When someone asks where I’m originally from, I am proud to answer, “Tennessee.” I love that place, and it will always be my home. The funny thing about it now though, it took me years to develop an appreciation for my home. Only now, do I love it as is and call it my true home.

I spent part of my childhood living in Alabama, and I wanted it to be “where I was from.” But as an adult, I no longer feel that way because I have developed a deep appreciation, love and respect for Tennessee. An heaven help me, even “Rocky Top” holds a glimmer of a sparkle for me.

When I pray each day, I ask God for deep roots in Him. But I think it’s important to have roots here, too. My physical roots are in Tennessee, and they are deep indeed. I was born in East Tennessee and both of my parents are from Bristol, which sits on the state lines of Tennessee and Virginia. I was born in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail and the Great Smoky Mountains. I spent five years near Nashville, and the things that city has to offer are extraordinary.

Tennessee is beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful state. You can walk along the banks of the Mississippi at one end and climb a mountain to straddle the North Carolina border at the other. I’ve done both.