Growth marks senior living CEO’s nearly half-century tenure
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
Love and joy: Tears flow at son’s wedding
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
Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press BULL HOLLOW, Okla. — Ryan Mackey quietly sang a sacred Cherokee verse as he pulled a handful of tobacco out of a zip-close bag. Reaching over a barbed wire fence, he scattered the leaves onto the pasture where a growing herd of bison — popularly known as American buffalo — grazed in northeastern Oklahoma. The offering represented a reverent act of thanksgiving, … Continue reading Bison’s relocation to Native lands revives a spiritual bond
Bon voyage: Lessons learned on a cruise
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
Faith and politics: 5 key religion storylines in the 2022 midterm elections
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. COZUMEL, Mexico — I spent much of the past week on a Caribbean cruise, enjoying a vacation with my family. Upon my return to the U.S., … Continue reading Faith and politics: 5 key religion storylines in the 2022 midterm elections
Bobby Ross Jr. honored with RNA Award for Religion Reporting Excellence
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
Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists honors Bobby Ross Jr. with five awards
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
ReligionUnplugged.com wins 10 awards in Editor & Publisher’s 2022 Eppy Awards
ReligionUnplugged.com won five first-place honors and five runner-up recognitions in Editor & Publisher’s 2022 Eppy Awards. The online magazine’s awards included best entertainment/cultural news website and best home page design. I write ReligionUnplugged.com’s “Weekend Plug-in” column, featuring analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. My column, published each Friday, is a fixture on the home page. Congrats to executive editor Paul … Continue reading ReligionUnplugged.com wins 10 awards in Editor & Publisher’s 2022 Eppy Awards
In Texas, CEO leads Christian Care Centers through bankruptcy and sale
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. 