By Jenna Fleming
Writer/Member, Union Avenue Baptist Church

It was a year ago that I miscarried our third child. A strong heartbeat one week became faint and irregular a couple weeks later. The ultrasound room was darker than normal on that day. I have two healthy girls, and I know how a “normal” pregnancy is supposed to go, so when the ultrasound tech struggled to find my baby’s heartbeat only to call my doctor in, it was new and shocking for me. A positive pregnancy test should result in a live baby. Right?!

Fast forward to late summer. I got another positive pregnancy test, but I was prepared this time. Guarded. My former naïve optimism was now a cautious longing for a good outcome, i.e. healthy, live baby. This time, though, I didn’t even make it to my first OB appointment. I miscarried at home and relived the grief I had earlier that spring.

I wanted answers. A solution. [Read more…]

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

When we think of Easter, usually two images come to mind — the Cross and the empty tomb.

Both are important and are visual reminders of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for you and me.

My personal favorite is that of the empty tomb.

The empty tomb symbolizes our hope for eternity. [Read more…]

By Randy C. Davis
TBC Executive Director

I’ll never again drive across the overpasses heading into downtown Chattanooga without thinking about Tree Man Smith, God’s determined love for the destitute, and the Cooperative Program.

Tree Man — or “Tree” as his friends call him — is homeless and has been since 2004. The refuge taken under Chattanooga’s many overpasses has been his only protection from the elements. Tree is nicknamed “Tree Man” because he ran a tree removal service for a number of years.

But the line between the Haves and Have Nots is thinner than you might think. A blown engine rod in his truck, clients that didn’t pay, and stolen tools is all it takes to go from scratching out a living to clawing for survival. Tree is definitely a survivor. [Read more…]