As I sit down to write the publisher’s letter I review in my mind the articles that are in this issue. Many times I look for similarities. It dawned on me that one of the biggest similarities is that a year ago we were all in a time of confusion and questions and it was called COVID-19. There were no answers just questions, theories and a lot of fear. This coming Saturday, I will be at a baseball tournament watching our oldest grandson play here in Georgia. In Texas, 2 of our grandchildren will be practicing for all-stars. Our middle daughter is planning her wedding. Our youngest daughter is enrolling her daughter in school.

In the last 12 months most of the fear has been replaced with hope, the uncertainty with conviction and courage.

As you fill your glass with sweet tea and cozy up in your favorite chair, read these stories about your neighbors and it will be easy to see why hope is replacing fear. Please help thank our partners listed on page 168 by continuing to pray for them and supporting their businesses.

John 10:10 KJV

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jay and Patti Martin