“I attended elementary schools that had a bilingual program up until fourth grade. That’s when I transitioned to all English at San Jacinto Elementary. I remember it being a shock. I went from doing very well in class and being very verbal to going into … Continue readingBilingual student lived in two different worlds
When he’s not singing or serving as a church worship leader, Brandon Williams is performing in live shows and recording music. He’s working on his second album, “Rebel Heart,” with songs that address social issues. “It attempts to bring hope in a world that seems … Continue readingSocial issues at heart of Brandon Williams’ songs
“The church I was at was doing this open mic night, and the theme was awkward. I was super awkward in junior high and high school, and I’m still kind of awkward now. So I thought, if I could say something to my awkward self, … Continue readingThe Pickup Line Song: Help for the awkward
“In the predawn hours of Sunday, August 27, I decided that I would peek outside. The torrential rains from Harvey had been pounding for several hours. Supposedly my house is not in the floodplain, but I poked my head out to see water halfway between … Continue readingWake-up call: cheese, cell service not that important
“I was pretty well known in junior high for my athletic ability. I’m not conceited, but people would tell me, ‘You’re tall, dark and handsome. Why shouldn’t a girl like you?’ I said, ‘Well, you don’t know me.’ “I never liked myself. I was real … Continue readingChurch journey leads to change for former bad boy
“Like so many people, I got my start in music through church. From the time we could hold a microphone, Mom was having us sing for the Lord. We learned instruments, took piano lessons, and were even trained at a young age by music educators … Continue readingSong tells story of what it’s like to move on in life
“I don’t think you can be a counselor and not draw on your own life experiences. At least, I couldn’t. “I grew up in a dysfunctional home in a military family. I’ve had a daughter who was very ill. I’ve had all of the things … Continue readingLife experiences help make her a better counselor
“I’m one of the lay pastors with the Community of Hope at our church. We visit our sick people, and sometimes we get names of others who just need someone to come see them. “Some of them get very few visitors or none at all. … Continue readingLay pastor lends an ear to those in need
“I can’t say that I’ve had many bad things happen in my life. I’ve always been a blessed person. Because of that, I try to give back to the community as much as I can. My parents instilled it in me, so I want to … Continue readingHe’s not a complainer; he’s a community helper
“It’s a very busy world that we live in, and we sometimes seem to put God on the back burner. Most moms work these days, so we’re trying to help them be able to go home, get their kids ready, come to church, have a … Continue reading‘Cafeteria ladies’ keep those hot meals coming