Every Tuesday and Thursday, I have Dr. Robin Scott's class, "Classroom Leadership." She models for us what good classroom leadership looks like...and that includes "Good Things." She turns on Chaka Khan and we all sing "Tell me something good...tell me that you love me..." and then we take turns announcing "Good Things." So in the spirit of Chaka Khan, here are 8 good things about Memphis.
1. Memphis is a little like Cairo...it was designed by James Winchester who was enamored of Ancient Egyptian Memphis and wanted to re-create a little Egypt in the mid-south. Both cities have a pyramid (!), both are located on the eastern side of a pretty major river, and both have toasty temperatures in the summertime. Native Memphians would say that, like Cairo, Memphis has crazy traffic. If you've actually lived in Cairo, you will understand why I think Memphis has no traffic at all.
2. Memphis is SO GREEN! I loved Cairo, but I missed the greenness of North Carolina. My apartment complex has a delightful lawn right out in front of my flat. 5 out of 7 afternoons of the week I can be found studying underneath "my" tree on that lovely lawn. Greenness is so good for the soul.
3. I'm not a big Elvis fan, but Memphis has some pretty amazing musical history and culture. I've toured the Stax museum, visited the craziness that is Graceland (!), and enjoyed an evening on Beale St...the musical heritage is rich.
4. Memphians LOVE Memphis. I love the commitment that people have to living out the gospel in this city.
5. The racial tensions in the city run high. Segregation, structural poverty, hatred, and division run deep. But where there are deep wounds, grace runs deeper and the beauty of love and forgiveness can be lived out in profound ways. What a privilege to see how God is mobilizing his church in Memphis to be ambassadors of reconciliation. It's incredible to be a part of this.
6. Bar-b-que. I hail from North Carolina, but I am NOT a fan of Carolina BBQ. Memphis BBQ, however, is an entirely different story. They do this crazy thing called BBQ Nachos, which involves BBQ, nacho cheese, jalapenos, and BBQ sauce over tortilla chips. It's a health tragedy, and should probably not be enjoyed at a rate of more than once a year if one hopes to live past the age of 70, but it is SO GOOD.
7. Tea...I am NOT a fan of southern sweet tea. It is not of God. Memphis is definitely southern, but every time I've been served tea here, it has been unsweetened. YES!
8. WATER! I love that the river is so close. Water is so good for the soul.
1. Memphis is a little like Cairo...it was designed by James Winchester who was enamored of Ancient Egyptian Memphis and wanted to re-create a little Egypt in the mid-south. Both cities have a pyramid (!), both are located on the eastern side of a pretty major river, and both have toasty temperatures in the summertime. Native Memphians would say that, like Cairo, Memphis has crazy traffic. If you've actually lived in Cairo, you will understand why I think Memphis has no traffic at all.
2. Memphis is SO GREEN! I loved Cairo, but I missed the greenness of North Carolina. My apartment complex has a delightful lawn right out in front of my flat. 5 out of 7 afternoons of the week I can be found studying underneath "my" tree on that lovely lawn. Greenness is so good for the soul.
3. I'm not a big Elvis fan, but Memphis has some pretty amazing musical history and culture. I've toured the Stax museum, visited the craziness that is Graceland (!), and enjoyed an evening on Beale St...the musical heritage is rich.
4. Memphians LOVE Memphis. I love the commitment that people have to living out the gospel in this city.
5. The racial tensions in the city run high. Segregation, structural poverty, hatred, and division run deep. But where there are deep wounds, grace runs deeper and the beauty of love and forgiveness can be lived out in profound ways. What a privilege to see how God is mobilizing his church in Memphis to be ambassadors of reconciliation. It's incredible to be a part of this.
6. Bar-b-que. I hail from North Carolina, but I am NOT a fan of Carolina BBQ. Memphis BBQ, however, is an entirely different story. They do this crazy thing called BBQ Nachos, which involves BBQ, nacho cheese, jalapenos, and BBQ sauce over tortilla chips. It's a health tragedy, and should probably not be enjoyed at a rate of more than once a year if one hopes to live past the age of 70, but it is SO GOOD.
7. Tea...I am NOT a fan of southern sweet tea. It is not of God. Memphis is definitely southern, but every time I've been served tea here, it has been unsweetened. YES!
8. WATER! I love that the river is so close. Water is so good for the soul.
The good thing I think of today is that my oldest granddaughter is pursing a noble calling-the teaching of the youth who will be part of the future of our country. The other good thing is that she is so many miles closer to "home". Looking forward to seeing you "soon". Love you, Granma Shelley
ReplyDeleteThanks Granma!! Now that I'm closer to home, you need to come visit! Love you SO much!
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