From the Editor

ON THE COVER

Savory Sweets

Thomas Andrew Art Studio and Gallery owner Tom Findlay opens Homewood’s first ever “only” chocolate shop. Photo by Evelyn Adams Design by Connor Martin-Lively MMy father, Paul Moore, was a self-taught guitarist for more than 40 years. He first picked up what would be his life’s career at just 13 years old. Following years of practice, he opened Lorna Music Academy, which became the then longest-running music business operating in the history of Hoover, Alabama. He died a highly accredited artist with multiple top-hit singles. Hundreds of his students earned scholarships and went on to major in music or become teachers themselves. His impact is not simply being an educator. It is how he instilled hope in the hearts of the people he came to teach and befriend. My dad understood how to use his talents to not only thrive in the music industry, but also to bless other people. The biggest lesson I learned from him is that life’s purpose is to figure out why we’re put on this Earth and how we can use what He gave us to bless others. Unfortunately, all I can really play is the radio. However, I enjoy writing. What good was writing, I always thought? It wasn’t until I became a journalism major in college that I realized just how inspiring words can be. Now as an editor for five different magazines, I recognize the importance of sharing words because words, whether spoken or written, are God’s way of communicating the purpose within each of us. Dawson Memorial Baptist Church’s Ministry of Faith, Hearts and

Hands, which is featured on page 56, defines purpose as advancing

God’s kingdom by embracing and celebrating how He made us each unique. Ministry leader Ruth Ann Turner describes how the ministry utilizes the influence of words, because it conveys the need for resources to include members who require special needs, all in efforts to foster fellowship. What Ruth Ann does well is communicate that sometimes churches lack resources that help create and sustain community for those who have special needs. Ruth Ann understands that this can feel isolating, so she explains just how everyone is invited and supported within

Hearts and Hands. Why? Because she loves blessing others by fostering an inclusive environment. So, what’s your purpose? Are you a writer, a musician, a teacher, something else? You, like my father and Ruth Ann, will find your purpose by discovering what you love and how you can bless others with your talents. Share your purpose and your stories with me, and I’ll fulfill my purpose by sharing yours with our community.

Yours truly,