Miracle Mindset

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Like many towns in central Louisiana, Bunkie was once thriving; however, today it is merely a shadow of its former self. Prosperity in Bunkie appears to depend on which side of the Union Pacific Railroad one is on. If you're on the west side, you are still hanging on by a thread; if you are on the east side of the tracks, you find yourself in a literal ghost town. This area is marked by an endless row of failed businesses and abandoned buildings. Unfortunately, the business district is gone and will likely never return.

 Photo by Ken Hulsey - Another sad day in Louisiana - Taken in Lecompte. Today, I want to share a few things that reflect my feelings. If you came here to find something inspirational, I don’t have it today. Sorry. If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather. Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.” ― Stephen Fry

Written By Ken Hulsey On this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor my uncle, U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Erskin Leon Hulsey. He was shot down during a bomber mission over Germany, and his remains were never recovered. According to a letter from the Adjutant General of the United States Army, Leon (as he was known to family) was piloting a B-26 Marauder medium bomber on a raid targeting a German factory complex on December 6, 1944. At approximately 3:30 PM, the plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near the German town of Düren.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey This morning, I decided to wake up before the rooster crowed to capture the Memorial Day sunrise over England Air Force Base Heritage Park in Alexandria, Louisiana. The park features many of the jet fighters flown by the pilots of the famed 'Flying Tigers' who were stationed here from the late 1940s until the base closed in 1992. Watching the light gradually illuminate these majestic machines brought to mind the hundreds of service men and women who woke at first light to prepare to fight and die for our country in the skies, on the high seas, and on countless battlefields around the globe.

The Origins of Memorial Day: A Day to Remember and Honor Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend to kick off the summer season; it is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The roots of this important day stretch back to the aftermath of the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history and necessitated the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.

Imagine you’ve just discovered the best sandwich shop in town. You can’t help but tell your friends about it! Sharing your excitement about a yummy sandwich is a lot like sharing the Good News of the Gospel: it’s all about spreading joy and great news to others. Everyone has something to say, and in this case, what we have to share is truly life-altering.

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey This past Saturday, I spent the afternoon exploring the grounds of the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, Louisiana. The museum is situated on the site of the former Long Leaf Sawmill Complex, which was one of many mill complexes in the region. While the mill itself is fascinating to explore, I chose to focus on the old facilities of the Red River and Gulf Railroad on this gloomy day.

Photos and Story by: Ken Hulsey It’s interesting how certain places from our past stick in our memory. Recently, I have been reminiscing about my time in the northern Texas farming town of Vernon from 1974 to 1978. One landmark that stands out in my mind is the Gibson's department store located just off the Highway 287 frontage road. Like many retail and five-and-dime stores of its time (pre-Walmart and Target for you younger folks), Gibson's offered a little bit of everything—clothes, hardware, household goods, and toys.

Photo & Story by Ken Hulsey As human beings, we weren't designed to keep all of our love, talents, and blessings to ourselves. There is a real sense of purpose in spreading all of those things around. As a Christian, are you required to be perfect? No, of course not. It also doesn't give you an excuse to indulge in unhealthy behavior either. How do you get the balance right? Life will throw you curve balls, place hurdles and pitfalls in your path. There is a way to navigate around and over these issues that can strengthen you and ultimately lead you to a purpose for your life that will be better than you could ever imagine!