Spring 2023 | Redefined

The old timers in North Carolina have a saying, "Don't put up your winter blankets until after Easter." While in seminary, I pastored a small church in the middle of the Research Triangle of Raleigh-Durham. Sorrell's Grove Baptist church was located between a Cracker Barrell and an office complex and right across from the mall. It was there that folks like Mr. Jesse Marsh (I knew where he lived because his mailbox didn't need a number, it was the only one left on his side of the street, and the mailbox read Jesse) introduced this boy from the deep south to a new term, "Blackberry Winter." 

Blackberry Winter refers to the last cold snap before spring. It is incredible how cold 50 degrees feels with the wind blowing when we have already had an early taste of spring. It's a reminder that spring is almost here, but it is not yet here. 

Already; not yet. That phrase fills the tension of the in-between.

First Baptist Starkville is Living Sent, and we have yet to see the full potential of what it means for all our cylinders to fire on this vision. As you will see from this issue of Redefined, we celebrate the stories of sending and prayerfully will see the Lord give us more momentum to move deeper into "Sent." Live Sent is an easy formula but a formula that covers all of our lives, every moment of our lives - We follow Jesus and invite others to come along. 

This time is our Blackberry Winter, but spring is already here, even if it is not yet here. 

Dr. Andy Brown

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