WELL& JOURNAL

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Tonight, one Bible verse came to me. Luke 6:35. It demands a kind of love that steps in when no one else will, the kind that chooses to give — not because it expects something in return but because grace is its own reward. "But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil." We live in a world where it is easy to love people when they are easy to love: when they are kind, when they agree with us, or when they make us feel good. But what about when they do not? What about the ones who have burned bridges, who have hurt us, who have nothing to offer back? Jesus does not just suggest we love in these moments. He COMMANDS it. He tells us to lend, to serve, to show up, even when it feels unfair. Why? Because that is precisely what God does for us. The heart of this verse is about living in a way that reflects t...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I spent a good portion of my day thinking about service: the service we do unto others, the service others do unto us, and the service others do unto our communities. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle of our own lives, but when we pause to reflect, we see that service is what knits us together. Matthew 25:40 says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." That verse has been stirring in my heart for years. Jesus did not just suggest service. He made it clear that when we serve others, we are serving Him. It is not about grand gestures or recognition. It is about seeing Christ in the faces of those who are hurting, lonely, or in need. Service is not always convenient and often requires a sacrifice of time, energy, and resources. However, it  can be as simple as a kind word, a home-cooked meal for a sick neighbor, or listening to someone who is struggling. It can also be the ...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES  Today, I had the privilege of moderating Legacy of Education Across Generations , a Black History Month celebration that honored the impact of educators and mentors across different generations. The event brought together an incredible panel featuring Kera Howard, Steven Jones, and Ludrenia Hagans-Shepherd. Each shared invaluable insights on the power of education, mentorship, and community leadership. This conversation was not just about the history of education but the ongoing legacy being shaped every day by dedicated educators and leaders. Each panelist brought a unique perspective on how education has evolved, the challenges faced by Black educators and students, and the importance of passing down knowledge and inspiration to future generations. This discussion was significant for me because of the personal impact Kera Howard has had on my journey. Throughout high school, she was a guiding influence, helping to shape my growth through her leadership and...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I recently received my cap and gown in the mail as I prepare to earn my master's degree later this year. It is impossible to process the idea that I will soon be finished with graduate school and well on my way to earning a doctoral degree. As I think about this, I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3: " There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven ." There is a time for everything, and right now, I am in the final stretch of my master's degree. Holding my cap and gown feels unreal, a reminder of how far I have come, but I am not done yet. Between now and May, I still have months of research ahead, diving deep into my work and pushing through the challenges that come with it. Grad school has tested my patience, faith, and determination, but every late-night and hard-earned lesson has brought me here. The thought of starting my doctoral journey next is both exciting and daunting, but I know this is just another step in...

Appalachian people work hard and continue to live a multigenerational struggle. Previous generations’ labor built metropolises they could never afford to see. Now, our people do not need a handout — they need a hand up. They need access to high-demand, high-paying careers. They need not just to get by but to get ahead. They need to reap the fruits of their hard-fought efforts.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Lord, I pray that You will lay your spirit down upon each flood survivor and their family this evening. Let them feel Your comfort and peace. Let them know that You shall never leave nor forsake them, even when it feels like the world around them is slipping out of their hands.  God, I ask that You provide us with the tools we need to help those around us who are hurting. Allow them to feel our camaraderie and equip us with a humble presence as Your hands and feet. Empower us to do all the good that is ours to do.  In alignment with Hebrews 11:1, allow us to live by faith: “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Let us spread Your eternal hope so that others might experience the same blessing we have as creatures walking in Christ. Let those we encounter find solace in Your presence, which is felt, not seen.  We thank You for the countless mercies You have given us. We thank You for your grace and love. We tru...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES When a crisis hits, it is easy for us to question, feel uncertainty, and ask whether any hope remains. Throughout the Bible and as part of our faith tradition, we see anguish and difficulty. However, we also know a story of care and redemption; we see a loving God who is there in our darkest hour. In eastern Kentucky, we see that light yet again as our community continues to recover from devastating flooding. Even in the middle of all this chaos, I can see small miracles happening every day. Walking down streets that were once overwhelmed by floodwaters, I see neighbors coming together, clearing debris, lending a hand, and praying side by side. Every little act of kindness reminds us that even when things feel really tough, hope is still there. I keep thinking about those comforting words from Psalms: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I see that promise in our community. Every sign of recovery shows that even our ...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, I keep returning to the words in Proverbs 4:25: "Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead." What a powerful thought! It is so easy to look back, to dwell on the past, to replay every hardship, loss, and struggle. The weight of what has been can feel impossible to shake. When disaster strikes, it is natural to want to look back at what was lost: the homes, belongings, and sense of security that were washed away by the floodwaters. But scripture calls us to something different: to look forward. That does not mean forgetting our past because our history, our struggles, and our stories matter. But we cannot live there. We cannot let the pain of yesterday steal the hope of tomorrow. During crises like the one we are experiencing, I can not help but think about the history of these mountains. Our people built this nation, quite literally, with the coal pulled from the ground by generations of miners. Their work kept the lights on in cit...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today took me back to Perry County, where I spent time working alongside my friend Kate Clemons and the team at Roscoe’s Daughter Inc . Their work in disaster recovery focuses on restoring hope and making sure families know they are not forgotten in the long, hard road ahead. Later this evening, I made my way to Buckhorn Lake State Park, where families are staying as they try to piece their lives back together. Children laugh and play, parents hold onto hope, and neighbors continue to check on one another. Even in the midst of uncertainty, love remains. As I reflect on today, I cannot help but think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you took care of me; I was in prison, and you visited me.” This work is about showing up for those who are hungry, thirsty, displaced, and hurting. ...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES We spent a good portion of our day at Riverside Christian School preparing an area that our Breathitt County Long-Term Recovery Team will use as a case management site to help families impacted by the recent flooding.  If you know me, you know that I am not much into manual labor. I am not a blue-collar worker; I do not like to get my hands muddy, and I am not the best with a shovel or any tool, for that matter. But that does not mean there is no work for me to do.  Today, I found myself moving boxes, wiping down surfaces, pushing mud, and clearing out space — small tasks, but ones that matter. Ultimately, it is not about who can use the tools the best. It is about showing up, doing what you can, and making sure the work gets done. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded: “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”  That is the beauty of community. Not everyone has to do the same job, bu...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today's reflection is simple: our people are the toughest of any, anywhere. I began my day in Perry County, where I met with my friend Kate Clemons to learn from her about the progress she is making as the leader of Roscoe's Daughter, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to assisting communities with disaster recovery across Appalachia. She understands the importance of strategic storytelling as we seek to share our challenges and successes. We will continue working to ensure the world sees how much strength we possess as a people. As I traveled through our community in Breathitt County later today, I witnessed resilience in action. I saw our local school district ensuring that children's needs were met, families working together to clear driveways and garages, and neighbors offering support in any way they could. The strength of our people is not just in their ability to endure hardship but in their willingness to lift one another in the midst of it. I saw h...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I am home to my dog and the community I love. I know tomorrow will be long, as will the days ahead. As Christians, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. But tonight, I need rest. Tomorrow, I will be up before the sun, ready to help. Because that is what we do.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Take a moment to pause. Feel your toes. Wiggle them if you need to. Feel your hands and your breath moving in and out. Hold it for a moment, then slowly release it.  Could you do it again? Let it remind you that you are still here, that your body, despite everything, is carrying you through. Right now, the weight of this disaster feels unbearable. The water has taken too much. It is not fair. But the pain is not something we can push down or ignore. So do not.  If you need to cry, allow yourself to cry. If you need to scream, then scream. If you need to sit in silence and let it all sink in, do that too. Grief is sacred. Jesus wept when He lost someone He loved. He did not brush it off or hide it behind a forced smile. He stood in the pain and allowed Himself to feel it fully.  If He, God in human form, could mourn so openly, then surely we can do the same. But grief is not where this story ends.  Even in the midst of devastation, love is movin...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As I sit here tonight, looking out at a snow-covered Tulsa, my mind is not here. It is nearly 700 miles away, back home in Breathitt County, where the water is rising again. My heart aches in a way I cannot quite put into words, one that comes from knowing my people, my home, are suffering, and I am not there to help. I think about Jesus's words in Matthew 5:45, how the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. I know this world is broken and that suffering comes to all, but I still find myself asking, “Why my people, Lord?” Why does it seem like the most heavy burdens are always laid on the shoulders of those who have already carried so much? Appalachia has been wrung dry by generations of struggle. And yet, the waters rise. Again. And again. I know God is a God of justice. I know He is a God of liberation. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, freed captives, and healed the broken. But when I look at the swollen creeks and rivers, I cannot help but ask, “...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Seven years ago today, on a day meant to spread love, Colton Ritchie, one of the greatest inspirations of my life, left this world far too soon.  His battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) was marked by strength, courage, and resilience. The average survival for those diagnosed with this cruel disease is only nine months, with just 10-percent living beyond two years.  Most who face this diagnosis are younger than seven years old. They fight with everything in them. They are strong. Yet, so often, they are denied the chance to reach life milestones, earn a driver’s license, walk across the stage at a high school graduation, or step into the future they dreamed of. We continue to advocate for children like Colton. We continue to fight for a cure. We continue to stand in solidarity with the families whose lives are forever changed by pediatric cancer.  Though Colton’s time on this earth was short, his impact was immeasurable. He touched co...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Earlier today, I found myself thinking about someone who has been on my mind for the past year yet again.  I never met my great-grandfather, Robert, but he holds a special place in my heart. A World War II veteran and eastern Kentucky coalminer, he embodied so many of the qualities we value in our mountains.  He shaped my grandfather into the man he is, and my grandfather helped shape me into the man I am. He knew that democracy mattered and that goodness must always prevail.  As I think about his legacy, I am reminded of Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” That inheritance is not just money or land. It is the lessons he passed down, the love he showed, and the way he lived his life. My great-grandfather Robert may have died in 1980, but his legacy is still here.  His legacy is in the choices I make, in the way I treat people, in the values I hold onto ...

Reading through Pew Research Center's latest findings, two headlines stood out to me: the American public remains split on whether past leadership decisions were beneficial, and a staggering 70% believe that COVID-19 deepened our divisions rather than brought us together. As a Christian, these statistics do not just speak to trends — they reveal something more profound about our nation's spiritual and relational state. The division is nothing new. Throughout history, people have struggled to find common ground, whether in families, communities, or entire nations. Even the early Church faced disagreements about how to live out Jesus's teachings. But what makes division so painful is that it often hardens our hearts, making it harder to listen, extend grace, and seek understanding. The pandemic, in particular, was a time when we had an opportunity to come together in love and care for one another. Instead, for many, it became a season of isolation — not just physically, but e...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Earlier today, I put a new set of sheets on my bed. They feel like a cotton shirt with just the right amount of stretch. Our lives offer many opportunities to stop and refresh. Sometimes, those moments involve putting new sheets on the bed. Sometimes, they come when we admit that we have not been on our A-game lately. There is no shame in that — it is so easy to get caught in what feels like a never-ending spiral of sameness. The same breakfast. The same routine. The same habits. However, each day is different, despite the ways we might approach things in the same way. Each sunrise carries new mercies, whether we acknowledge them or not. Some days, the refreshment is small — a deep breath before stepping into a familiar responsibility or a kind word received unexpectedly. On other days, it is as noticeable as the difference between worn-out sheets and a crisp, new set. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:6, "Therefore, we do not give up. Even though ou...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES The writing process is a beautiful one. I enjoy putting my words on paper because it provides me with a channel to let things go — and sometimes, that release is like lifting the weight off my shoulders. In John 8:32, scripture tells us, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." As I write, I work to tell the truth: one of a Gospel that loves, of a Jesus that uplifts, of an age-old resurrection story that was yesterday, is today, and will be tomorrow. Writing is my way of wrestling with the divine, of untangling the threads of grace woven through my life. Some days, I write from a place of deep knowing — an assurance that love is the very fabric of our being, the foundation on which everything rests. On other days, I write from the questions, from the tension, from the holy uncertainty that reminds me my faith was never meant to be stagnant. I used to think the truth was absolute and rigid. But the more I read the Gospels, the more I s...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Forward.    For the past few weeks, I have felt held back and even pulled back in some ways.    Life is not always easy, and it does not always feel like we are moving in the right direction. That is part of the difficulties of our existence. However, my grandmother always taught me that flowers do not grow on the mountaintop.   According to her sentiment, beauty comes from struggle, the difficult journey of climbing insurmountable obstacles in pursuit of the pinnacle. As we go about life, we climb and walk through the valleys.    Often, we find ourselves experiencing darkness in the valleys. However, the light is there.    As Amanda Gorman once said, "When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."   As a follower of Christ, I find myself resting on His promises ...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Rest is important.    Today, I spent a good portion of my time resting. I shared a Facebook post that said, "Hey sorry I missed your text I am processing a nonstop 24/7 onslaught of information with a brain designed to eat berries in a cave."    If you know me, you know that I am notoriously bad at responding to messages. I will not admit the number of text messages I have unread on my phone. It is not personal — it is part of the daily business in which I live.    Regardless, the more significant message in that Facebook post applies a lot to our current time. Information surrounds us. For the sake of our collective mental health, sometimes we must take time away from the news cycle and focus on what is in front of us at that very moment.    For me today, that consisted of finishing another book (my 12th for 2025), drinking lots of Diet Dr. Pepper on the rocks, napping, and doing pretty much nothing of importance or p...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Last night, I awoke in the middle of the night to a thought.  In our country, we have reached a culture of  us  vs.  them , a society of steep division perpetuated by the very leaders who should bring us together.  Despite attempts to pit us against one another, I am often reminded of Esphesians 6:12:  "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens." As Christians, we do not face battles against people who are different from ourselves. Instead, we face battles against the spirits of division, exclusion, and hatred that prevent us from caring for the least of these among us and reaching all people with the Gospel. Our enemies are not those of other identities, religions, or creeds. The world is not full of people to hate but neighbors to love.  The thought I had? Our leaders may be quick to ...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Disappointment.   We have all experienced it, and we have all felt like one from time to time — disappointing to our family, our friends, and those we hold most dear.    Even when you feel like you do not stack up, I encourage you not to lose hope. Our faith teaches us that disappointment is a normal occurrence, and during our times of disappointment, we have the opportunity to look up, shake it off, and keep growing stronger than before.    In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises to give us hope and a future. He promises that He does not intend to harm us.    Romans 8:28 provides us with insight in a similar fashion: "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."   I know that my perspective is tainted with positivity. The storms that struck eastern Kentucky today reminded me of how hard it is to trust in God during the storms — emotional and physical — we ...