WELL& JOURNAL

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I am writing this from the waiting room at Baptist Health Hamburg, where my mother is undergoing a stress test. It is a quiet moment and one that brings a great deal of reflection. Just last year, she appeared so well: clearly healthy, steady, strong.  But as the year ended and a new one began, her health slowly began to change. At first, it was subtle. Then, it became more noticeable: shortness of breath and chest pain. And now, we are here.  It reminds us that time moves around us, and sometimes, it does not tap us gently on the shoulder.  Sometimes, it arrives like a wave. We do not always have the chance to ease into change. Sometimes, it happens gradually, and we only notice when we stop and realize how much has shifted. If something feels off, even just a little, do not ignore it. Make an appointment. Pay attention to your body. Pay attention to your loved ones. There is nothing more responsible than seeking answers early.  There is...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES These past few weeks have been incredibly busy, and I have considered them a season of waiting.  As I approach the end of the semester, I am waiting to complete my degree and begin my doctoral program. As I cross items off my to-do list, I am waiting for a clearer schedule so I can focus on the long-term tasks ahead and not just live in the moment.  But these seasons are perfect for living in the moment. When I think back to just one year ago, the nostalgia that seems to come with it strikes me. It was not that long ago by any means, but it seems like a lifetime.   This world is fast, and life is, too. So, even in the seasons of waiting, I aim to make the most of it, show up for others, and continue making a difference. 

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Life is messy. We often search for meanings and reasons when sometimes there are none. “Ain’t no rhyme or reason, no complicated meaning. Ain’t no need to overthink it, let go laughing.” These words remind us that not everything must be understood. Some things are meant to be lived, not solved. Life is unpredictable, and trying to control every part of it only steals our joy. When we let go laughing, we accept the messiness and find peace in the middle of it.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES At the start of the year, I made it a goal to complete a few tasks each day: reading my Bible, reading a chapter in a book, making my bed, and journaling. For a good portion of the year's start, I kept with it, but I have slowly fallen out of the habit. I read Atomic Habits by James Clear earlier this year, and it serves as a reminder that good habits form after repetition. That repetition can come in the form of one small act each day toward improvement, not anything significant. So, when I mess up and skip a daily task, I remind myself that each day I am still making progress. Progress is not about perfection. It is about showing up, even if it is not every day, even if it is not flawless. Little by little, the small things add up. When I look back, I do not see the days I missed. I see the slow, steady work of becoming more disciplined, intentional, and grounded. That is worth celebrating, one small step at a time.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Somehow, I am sitting here as the semester comes to an end, and I really cannot believe it. On May 10, I will cross the stage at graduation and accept my master's degree.  I have spent two months completing a research project focused on learning in rural communities. When I first began my college journey in 2020, I remember looking forward to the day I would conduct my original research that others could use to frame their entry-level arguments.  Life has a way of coming full circle. As I prepare to begin my doctoral journey next, I remember this.  I remember the hope I carried into every class, the quiet determination I had to persevere when things became difficult, and my steadfast belief that authentic, meaningful learning opens doors not just for me but also for others. This degree is more than a piece of paper: it is a promise to continue asking questions, seeking answers, and working toward a future where students in every corner of ever...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Earlier today, we convened people from across the college I work for in one space. It was a meaningful opportunity to engage with others and learn together during a day full of professional development.  It is hard to believe I have been working at this college for over a year. I really enjoy what I do and where I do it: the same place my mother began teaching nearly 20 years ago.  This college has been a part of my family's story for a long time, and now it is part of mine in a way I could not have fully imagined when I was younger. Today was a great example of why I am proud to be here. In addition to professional development, we hosted our annual Going Pro Signing Day, a celebration of students entering the workforce in critical fields across our region.  It was powerful to watch our students officially step into the next chapter of their lives. Days like today remind me why education matters, not just in the classroom but also in the lives...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I do not feel like writing today. The words are not coming easily, and the motivation is difficult to find. Even simple sentences seem complicated to form. Tomorrow may be better, but for now, I am choosing to let this day pass quietly.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Academic research is a serious thing, but it is a lot like a good mystery story: you follow a trail of clues, ask questions no one else thought to ask, and chase answers that surprise you. Finding connections between ideas, testing one's hunches, and learning something new that could help real people is a thrill. It keeps the work exciting and meaningful for me, serving as a reminder that my curiosity has the power to make a real difference in the world. Whether it is digging through interviews or exploring old archives, research turns curiosity into discovery. When everything starts to come together, that is when the fun begins. Right now, I am working on a project that looks at crisis communication from the perspective of schools. The project focuses on how schools prepare for the unexpected and keep people informed when things go wrong.  Whether it is a weather delay, a safety concern, or a technology problem, schools must respond quickly, clearly, and cal...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Tonight, I helped lead the Breathitt County Academic Boosters Recognition Ceremony, celebrating students in grades 6 through 12 with a 3.5 GPA or higher, including my younger cousin, Will. Congratulations to all of our kids! Just six years ago, I sat in the crowd as one of the students being recognized. Now, I had the privilege of reading the names of the next generation. These students give me hope. In a county that has long faced hardship, their hard work and dedication remind us that real change is possible. However, it will not happen if we remain on the sidelines. If you are a young leader, this is the time to step forward. Our community needs more of us working together, sharing ideas, and building something better. If you have ever thought your voice does not matter here, please believe that it does. Our home is worth investing in. It requires all of us. Not in the future, but right now. We need young people who are willing to take a seat at the table, spe...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I got a new headlight assembly installed in my Subaru Outback today, and I had been excited about it, just like a kid waiting for a package.  The old one had gotten cracked last week, and every time I looked at it, it bugged me.  Now, the front end looks cleaner, sharper, and way more road-ready. It’s a small change, but it made my whole day.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES We enjoyed our morning at Hampton United Methodist Church! I woke up late and left the house late, but I still managed to make it right on time. Christ Jesus died for those of us who come barrelling into the church parking lot on Sunday mornings, imperfect humans who fall short every day yet recognize the beauty of His glory and the ways He works things out for our good. This Easter, I am grateful for the past year of dedicating my life to Him, allowing Him to work through me as His hands and feet, caring for the least of these, and striving to live out my faith. I often joke that I was born in Kentucky the first time but born again in Illinois at the Chicago Temple. My message to you is clear: Christ Jesus loves you and has plans for your life. Look past the noise in our world and step into a relationship with Him, because your salvation is yours to claim. There is nothing better!

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Not long before He was crucified, Jesus entered the temple, saw the moneychangers and merchants turning worship into profit, and, without hesitation, flipped their tables. As I think about it, I can see the coins scattering, the birds taking flight. That story is often told as a moment of righteous anger, but it was more than that. It was a protest and a warning, the clearest sign we have that Jesus was not interested in religion used for personal gain or exclusion. Here in the hills of eastern Kentucky, faith has long been our anchor. The Gospel was carried on calloused hands and preached in voices worn soft by coal dust. Our grandparents sang hymns in one-room churches and believed deeply in caring for one another, especially the widow, the orphan, the hungry, and the brokenhearted. That is the heritage we have inherited, the Gospel that held us up. But in recent years, something has shifted. We have watched as the name of Jesus has been weaponized for politics...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today is Good Friday. For many, it is a quiet day of reverence, a day to remember the sorrow and weight of the cross. Nearly 2,000 years ago, it ended as a day of mourning. Those who had walked with Jesus and believed in His promises stood in disbelief, their faith shaken, their hope seemingly lost. But what they could not see then, we know now: the story was not over. We live in a world marked by uncertainty. Division, illness, financial burdens, and oppression weigh heavily on hearts and communities. The pain feels persistent, and answers feel few. But in the middle of all this, we do not stand alone; we stand on a firm foundation. The resurrection that followed Good Friday reminds us that darkness does not have the final word. This hope is not abstract. It is living, active, and meant to be shared. As believers, we are called to be His hands and feet in a world desperate for compassion and truth. In our actions, our words, and even in our quiet prayers, we car...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I am looking forward to tomorrow's half-day. Finishing early and easing into a long weekend is always a welcome change of pace.  The extra time provides an opportunity to catch up on a few things, spend time with family, and get ready for the weekend’s plans. I hope to enjoy a quiet afternoon and make the most of the slower rhythm.  Holidays like this offer a chance to pause and be present, and I am grateful for the space to do so.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Some days move fast, but they are often the most rewarding. I started my morning dancing to Le Freak by Chic to celebrate HCTC Giving Day. Around 10:30 a.m., I presented at Morehead State University’s Celebration of Student Scholarship. I shared about a semester spent as a teaching assistant in undergraduate courses, learning alongside Dr. Donell Murray and growing into the kind of educator I hope to be: empathetic, present, and supportive. I am proud to be the fourth generation in my family to teach. That legacy reminds me that care matters more than perfection. Today was a reminder that even the busiest days are filled with joy. Working in higher education is a great blessing.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES When I was younger, I used to wonder what it felt like to be an adult. Not the part about freedom — most children understand that. The idea is that one can go where one wants, stay up as late as one wants, or eat dessert for breakfast simply because no one is there to say no. What I did not understand was the responsibility: What does it feel like to carry something meaningful? To answer to others? To shape a life that serves more than just yourself? Earlier today, while driving home from work, that childhood question returned. Only this time, it came with an answer. I had just finished a day doing what I love. I spent time on a beautiful college campus, had meaningful conversations with community members, and completed work that challenged me and left me feeling fulfilled.  In that quiet moment, I realized something: Being an adult is not only about the ability to choose your path, but it is also about choosing what kind of meaning you want your life t...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As I lay here in bed tonight without power, I am reminded of how dependent we have all become on the luxuries of modern life.  I have been frustrated ever since the power went out. My cell phone battery continues to creep lower, and my lantern does not show enough light. I have a to-do list mounted on my laptop that I cannot use due to an internet outage.  But in the end, none of those things truly matter. Nights like this are humbling because they require us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the real elements of the world around us, not those brought to life by technology.  Perhaps that is the lesson. When the screens go dark, and the silence settles in, we are reminded that resilience is not powered by electricity but by our ability to sit still, adapt, and find meaning in the quiet.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I spent the weekend at Pine Mountain, trading noise and busyness for stillness and space to write.  Most of my time was devoted to working on my master's thesis: hours of focused thought, broken only by long looks out over the mountains.  We walked to an overlook with a wide view of Pineville below, and we grabbed dinner at Sauced, a solid pizza spot in town.  The rest of the time was spent resting, watching the sky shift, and letting the quiet do what it does. It was a good trip. I hope to return to Pine Mountain State Resort Park soon. 

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES After spending several months last summer with BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky, I can tell you this: leadership looks like people from every walk of life coming together to learn, grow, and invest in their communities and in one another. Last summer, I joined a group of young professionals from across eastern Kentucky for what would become one of the most meaningful experiences of my adult life. When our class first met in July, there was a little nervous energy in the room, the kind that comes with stepping into something unfamiliar. But those nerves did not last long.  Almost immediately, we began building friendships that I believe will last a lifetime—no matter where life takes us or how many mountains lie between us. Of course, the BRIGHT program is about professional development. But it is also about so much more than that. It is about learning to listen well, speak honestly, and lead humbly.  We heard from individuals in long-term recovery who now work...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today is no different than yesterday. I opened my laptop again, hoping the thoughts would find shape. Instead, I sat still, watching the cursor blink and waiting for something to settle in my mind. The words feel just out of reach as if they are somewhere behind the noise of daily life. Earlier today, a rock busted out my driver’s side headlight. It was sudden and frustrating, the kind of moment that reminds you how fragile everything is. I was not expecting it. I was thinking about what I needed to do next. Then, it happened, and suddenly, I had to rearrange everything to deal with one more thing. It feels like that sometimes. Life keeps piling up: little problems, little disruptions, all pulling your energy and attention away from whatever quiet space you tried to make for yourself. It becomes harder to write when your mind is full of repair reminders and responsibilities. But I have learned to let the words come when they are ready. These quiet seasons are not...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Some days are hectic, and my mind is filled with so much more than writing anything of substance. I sit with the intention to write, but the words feel distant.  Thoughts come in waves, but they do not settle into anything steady. Life feels like a balancing act of family, friends, emotions, memories, and daily routines. It is all in motion, all the time. I know that the words will return; they always do. When life makes space again, even briefly, they will come quietly and surely. I have learned to be patient with the quiet seasons. They are not empty; they are simply preparing me for what comes next. So I will keep showing up, even in the stillness. And when the words are ready, I will be, too.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As William Bowling has long taught me,  “You ca’int put a price on a good meal.” Tonight, I joined him — my grandfather — for dinner at Cracker Barrel. We had biscuits and gravy, pancakes with extra syrup, sausage and eggs.  On the drive, we listened to music, old and new, including The Steeldrivers, and he told me stories I will never forget about the 1957 flood and the way life used to be. In our family, stories are not just memories, they are how we remember who we are. And you really  ca’int  put a price on that.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I have been listening to  Master of Me  by Keke Palmer on audiobook.  Even though we could not be more different demographically, "the gag is," many parts of her story echo pieces of mine.  Her reflections on identity, resilience, and the lifelong journey of becoming speak to something in me. There is beauty in that shared humanity, in finding common ground across race, place, and background. 

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Monday always shows up, whether we are ready or not. It has a way of pulling us back into the swing of things, even if we would instead hit snooze one more time.  The Diet Dr. Pepper gets poured, the emails start rolling in, and before we know it, the week is off and running.  There is something steady about it, though — like a little nudge that says, “Alright, let us try this again . ”  It might not be our favorite, but Monday brings a fresh start, and sometimes, that is precisely what we need.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, we said goodbye to my great-aunt Faye.  As we gathered to remember her, I could not help but think of Robert and Lorean Bowling, the roots of my family tree. Four of their children remain with us: Robert, Papaw William, Carolyn, and Kenneth.  Each carries a piece of the story forward, even as we feel the weight of this goodbye. In these Appalachian hills, family is both history and home and today, we hold close to both.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I spend a good portion of my time excited about taking a nap. I love doing, going, and marking items off my to-do list. I enjoy spending time with those I love. But I also enjoy rest. Naps provide me with the respite I need. I do not believe rest and productivity are enemies. A nap is not laziness; it is preparation. It gives me the reset I need to keep going, doing, and loving well. Sometimes, the most productive thing I can do is rest.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Not everything is meant to be. That truth hits differently when you are doing your best to hold it all together, and life keeps piling on. For folks living on the margins, it can feel like nothing ever lines up.  The job falls through, the help never shows, and the dream fades out. The frustration is intense, and so is its weight. It is hard to keep going when the world seems set up against you.  But still, many do, and they do it with a quiet faith that the world rarely honors: a belief that God sees what others miss.  That even when it does not make sense, and even when it is not fair, He is near.  Not everything is meant to be, but that does not mean you are forgotten. 

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES The wheels on a car turn in steady circles, always moving forward even when the road bends or becomes rough. That may be how we go about life as well.  We rotate through seasons, responsibilities, and choices, not always knowing the full path but trusting the movement. Like tires gripping the pavement, we bear our burdens, absorb the impact, and continue onward.  When we feel stuck or as though we are spinning in place, sometimes all it takes is a bit of traction, a little faith, and steady perseverance to begin moving again.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, I wore blue, not because I had to, not because it was a theme, a dress code, or something to check off a list. I wore blue because some of my very favorite people experience the world in beautiful, intricate, and significant ways.  Today, I wanted to honor that. April is Autism Awareness Month. While awareness is just a starting point, it is an important one. It opens doors to understanding. It invites people to listen better, see more fully, and care more deeply. Autism is not a problem to fix. It is a way of being in the world. It is a spectrum of strengths and challenges, sensitivities and surprises, deep focus and bright creativity.  For the people I love, it is simply who they are, not something apart from them, just them. And I would not want them any other way. So today, I wore blue for the conversations that still need to happen, for the acceptance that should go beyond a single month on the calendar, for the parents and caregivers w...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES There are days when the world feels like it is spinning faster than I can catch up.  The calendar overflows, the emails stack up, and the expectations, both spoken and unspoken, weigh heavy.  I find myself in a fog of tasks and to-dos, pulled in every direction by urgent matters. In the thick of that busyness, I often feel overwhelmed, as if I am standing still while everything else moves around me. It is disorienting, confusing, and even exhausting. Strangely enough, it is in these moments when I feel most stretched thin that I also think God’s presence is the strongest. Not because everything is easy, quiet, or perfect. But because of the chaos, I am reminded that I cannot do any of this alone. I am reminded to pause, breathe, and listen. The busyness I face is not always a sign that I am off track. Sometimes, it is actually the evidence that I am on the path He has called me to, a byproduct of walking purposefully, of stepping into the work He h...