By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022
In a year full of major headlines, these were the biggest ones. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Journalists for The Christian Chronicle traveled across the United States — and around the world — to cover important news during 2022. Ranking the Top 10 stories of the year is highly subjective. But these are my choices: Read the full story. This story appears in the online … Continue reading From Ukraine to Uvalde, The Christian Chronicle’s Top 10 news stories of 2022
Gerald Romine says he ‘never saw any reason to leave’ the Roanoke Church of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ROANOKE, Ala. — In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The Soviet Union stunned the world with the launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. And football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant decided to leave Texas A&M for his … Continue reading Still the one: Alabama preacher marks 65 years with the same congregation
Longtime administrator retiring after transforming a once-struggling nursing home in Ohio. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DELAWARE, Ohio — In 1974, Larry Harris was working as a salesman and training to become a manager for Glick Furniture Co., then the largest furniture retailer in central Ohio. That’s when Frank Chappell, a fellow member of the Northland Church of Christ in Columbus, approached Harris about a different … Continue reading Growth marks senior living CEO’s nearly half-century tenure
Emotions overwhelm as family and friends celebrate young couple’s marriage. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m not crying. You’re crying. Actually, everybody seemed to be crying. The Rosses and the Steeleys, it seems, are a sentimental bunch. What better reason to let the tears flow, though, than watching two young people commit their lives to each other? My middle child, Keaton, recently married Paige … Continue reading Love and joy: Tears flow at son’s wedding
For vacationer, first time on a ship provides important reminders. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — God’s creation is amazing and even breathtaking. That’s true all the time. But sometimes I need reminding. My wife, Tamie, and I recently joined our son Brady, daughter-in-law Mary and grandchildren Bennett, 4, and Norah, 1, on a Caribbean cruise. In my 55 years, I’ve helicoptered across Israel, ridden a train … Continue reading Bon voyage: Lessons learned on a cruise
The Religion News Association has announced the winners of the 2022 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. I am honored to be among the recipients. I won second place for reporting at magazines and non-daily newspapers. Winners were recognized Wednesday night in a ceremony at Columbia Journalism School in New York City. My portfolio features these stories from the 2021 contest period: • “At Tulsa massacre’s … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored with RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence
LAWTON, Okla. — I’ve been blessed to win a number of awards from the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists over the last 30 years. In 2021, I was surprised to win the first-place prize for best reporter. This past weekend, I was honored to place in five categories in the 2022 awards, given for work produced last year. The winners were announced in a ceremony … Continue reading Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists honors Bobby Ross Jr. with five awards
For a 75-year-old senior living ministry associated with Churches of Christ, COVID-19 problems accelerated financial difficulties. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Natalie Walters | The Christian Chronicle MESQUITE, Texas — In telling her life story, Sabrina Porter starts with her troubled childhood. She recounts the sexual abuse she endured from age 4 until she turned 11. “I didn’t know God,” she said. “I grew up in a … Continue reading In Texas, CEO leads Christian Care Centers through bankruptcy and sale
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 