I don’t think I’ve seen the world, or my little corner of it, in such widespread panic my entire life — not even during the Cuban Missile Crisis when we were crawling under our school desks every day in fear of the “Big One” being launched from Havana, apparently right toward the Osprey Mill in Porterdale.

There are enough opinions and frightening stories out there to last us a while. I want to just tell you a story today, of a simpler time.

Some years ago, I wrote a book titled "The Things That Matter Most." It was a critique of the continuing impact the '60s generation has had on the country.

Just a few days ago, we were complaining about life’s little annoyances. The pastor’s sermon was too long. Standing in line for more than five minutes at the checkout line, or the fast food place.

It makes my blood boil to know that heartless cybercrooks are adding to the woes many are experiencing.

The best thing you can do is check in – with your team, your kids, your customers, and check in with yourself.

Your net worth is not your self worth. In times of challenge, reset yourself and your team towards your purpose.

There are a few human beings — but, very few, mind you — of whom I have never heard a harsh word spoken. Kent Lawrence was one of those individuals.

I have a special affinity for underdogs. Maybe that’s because I have been one myself. So my interest was piqued when I heard that a political novice from Baxley (pop. 4,400) by the name of Dr. Kandiss Taylor is running for the United States Senate seat vacated by Johnny Isakson.

The Clark Bar remains a heavenly piece of Americana – one thing that still unites millions, even in these highly partisan and divided times.

So here I am, self-sequestering for 14 days. Who would have ever believed that?

When angst is in the air that’s when leadership matters most

It has long been my policy not to weigh in on what everyone else in the media happens to be pontificating about at the time. Hence, you saw little here about the Trump impeachment trial. To add to that cacophony seemed a waste of my time — and yours.

I guess it is completely appropriate that I pen this column on Friday the 13th, although you might not be reading it until the 14th or 15th, or never if the internet is shut down indefinitely to combat the deadly coronavirus.

Mrs. Alma Patterson was one of the sweetest souls I have ever known and would go the extra mile to help her students, even to the point of making sure they did well on her tests.

I don’t know many super-rich people. Where I grew up, if you had a house, a car, and a job, you were better off than most. Come to think of it, that still holds true today.

Just when you may have thought that the low quality of political rhetoric in Washington could not get any worse, along comes Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to prove otherwise.

Make no mistake about it. I do love Nashville. 

“In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation... even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine.”

Pat Floyd played for the Newton County High School Lady Rams and was one of the best high school basketball players I’ve ever seen. 

There is a disease going around, and I’m not talking only about the coronavirus.

This column usually offers a safe space from politics, but occasionally I have to wade into the deep water. After all, everyone is talking about the coronavirus, the stock market, and the presidential election.

The Clark Bar remains a heavenly piece of Americana – one thing that still unites millions, even in these highly partisan and divided times.

We could use some Irish wit and wisdom right now.

Have you ever considered your “right to privacy?” 

The words of the leader have an outsize impact on the team. Words create worlds.

What a difference a decision makes. Wasn’t it just the other day that Georgia Republican Congressman Doug Collins of Gainesville, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, was the hero of the hour for his unwavering defense of President Donald Trump during his Kangaroo Court impeachment trial?

Our fledgling nation was in a real crisis in 1776. We were about to lose our war for independence before it really got started. The number of people who even supported independence was far south of 50%. The majority preferred living under British tyranny to actually fighting for liberty and freedom.

DeVos has tried to reduce the federal footprint in public education, because the more than $1 trillion she says has been spent has not produced positive results.

The allurement of Georgia’s barrier islands is there for anyone with an outdoor bent.

DeVos has tried to reduce the federal footprint in public education, because the more than $1 trillion she says has been spent has not produced positive results.

The problem with fear-based leadership is when people are afraid of the boss, the boss gets an altered view of reality

This junk wouldn’t have happened if Kenesaw Mountain Landis was alive.

DeVos has tried to reduce the federal footprint in public education, because the more than $1 trillion she says has been spent has not produced positive results.

The Clark Bar remains a heavenly piece of Americana – one thing that still unites millions, even in these highly partisan and divided times.

The Clark Bar remains a heavenly piece of Americana – one thing that still unites millions, even in these highly partisan and divided times.

If you want to find successful leaders, try asking these 5 questions: