Category: Alabama

Alabama, Children, Economics, Healthcare, Home, Justice, Poverty, Story

Coalition Launches NO KID WITHOUT A BED Initiative

Gary Furr

The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children and Perry County School System Launch NO CHILD WITHOUT A BED. Community partners seek donations, sponsors, and volunteers to help provide safe sleeping spaces for children and strengthen family well-being across Perry County The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children (ACHMC), in partnership with the Perry County School System, is proud to announce the launch of the Perry County No Child Without a Bed project , a countywide program to by provide beds for children who do not have one. The initiative was strengthened by a generous grant of $20,000 by the Mark Cuban Foundation.  Mr. Cuban … Continue reading Coalition Launches NO KID WITHOUT A BED Initiative

Alabama, change, Citizenship, Culture, Disease, Ethics, Healthcare, Institutions, Leadership, Poverty, Sickness and Health, Story, Theology and Life1 Comment

Taking Care of Our Own

Gary Furr

A friend mentioned to me recently that an out of state visitor saw our Alabama state motto, WE DARE TO DEFEND OUR RIGHTS on a sign and asked if it had been put there as a prank. No, he was told, that is really our motto. If you have lived here for a long time, you understand that we resist when others challenge us, no matter how well intentioned. Determination can help us in life, but it can work against you as life changes. I’d like to add another one: WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN. Two friends and I … Continue reading Taking Care of Our Own

Alabama, Blessing1 Comment

The Difference One Life Makes

Gary Furr

Recently, I was asked to give remarks at a retirement dinner for Frances Ford of Perry County, an extraordinary person whose passion to rebuild healthcare in Perry County has inspired thousands of people from around the nation who came to help. In 2016, Frances was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame. Permit me to quote that article: Citing her faith in God and the influence of her parents, Ford said she is guided by the principles of “giving back, helping others, and [showing] the love of Christ”. Throughout her career, Ford has followed a deep calling to make … Continue reading The Difference One Life Makes

Alabama, Children, Citizenship, Family, Family, Uncategorized2 Comments
Sticky post

Helping Alabama’s Children

Gary Furr

Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers and Children This Giving Tuesday, consider making a small donation to help mothers and children in Alabama receive the help they need to live happy, healthy lives. Our website and app are designed to provide information and access to food banks, diaper banks, clothes, and other vital resources. Join us in supporting the women and children of Alabama. EVERY dollar will go to the work of spreading our effort to connect all faith-based and public organizations help give easier access to information and help to the public so that we may improve the health of … Continue reading Helping Alabama’s Children

Alabama, Americana, Art, creation, Environment, humanity, Pat Terry, Songwriting, spirituality, Stewardship, Story5 Comments
Sticky post

Someplace Green

Gary Furr
IMG_20190427_073604
Looking out from my office desk, to someplace green.

My friend Pat Terry is one of my favorite singer-songwriters, ever.  After a long and successful career in contemporary Christian music, he widened his vision and writing. A successful career in country music as a writer followed, with plenty of hits. He just came out with his latest CD, “How Hard It Is to Fly,” and it’s another great batch of songs.  One of my newest favorites, “Clean Starched Sheets” is on this one.

Pat’s heart has always been as a storytelling songwriter.  I have been in a couple of his workshops, and he is a master craftsman. I’ve performed with him a time or two here in Birmingham, and I’ve gone more than once to hear him sing. His songs are deeply human.  One of my favorites and one of the first I ever heard him perform (while opening for Earl Scruggs!) was “Someplace Green.” It sends me to visions of Eden.

Back in my hometown, everything’s green,

green grass, green leaves, green peaches on the trees in spring. Continue reading “Someplace Green”