Car trouble is never convenient. I’ve experienced unfortunately timed car trouble twice in my life. The trauma of the episodes, though not life threatening, imprinted on me the lifelong commitment to only drive reliable transportation. When mileage or frequency of repairs begin to add up, I lose faith in my vehicle and must sell it … Continue reading Car, don’t fail me now
Author: lanceelliottwallace
Lance Elliott Wallace lives and writes in the Atlanta suburb of Lilburn. A native of Texas and a former resident of Florida and Alabama, Lance married a Georgia girl and together they are rearing three Georgia boys. By day he communicates for the higher education institutions of Georgia. He spends his early morning hours praying, writing and walking.
The best day ever
My family moved from Bedford, Texas, to Lake Wales, Florida, in the summer of 1982. For a 12-year-old kid, that summer had been a good one. I finished sixth grade and was preparing to transition to junior high school. I had a season pass for the Six Flags Over Texas theme park. My family had … Continue reading The best day ever
Fists of fury
“I’m a runner, not a fighter” is my standard line when the subject of fighting comes up. I am not prone to aggression, but twice in my life I found myself involved in the kinds of fisticuffs that boys have been getting into since the beginning of time. My fighting form resembled the gentlemanly and … Continue reading Fists of fury
The wisest person I’ve ever known
The Rev. Billy Mauldin was my pastor from birth until age 12 when my family moved to Central Florida. Brother Mauldin, as he was known in our home and in our church, embodied the calling of “pastor” for me and was my ideal for a preacher, counselor and leader. The Rev. Billy Mauldin My earliest … Continue reading The wisest person I’ve ever known
Appreciating my brothers, part 1
Arthur Lee Wallace arrived on the scene on March 17, 1974, changing all of our lives. I was three-and-a-half and not convinced it was for the better. I eyed him with suspicion as he disrupted the established order that had me at the center. New baby Lee got all the attention. In my shyness, I … Continue reading Appreciating my brothers, part 1
Bravery isn’t the absence of fear
The concept of “being the man of the house” feels archaic in today’s equality-driven society, but in our home, that role comes with one unescapable duty: protect the occupants from bugs and critters. That’s why I found myself doing battle in the middle of the night in my underwear with a little brown bat. We … Continue reading Bravery isn’t the absence of fear
What I learned from being a ‘Big’
As a husband and father, many of the choices I make are inherently selfless because there are so many people for whom I am responsible. This is baked into the experience of middle age; it doesn’t even register with me as selfless. What stands out in my mind as one of the most selfless acts … Continue reading What I learned from being a ‘Big’
Just Like Mama Used to Say
I really miss colorful, old-timey idioms in everyday speech. Original turns-of-phrase catch my ear and bring joy to my heart. The better a person is at coming up with such quips on the spot, the more I admire them for their quick wit, intellect and personality. You know the kind of sayings I’m talking about: … Continue reading Just Like Mama Used to Say
My spelunking adventure
In February 2008, not long after my oldest son, Barron, turned 7, the two of us went with our Cub Scout pack to Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, Tennessee. The excursion included a walking tour, an adventure tour, spending the night in the cave, and eating breakfast underground the next morning. It was Barron’s first overnight … Continue reading My spelunking adventure
Rigorously pre-planned, spontaneous romance
Valentine's Day is supposed to be about romance. After 24-plus years of marriage, romance can be elusive. To help Carla and me, and hopefully you, rekindle the spark of true love, here is the 100% true story of the night I asked Carla Barron to be my wife, by far the most romantic moment of … Continue reading Rigorously pre-planned, spontaneous romance
New South Essays 