Memphis, Spring 2011

It's been an amazing spring in Memphis. Our city—so often plagued by the poor self esteem of your average 7th grader—is bouncing back. Honestly, I don't know if you can call it a bounce. We've been down a minute, as we say here; and by "minute" we mean 'round about 1878, when the yellow plague hit. All of that only makes the recent surge of hope feel all the more powerful.

THE BASKETBALL: Our basketball team displayed amazing heart—and the fans displayed just as much spirit. And I know none of you are silly enough to think sports don't matter. If you are, just be quiet and go watch Hoosiers.

Photo credit: www.espn.com

THE RIVER: Our river is stunning as ever, and despite some drama queen national news outlets, we're perfectly fine here in the Bluff City. That doesn't discount those who are hurting as a result of the flooding--and thanks to loving churches and a city government that is paying attention to all the right things for the first time in a long time, I know that those who are hurting are also receiving assistance.

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, and one more thing: President Obama dropped in to visit a school that many of us love, in the neighborhood where I'm blessed to work.

Photo credit: http://blackwaterdog.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/be-still-my-beatin-heart/

I love Memphis. And, girls, since this is all for you—I pray that when you read this it baffles you. Because I have a hunch that you'll be mostly unaware of the inferiority complex and the stifling past. You're just going to know the beauty that's being forged from those things.