Originally published in Athens Now, September 4–17, 2026. What faith does it take to begin a race when you know the finish line is still miles away? Watching young runners give everything they have to finish a cross-country race reminded me of something much bigger than running. Our own faith journey requires perseverance, endurance, and trust in God—even when we are tired and the finish line seems far away. In this month's Carissa's Corner, I reflect on what it means to keep pressing toward...

As I dropped my son off in the carline, he turned around before walking in and signed, “I love you.” As a child with unique challenges, we were told he might experience some speech delays. So as early as 3 months old, I began teaching him baby sign language. By 6 months old, he was already mimicking the signs. Though he doesn’t use sign language anymore, he occasionally signs “I love you” when distance prevents our voices from reaching each other. And, every single time, it gets me right in...

Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble. And he brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so, He guides them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30 (NKJV) As a young child, I looked forward to spending a week of summer with my friends at our church’s overnight camp. The site, located along beautiful lake Guntersville in North Alabama, epitomized everything you would expect from a rustic campground...