We Are America

Hi again, everyone. Today I wanted to write about something a little more serious, but I feel like it's a message that everyone needs to hear.

Photo: Greg Ogletree

As you all know, today marks the 14 year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our great nation. When I woke up this morning (not having class or work I slept in a little) I changed my Facebook profile picture to a photo I took at the WTC memorial and displayed the hashtag #NeverForget like nearly everyone else on social media. You all probably did this, too. Or, at the very least, some form of this. Whether you tweeted #NeverForget or added the 9/11 filter on Snapchat or gathered this morning to pray for our country, we all issued our condolences and thoughts of remembrance.

Right after I changed my picture I realized that we all do this every year as a sign of solidarity, a sign of unity. Then I began to think of the state of our nation; how we were 14 years ago, and how we are today. In many ways we have made enormous strides towards equality, strength, and patriotism, but in many others ways we have regressed. I don't really want this post to be about race, but I do need to address it. Today we are all battling between the #BlackLivesMatter and #AllLivesMatter movemenet, riots, police brutality, profiling, gang violence, gay marriage, not to mention campaign season getting into full swing.

While each side has their arguments and their pros and cons, I implore you all to stop the talking and arguing, and listen. Open your eyes ears. For every one instance of hate, there are 10 acts of love that go unnoticed. I personally blame the media. I believe they only show the negative and instigate more
hatred. Just look at this picture that was taken during the middle of a protest. This is what the media needs to show more of: love. Yes people make mistakes, yes people say the wrong thing, yes people act out of emotion, but if we truly think about it, are we any better? We all mess up every day in some way or another. To steal a line from my favorite movie speech ever: "We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests." And our common interest, as Americans, should be the betterment of our country through love. All we have is each other. When are we going to stop tearing down what built this country? We had to stand firm against injustice in order to become the United States of America, and if we want to continue to be recognized as the greatest country on Earth then we must stand together again!

As I sat and thought about all these things this morning while posting my photo it hit me that 14 years ago we were still worried about color, but it wasn't about black and white. It wasn't about how we differed from each other. It was about how we were the same, and how we all felt the same sense of being wronged. It was about how we all showed an outpouring of love that rocked our nation. 14 years ago we were all the same color. We were all Red, White, and Blue.


I don't know if you remember where you were and what you were doing when those planes hit, but I do. I don't know if you remember the mass panic no matter where you were in America, but I do. I don't know if you remember the following days and months, but I do. And what I remember about those following days and months was EVERY store running out of flags. I remember streets and houses being lined with the American flag. Row after row, house after house. We bonded together and showed the world that terror would not be tolerated. We showed the world that, even though we had taken a major hit, we would stand strong and not be intimidated. What would our country look like if we did that again? I know everyone screams 'Merica and posts bald eagle memes, but what if we all stood together against hate. What if we united under one banner again and said that we aren't going to tolerate terror, coming from home or abroad.

Photo: Greg Ogletree

Not to forget about what this anniversary is about, I would like to offer prayers and condolences to the families of those lost, as well as a thank you to those who perished while selflessly trying to save others. The casualties of September 11th, 2001 number nearly 3,000. 2,606 in the World Trade Center and surrounding areas, 246 on the four planes, 125 in the Pentagon, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel. Overall, citizens from over 90 countries lost their lives in the attack.

Photo: Greg Ogletree

As we go through this day and see the countless posts of remembrance and love, let us also think about today's world and how we can change it. Let's remember that we made this country great and it is up to us to keep it that way. It's time that we unite again. It doesn't matter if you are black, white, democrat, republican, gay, straight, Christian, or atheist; we are all Americans. We are all Red, White, and Blue.

In Loving Memory of Jamie Lynn Ferguson

Hello, all! I know it's been many months since I've posted anything, but today I have feelings I just need to get out. This blog seems like a good way for me to express my adoration for a great friend of mine.

As most of the UAM community knows, our beloved Jamie Lynn Ferguson passed away on Monday. I've been holding off on posting this because it would make it seem too real, but it's time to tell others how great Jamie​ was.

I first met Jamie when I attended a BCM worship service my first semester of college, and I was astounded (because I didn't know anyone) that she knew every person there, and everyone knew her. As soon as we were introduced she gave me a hug and said how glad she was to meet me. She immediately motioned for a high five and when I went in to slap her hand she coolly pulled her hand away and said "gotcha." She got me alright. Every time I saw her since that day she gave me a fake high five and a hug. Never once did I see Jamie without a smile on her face - well, unless someone took her phone or her sonic drink. Not long after meeting, I learned of Jamie's debilitating condition; Huntington's Disease. As I learned about the disease and what it was doing to her, I wondered if she was ever in pain or sad, because she sure didn't show it.

Jamie did everything she possibly could all the time. She was a staple at all of the UAM sporting events, especially the softball games. If a homerun or foul ball was hit, you better get out of the way because Jamie was on a mission to get it before anyone else. She loved the sports teams and athletes with intense fervor. She went with us to Passion which included 11 hours in a bus, standing in line, walking countless steps on the concourse, taking the stairs to the floor seats, then getting back to the hotel late and getting up early the next morning to do it again. She played games with anyone that was around. And she loved everyone. Everyone.


Jamie was a walking, glowing example of Christ at this university. She had a warm smile, a kind word, or a hug waiting on every person she saw throughout the day. Despite her physical limitations, and almost certain pain, she carried herself with the utmost positivity. Instead of complaining, each day she sought to make someone smile, and she succeeded.

Even though Jamie's passing is terribly sad, I can cry tears of joy knowing that she is running full speed into the arms of Jesus. And you can bet He has a route 44 raspberry peach sweet tea waiting on her!

Jamie, you made an impact in so many people's lives that we cannot begin to measure it. I hope that we, as Christians, can follow in your example and love wholeheartedly without bias, and without complaint. I know you will continue to teach us until we see you again. Oh, and save a high five for me.