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
Tag: Southern Culture
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
First born
I am the firstborn son of a firstborn son, but it wasn’t until my first son was born 21 years ago that I began to understand how little I knew about being a parent. Carla and I waited until she finished her master of social work degree before having children. It took us a little … Continue reading First born
Winner, winner hamburger dinner
I attended what was then known as Troy State University from 1988 to 1992 on a full academic scholarship. The financial aid package, named for former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace (no relation), covered tuition, fees, room, and board. The “board” part of my scholarship entitled me to 20 meals per week in Stewart Dining … Continue reading Winner, winner hamburger dinner
What I admire most about my dad
Today’s post is in celebration of my dad’s 78th birthday. All relationships are complicated at times, and the bond between fathers and sons is especially freighted with family history, birth order dynamics and role expectations. I have been blessed to enjoy the benefits of a healthy relationship with my dad for nearly all of my … Continue reading What I admire most about my dad
New South Essays 