Where I Come From 2024

Ignore that fancy word. Juxtapositon. It simply means comparing and contrasting. How is an orange like an apple?  How is it different. It’s a big part of how my mind works as I take three steps daily: Being curious Being Amazed. Being Moved to tell a story.     Many times my stories are about these amazing things and how they …

Tough or Hard   In front of me are three objects: a brick, a piece of leather, and a hammer. These make for a wonderful lesson. However, this story is not about the hardness of a brick, toughness of leather, or the pain of the hammer blow. This is a story about somebody. Objects don’t move us—but people do. Watching …

A word from Curt Today is a travel day Up Country. Upcountry is that part of Uganda above the Nile River. It’s Wild. Open. Rustic. Beautiful. Frustrating. Pray for Charlie, Shane, and me as we travel. I can’t wait to show Shane Wilber this spot on the road north.   David Platt is the new leader of our organization, the …

        A word from Curt Truth.  It’s knowing the facts.  Seeing for yourself.  It’s the theme of this story. You’ll meet Oscar. And his dad. And a new word.  Ground truthing.   We’re posting chapters from our new ebook,  Trampled Grass, daily. You can download a copy in four ways: Read sample chapters or purchase at Amazon. Read …

  man·i·fes·to  noun \ˌma-nə-ˈfes-(ˌ)tō\ “a written statement that describes the policies, goals, and opinions of a person or group.” Bro. C’s Manifesto   My father, Clayton Iles, was affectionately known as “Brother C.” Today marks eleven years since his death from cancer. Just before we moved to Africa, my pastor, Charlie Bailey, handed me a sheaf of papers.  “I thought you …

“A Southern Woman can do anything.” -Iris My friend Iris gave me this reply to a question I asked. It sums up why I’ve always loved Southern women. I’m thankful for the Southern women in my life. I married one. She can’t be beat. I was birthed by one.  My mother reared us with the best qualities that make our …

What is true success? If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it’s not success at all. -Anna Quindlen       Last week, I asked my Facebook friends, “How do you define true success?” I was blown away by the wisdom in the …