It's that time again!

This is the time of year that many people in the state of Alabama live for! Families have been known to split up over this. Friends may not speak for years. Brothers throw punches at one another. Sisters pull hair and slap.

And that is all before kickoff!

The Iron Bowl is one of, if not THE most intense sports rivalries in the country. Alabamians can live together side by side the entire year. However, when the day comes that these two teams take the field against one another, the gloves come off and the pain begins! I have been an Alabama fan my entire life. For a true fan, your loyalty begins in the womb. In the state of Alabama it is not unheard of for newborns to be brought into this world wrapped in an Alabama or Auburn receiving blanket. I have seen people with Alabama and Auburn tattoos. Houses painted in the schools colors. People named after coaches, mascots, stadiums, and star players. The extent to which many people love their schools can really only be measured on the weekend of the Alabama/Auburn game.

Who knows who will win (except me of course). But I do know this......you must pick a side. Not picking a side is worse than being an Auburn fan!

Well, maybe not THAT bad! GOBAMAGOBAMAGOBAMAGO

BABY GOT BACK!

Thank You All!

The last week has probably been the worst of my life. I have seen much in my short time on this earth, but the loss of my son pains me like nothing I could have imagined.

However......

This experience has/is teaching me some very important lessons. First and foremost about God; he loves me more than I can imagine. The Bible tells me that God gave His Son for MY sins. Voluntarily. No strings attached. Without my deserving it. How is that possible? The pain of my loss can not compare to the devotion God has shown in giving his son for me. Secondly, my family is incredible! My brothers and sister, parents, aunt and uncle, grandparents, and many more, have loved my wife and I throughout this entire process. It is not finished, and will not be finished for a long time. But they stay. Blood is thick, and my family is thicker than most. Last but not least come my friends, colleagues, and students. When I looked around the sanctuary on Friday and saw nothing but standing room, I was amazed! I am very blessed to have the friends that I have. This week has also shown me how devoted many of my friends are to me and my wife!

In short, thank you. My wife Marisa and I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for and supported us through this difficult time. Please keep us in your prayers as we will continue to heal. We could not have imagined how much love this world is capable of!

Like the picture above, we are surrounded by clouds right now. But the sun is peeking through, and the clouds are slowly leaving. God is good!