Volunteering is a way to give back to my community, to serve something greater than myself. It is important to make a difference in my community, to see people grow, inspire others to chase their […]
Category: Storytellers
Mona Bates
Victory Mission + MinistrySpringfield, Missouri I poked my head inside my father’s bedroom door. “Can I come in,” I asked. He gestured for me to sit beside him. Retired for the evening, he was reclined […]
Renie McClay
Give 5Springfield, Missouri After many years living away in Chicago, I returned to Springfield. My son moved to campus when he started college, so I was able to say, “Where do I want to live?” […]
Courtney Barr
As an occupational therapy practitioner, I recognize play as a meaningful part of life for all individuals. Play is a way in which a person can experience the world around them, explore social roles, and […]
A Year Of Playing Catch
by Ethan Bryan I am relatively art illiterate. I know the Mona Lisa and Monet’s Water Lilies and Warhol’s soup cans, though I’m not sure exactly why the soup cans are considered art. words + photographs ETHAN BRYAN I […]
Kelsey Kleier
There’s a playful piece of my personality I just can’t shake. Racing my pastor down the aisle of the church sanctuary just to try and beat him to the stage. Hiding under my desk to […]
Mary Floyd
When was the last time you played? In today’s society, play is considered unproductive. Our lives are controlled by time, jobs, and the never ending to-do lists. Play is thought of as an activity only […]
Piper Wright
Play matters. I would even go as far as saying play is crucial to my well-being. Play has been such an important aspect of every single stage of my life, and I am a better […]
Rob Blevins
Us adults have a problem. We really like to talk about how long it’s been since we’ve played with LEGOs, a baseball, a video game — played with anything, actually: “Oh gee, I haven’t thrown […]
Christina Ford
If I could label this season for me, it would be titled “Reflection.” During this time, I’ve asked myself “How did I get here?” Not in a negative undertone, but really, “How did I get […]
Cheryl Nold
During my freshman year at Republic High School, I filled out a career questionnaire, the kind that helps you determine what your future career might look like based on the answers you give. words + […]
John Black
We have all heard the saying, “Change is hard!” I really dislike that saying, because truth be told, change isn’t hard at all. In fact, change is really quite easy. It’s the decision to change […]
Regina Lyons
The call came late, so I listened to the message the next morning. Three sisters, ages 9, 14, and 15, were currently staying in a group home. Finding a foster home willing to take an […]
Homegrown Journal 