Angela Barentine warrants an early mention among those who have helped me along the way. After reading my short book, Lessons From The Ladder, she asked if I would be interested in writing a weekly column for the Cordele Dispatch. 

A weekly feature had appeal but I wasn’t sure I had the skill, so I talked to Clay Mercer, a prolific author whose advice I knew would be free. “Write ten columns and see how it goes,” he suggested. “If you can’t write ten, you should probably leave it alone.” That was seven years ago. 

Angela later became editor at The News Observer in Dooly County, creating a second outlet for Joiner’s Corner. Clay amusedly congratulated me on becoming syndicated, a term which apparently allows exaggeration.   

Our daughter, Erin, set up the Joiner’s Corner blog for publishing stories online. She kept posting them until eventually teaching an old dog a new trick. I had forgotten that Seth, our son, created a website years earlier by the same name. He had posted several of my stories, but I was busy with work and never added to it. They each deserve credit for technical assistance at different times.

Carrie, our other daughter, has been a good source for checking my faulty memory. She recalls details from decades back more accurately than I do. Our grandchildren get credit for inspiring better efforts in my writing and living. I hope something I’ve penned might someday be deemed worth sharing with the next generation.     

About six years ago I sent dozens of emails to Georgia-based newspapers, asking if they were interested in the column. Most didn’t respond or politely declined. A few thankfully said they would run it when space allowed.

Adding The Houston Home Journal extended coverage to a third county along I-75 in my local area. The Herald Journal in Greensboro gave Joiner’s Corner its sole spot in North Georgia.

Len Robbins covers a big area of South Georgia with his publications. He added five counties and their local papers to my potential readers including Clinch, Atkinson, Lanier, Brooks, and Echols. I’ve received some welcome feedback from Quitman to Homerville.

Valori Moore, owner, editor, and chief of everything at The Taylor County News warrants a wheelbarrow of kudos. After reading my sample column she said she loved it but couldn’t afford something of that quality. That tickled a hobby writer whose mantra is, “It’s free and it’s worth it.” Val has remained a source of ongoing encouragement.

To those editors who took a chance on an unknown writer with sketchy credentials, I am deeply appreciative. The opportunities you allowed have been a blessing plus helped open other doors. 

Dr. Gerald Harris, longtime editor of The Christian Index, boosted my confidence by running multiple columns in that storied publication. Scott Barkley took over when Dr. Harris retired and continued to include submissions. Open Windows, a Lifeway publication, invited me to write two series of devotionals, a challenging but affirming experience.

Cotton Farming has been a good ally, running several columns that fit their needs. Georgia Magazine gave me statewide exposure a couple of times. It’s uplifting when professionals think something I’ve penned is worth sharing again.

Thank you to all those who gave me the privilege of telling their stories. And thanks to the many readers who were generous with kind words. Some posted comments, emailed, or texted. Others called, sent a note, or gave me a pat on the back.

Lord willing, I’ll keep writing but not on a schedule. Earlier columns are on the website and you’re welcome to share them. Joiner’s Corner is still free and hopefully still worth it.

In the movie Forrest Gump the lead character unexpectedly stops running his cross-country trek. The hushed crowd who had joined him waited to hear what he’d say, but Forrest didn’t have anything to offer. He was just tired. 

That scene came to mind as I pondered in vain for clever parting lines. Writing a weekly column has been a wonderful experience, but lately it’s felt like I’m running on fumes. Maybe I’ll find some inspiration while spending more time near my favorite stream. 

My heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone who has helped me along the way. Hopefully I’ll be back someday with a little more to say. The past seven years have gone by really fast, so I’m slowing the pace before I run out of gas.