rights Museum, The Jubilee Schools, and Bosco’s On the Square.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I am thankful for the struggle itself. The citizens of Memphis believe the city is worth the dedication and efforts to advance. We cannot marginalize the issues, the economy is bad and jobs have left town. The tax base is declining and able wage earners are moving out, both East and South. Still, We are not so beleaguered that we fail to appreciate the goodness of God. Take a break Memphis. This is a holiday!

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I am grateful to live in a community where giving and serving are a way of life. Whenever there is a significant challenge, whether a short or long term need, the citizens of this community join together to lift each other up. I am also thankful for city and county mayors who are servant leaders and are men of integrity and wisdom.

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less?

I am thankful for ministry colleagues in Memphis I can call true friends, a church that is attentive to God and responsive to neighbor, and movements of God’s Spirit in our city kindling a passion for Jesus.