from the editor
M
ON THE COVER
My 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 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 was not simply being an educator. It was 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 was that life’s purpose is to figure out why we’re put on this Earth and how we can expand God’s kingdom using what God gave us. Unfortunately, all I can really play is the radio. However, I enjoy writing. What good was writing, I always thought? They’re just words. 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. Kathryn Valencia’s novel, Soul Speak, which you can read about on page 17, defines purpose as our journey in life. Her autobiographical book of quotes provides the perfect anecdote for every life lesson, milestone, dream, accomplishment and so forth. What Kathryn does well is teach that living life is best done by listening to one’s heart and doing what one loves. By doing what one loves, she lives life with purpose. Purpose that my dad, too, sought to help reveal in each of his students. So, what’s your purpose? Are you a writer, a musician, a teacher, something else? You’ll find your purpose by discovering what you love and how you can bless others with your talents. Share your purpose, your stories with me, and I’ll fulfill my purpose by sharing yours with our community. Yours truly,
Ami À Vie
Maggie Hightower’s rebranding of Ami À Vie, which is now a bachelorette party, bridal shower planning and bridesmaid’s gift giving company. Photo by Maddie Sullivan Photography Design by Kimberly Myers
annagrace.moore@mountainbrookmagazine.com
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