WELL& JOURNAL

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES January has come and gone, and what a month it was. Some days were exciting, some were quiet, and some were downright frustrating, but every single one of them counted for something. My heart and prayers go out to all of the people who are hurting right now.  I was joking with someone earlier about how I did not do much in January. Compared to other months, filled with illustrious adventures across the country, concerts, and delicious meals at new restaurants — January did not stack up. However, I did find some opportunities to enjoy myself.  One of the highlights of the month was visiting Louisville and the Kentucky History Museum. There is something about walking through halls filled with stories of the past that makes you feel more connected to the place you call home. Then there were the snow days — and they just kept coming, even if they meant working from home. Nothing beats the stillness that comes with a good snowfall. It is like the world slows ...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES There is one day left in January. This month has lasted an entire year, yet somehow, it has flown by. Each year, we treat January like a grand event — an annual upheaval that is supposed to launch us toward becoming newer, better versions of ourselves. There is a lot of weight in that — a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance to rewrite who we are. But here is the truth: most people do not stick with their resolutions. The statistics do not lie — about 94% of people give up. Within two weeks, 88% have already abandoned them. We begin with the best intentions, but life gets in the way. Habits slip. Motivation fades. I wanted this year to be different, not by making life-altering resolutions but by committing to small, meaningful changes. My list was simple: Make my bed each day Journal each day Do one small act of tidying — laundry, picking up shoes, whatever needs attention Read one chapter of a book Spend time in my Bible So far, I have remained faithful to these...

Some days, the words just do not come. I sit down, try to write, try to pray, try to put my thoughts into something that makes sense, and, well, nothing. I am just a jumble of feelings with no real way to express them. Maybe you have felt that way, too, lately. Perhaps a lot is stirring inside you, but nothing is clear enough to say out loud.  Some days, it feels like too much . Too much pain in the world, too much uncertainty, too much heaviness weighing on our hearts. But here is the thing: we do not have to have the words. Romans 8:26-27 reminds us,  "The Spirit helps us in our weakness because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." I love that. Because if I am honest, there are many times I do not know what to pray for. I look around at the world — at my neighbors str...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Throughout my life, I have heard people say, " Let me tell you my piece ," when it is time to share their opinions. I have had my fair share of piece-giving — sometimes at my own expense. And sometimes, my piece weighs heavy. Words can carry the weight of frustration, sorrow, or conviction. But in this challenging world, I hold onto a peace that surpasses understanding — His peace . It is the kind that steadies me when life shakes, that allows me to find joy in hardship, light in the darkness, and a path forward even when the road is uneven. Matthew 6:33 reminds us:  "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you."  When I started writing this journal, I knew it would be a place to express my thoughts on current events, and I have used it for that. But I wanted it to be more. As my faith has deepened, I have learned that seeking first the kingdom of God means looking beyond today's stru...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES A few journal entries ago, I mentioned my 2017 visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Enshrined on one wall are words from Isaiah 43: "'You are my witnesses,' declares the Lord.'" Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the Jewish lives lost, along with the suffering of other minority groups during the events that unfolded in Europe, unjustly inflicted by Hitler and his nazi regime.  On January 27, 1945 — 80 years ago — the Auschwitz concentration camp found liberation as the Red Army freed the people there.  My heart hurts, and I feel heavy.  Today  is heavy, not only because of the grave injustice and oppression people experienced during the Holocaust but because of the forces of evil that led to the mindless following of Hitler's commands and their existence among us still today.  As I think about the state of our world and the continued perpetuation of division, I cannot help but wonder how ...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES This morning at Hampton United Methodist Church, Pastor John Bunn discussed God's grocery store. At this refuge, we can browse shelves of love, patience, light, and other necessities for our daily lives. That grocery store is the Bible.  After today's sermon, I spent some time thinking about how we yearn for spiritual food. When I feel hungry for God's word, I can seek out my Bible, a podcast discussing a particular lesson, or beautiful music filled with His spirit.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible discusses caring for the least of these, including hungry people (Matthew 25:34-45). In eastern Kentucky, we are quick to share food (heavy on the carbs, too!) when a loved one  dies  or someone needs comfort. I  love  food.  But I cannot help but think about those who are not just physically hungry but also spiritually hungry. Perhaps they hunger for grace, for justice, for an end to the hardships they face. People throughout...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland sings,  "People walking around like the world is about to end, and if you're asking me, my mouth would agree, these days we all feel small, my friend." WOW. I get it. I feel small compared to the challenges I see around me: discrimination, division, hatred, and sorts of the like.  However, my faith tells me a different story. While we may feel small, we are precious in our Creator's eyes. In Luke 12:7, we can find solace:  "Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  This truth calls us to live as people who reflect God's love — not just for ourselves but for all of humanity.  Earlier today, I was thinking about our nation's traditional motto:  E Pluribus Unum,  or "Out of many, one," which speaks to our collective calling. Our faith is not about erasing differences but honoring them. Our shared identity is not built on...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Earlier today, I wrote in a discussion board for class about the current era in which we live: one of subjective truth.  Earlier today, I spoke with a colleague about the beauty of our shared experiences. So many of us are experiencing the same struggles, regardless of our political affiliation or any other factor. There is something profoundly unifying in that.  Yet, the subjective truth points to division.  For years, I have yearned to be a writer. That is part of why I decided to launch this journal, and that is why I decided to pursue a career in public relations before that. Our words have power — not just according to me, but according to our faith.  In accordance with Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."  I have always loved to talk. When I reflect on this verse, I often see it interpreted as a warning against gossip. While that application holds value, I see som...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Chances are, you are avoiding a difficult conversation. Every day, there are countless opportunities to engage with challenging topics — or to flee from them. I have engaged in numerous gut-wrenching discussions in the past year alone, so I understand the fear and pain that come with them.  During my time in the BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky program — which aims to strengthen young eastern Kentuckians' capacities for leadership — I learned about having difficult conversations. They are often necessary. We must engage in thoughtful dialogue while respecting those with whom we disagree. There is no other path forward.  There are different categories of such conversations, such as those we must have in our interpersonal circles (like resolving a business conflict, etc.) and those we must have as a society to curb division and seek common ground. Earlier today, I had one of those conversations — one that we especially like to avoid, where faith and politi...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Ephesians 6:11-12 says, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."   On my way to work this morning, my mind went to the whole armor of God. During youth group, I remember learning about armor in metaphorical terms, cutting out breastplates, helmets, and shinguards. As I have grown older, though, I have come to understand precisely what the verse means: we are in a battle for our spirits.  Sometimes, I yearn for my younger days. The overpolitization did not weigh heavily on me. I did not feel divided from those around me, at least not along ideological or party lines.  In recent days, months, and years, I have been disheartened by the number of people I see putting on their armor and using it in a litera...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today's political climate makes me feel the same tension I felt during my time as an elementary school employee. I joked with a colleague recently that it feels like the moments when I'd have to holler, " Sit down and be quiet! " If you have ever worked in a classroom, you know what I mean. That environment could get loud and chaotic, and sometimes, the only way to restore order was to insist on quiet. It struck me that this is not so different from the world we live in now. The noise is constant — arguments, opinions, and distractions everywhere you turn. It's overwhelming, and it's easy to feel lost in the chaos. In times like these, I find myself drawn to the words of Ecclesiastes 3:7: " A time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak. " I've always loved communicating. As a writer and a communication scholar, words are my craft and my passion. But lately, I've been reminded of the profound ...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Around five years ago, amid a global pandemic, George Floyd was murdered, brutally killed by a knee to the neck in broad daylight. As a Christian, I will never forget the soul-crushing agonization I felt deep within me.  I have never experienced this world as a person of color. I have never felt pushed to the side due to the color of my skin, my authority to speak has never been questioned because of my complexion, I have never dealt with unfair treatment or faced an inability to take out a credit card or car loan due to discriminatory policies.  However, I acknowledge that so many who live among us have . They have experienced an existence unfathomable to so many, one marked by ridicule, spit-in-the-face, and a criminal justice system that harms them rather than supports them.  While damaging elements have marked generational experiences, people of color in this country have displayed immense resilience and strength, never losing their faith,...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES On the eve of another inauguration, I am pondering what it means to be an American. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American democracy, an event we can anticipate every four years that ensures our voice leads a government created by the people, for the people, and of the people. At noon tomorrow, a new president and vice president will swear in to begin their terms, taking an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, a breathing, living document that has enshrined the rights of the people into America's foundation. This moment, while steeped in ceremony, reminds us of the enduring strength of our republic and our responsibility to safeguard it. As President Joseph R. Biden recently said, "Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead." A po...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." These words call us to love and serve others. Micah 6:8 reminds us what God asks: "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." These verses show us how to live a life of faith and action. Growing up, I remember the kind of life my older family members led. I was enamored by my grandparents' willingness to help our community and its people, my parent's devotion to their vocations in education and healthcare, and the ways I saw a life of love embodied for the collective betterment.  My home region is no stranger to challenges, but many of its challenges are shared struggles with communities across our nation. The good that is ours to do is all around us, waiting for our hands, our prayers, and our love. For example, the housing crisis is everywhere. In cities, unhoused people...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Somedays, I just feel small. I think about the large size of the world and its complexities, and the feeling of such little power in the grand scheme of things overwhelms me with a burden.  I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, which assures us that God has a plan for us and that His plan is one of prosperity, free of harm. When everything around me just seems too much, I focus on Him and the blessed assurance that comes from His spirit residing within us.  In our world, people are hurting. Society is plagued with challenges, like poverty, oppression, and injustice, across numerous lines. While politics and other differences can sometimes divide us, there is also incredible potential for connection and reconciliation when we approach each other with understanding and empathy. My grandmother often reminds me that flowers do not grow on the mountaintop. Her words resonate deeply, especially during these challenging times. The mention of mountains brings m...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES This morning, I missed my 5:00 a.m. alarm clock. Fortunately, I woke up in time for work, but I did not get to enjoy my morning coffee, read a chapter in my current book, work on any graduate school tasks, or any of the other things that make for a good morning. I felt frustrated.  Oh, well.  We often get caught up in the small inconveniences of life — the spilled coffee, the missed alarm, the unexpected detour on the way to work. In the moment, these frustrations feel monumental, even catastrophic, because they disrupt the sense of control we crave over our day. I have always considered myself a night owl, but I have made positive strides in a different direction during the 2025 calendar year — at least thus far. I am enamored by the progress made during the first couple of weeks, including multiple mornings of early risings and sequential accomplishment of tasks before daybreak.  My mornings feel sacred — not because they are perfect, but because ...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES With our soon-to-be vice president's recent visit to eastern Kentucky, I have spent the past couple of days reflecting on what it means to be Appalachian.  Our people spent years fighting for their lives. Despite the oppression they experienced from the rich coal companies, they continued to pursue economic prosperity for their families, sometimes at the cost of their own health. They believed in the importance of fair labor standards, and their organizing represented strike after strike. They were what democracy looks like.  I am deeply proud of my eastern Kentucky roots, especially the ones that stem from blue-collar workers who gave their all for a better life in a region with little to no economic opportunity. As a higher education professional now and an aspiring communication teacher, I find such importance in the art of storytelling as a means for highlighting our collective perseverance.  My great-grandfather bravely enlisted and serve...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES This evening, after a productive community foundation meeting, I was reminded of the importance of community in our daily lives. As a full-time employee, graduate student, family guy, grandson, cousin — you name it, really — my life stays rather busy.  At the beginning of a new year, and perhaps in spite of it, I am still working to become a better, more focused individual who devotes time to activities other than professional obligations. I want to write more, read more, worship more, and enjoy the regular occurrences of life more.  At the close of busy days like today, I find myself measuring incremental, small progress. This journal entry may not be long, but it is something, and that is more than I wrote on most days in 2024. Tonight, I encourage you to spend some time ruminating about that thought. How can you start small? And how might that small start make a difference?  My love and prayers are with you. Stay tuned for more writing in t...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I started back to work on Jan. 6 following the two-week holiday break. As a master's student, I opted not to take a holiday break from my graduate courses, completing an organizational communication course over four weeks. I submitted my last assignment for that course yesterday evening.  Now, on Jan. 13, my three graduate courses for the Spring 2025 semester commence. In May, I will cross the graduation stage and earn my master's degree!   This semester, I will study crisis communication, conduct my own research after years of proposals, and intern with a faculty member. I will assist her with a couple of online undergraduate courses and learn about teaching approaches that I might use as I anticipate becoming an adjunct faculty member.  At 22 years old, I recognize that, Good Lord willing, I have a lot of life left to live. In my short time on Earth, I have learned so much, interacted so much, written so much, and shared so much. Life has be...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES It is hard to believe that the COVID-19 pandemic's onset is now five years in the past. I will never forget the painstaking experience we endured as a collective people during that time. We faced a public health challenge and an issue involving disinformation unparalleled to any other era in American history.  I try not to compare our modern days to bygone eras. The world has always been dysfunctional, and people have always lied and perpetuated harm against others with whom they disagree. However, social media platforms have only existed for a relatively short time. Social media, serving in its often-watchdog capacity, could have prevented some of our most widespread stains against humanity.  Perhaps world leaders would not have turned their backs on the horrible occurrences in Hitler's Germany during the late 1930s; possibly, the slave trade would have never unjustly brought oppression to generations of African people and their descendants in the Ameri...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As I sit here drinking my coffee this Saturday afternoon, looking out the window at the snow-blanketed ground and my dog frolicking through the yard (I love the word frolicking!), I am reminded of how the world outside our homes can fill with joy and pain, happiness and sadness, and other contrasting emotions.  At the start of this new year, I set a few small goals that were aligned with James Clear's framework in Atomic Habits : incremental, small changes that will lead toward steady progress. Among these goals are making my bed each day, listening to or reading scripture each day, and journaling each day.  This blog site is part of the last effort mentioned above. I plan to use it as a public-facing journal in which I share my thoughts regarding topics of varying natures. Some of them will discuss my faith, my profession as a higher education public relations professional, my academic pursuits as a scholar, and my perspective as an Appalachian living i...