“Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun of York,” recites the character Gloucester in Shakespeare’s “Richard III.” 

It is almost the end of July and we are in the season of those annoying “pop-up” thunderstorms that seem to make their way into every weather forecast we hear on a daily basis.

Last week I went to the customer service desk of a local department store and said to the clerk, “I’d like to return 2020. It’s not working.”

My spouse and I ventured out into the July heat and humidity a few nights ago to join some friends for outside socialization.

For many Middle Tennesseans, the COVID-19 pandemic created circumstances and challenges that were foreign and logistically challenging.

"The founding of the United States of America, the words of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution stand in stark contrast to the secession movement, which created the Confederacy. It is long overdue that we separate the two and shine a bright light between them," writes Eric Jacobson, CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust.

Chances are you did not witness an elaborate display of fireworks over the Independence Day weekend, but maybe you were able to engage in some sort of celebration, even as we continue to deal with this blasted pandemic.

As neighboring Nashville has recently announced a mask mandate, let’s hope that Nashvillians and Williamson County residents don’t respond the way some of the residents of Palm Beach County, Florida reacted when their local government was preparing to vote on a mask requirement.  I watched t…

Today it is my honor to introduce you to my new friend, Inetta Gaines. 

Many of you have received your first large electric bill of the season reflecting the temperature change and although you are enjoying the beautiful hot days after being cooped up for months, you aren’t enjoying the high energy bills.

Kids must dedicate themselves to years of study and performance before there is any direct application for the career they will eventually pursue. It is asking a lot of teenagers.

When I started writing this column nine years ago this month (which boggles the mind), it was called “What I Know.”

Now that you have talked to your child about protests and fairness and then followed up with a discussion about the importance of being a person of honor and good conscience, it is time for a talk about racism.

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"My husband served 20 years in the military for our country, and I fear for his life more today than I ever did. Because one bad situation, one wrong thing said, and he could be gone."

It has been recorded here in past installments that summer is not my favorite of the seasons. That is mainly because I detest hot weather.

It won’t be enough to just help your child understand the protests and rioting that followed the killing of George Floyd.

Since you have been spending so much time around the house doing all sorts of projects and organizing various aspects of your life, you may have decided you would like to do a larger home improvement project for your family’s enjoyment or perhaps in preparation to sell. 

Columnist’s note: A few years ago, I recorded some of my thoughts here about the evolution of my thinking on race and racism. As we once again grapple with that topic in this country, I’m re-running a portion of that piece. As recent events demonstrate, we still have much work to do. But I’m…

As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough, a long overdue reckoning about racism and the militarization of police forces has exploded in our front yards.

I delivered this message to my congregation at The Village this weekend, and I hope it might be a helpful message beyond our church family.

Someone once said that “numbers cannot tell stories.” But I beg to differ. Sometimes the number is the story.  Other times a number gives accent to the story.  On occasion a number can even paint a picture. 

In case you need a reminder, there will be a presidential election later this year. It’s only about five months away.

I’m shopping at my local grocery store, wearing a mask, and examining organic Double Stuf Oreos, when a middle-aged man with a beer belly and a stereotypical Southern accent, says in my direction, "Real men don't wear masks." 

It has been interesting to hear about some of the changes people have made while quarantined.  

Opportunities for growth and renewal are all around us. Don’t get distracted by all that is lost or missing.

Andy: Why are you wearing an Army gas mask? You look ridiculous.