Consider The Lilies: Essay by Dr. Bryan Gill
In this episode, Dr. Bryan Gill contemplates what it means to “consider the lilies,” in his latest essay. From fly fishing the Cahaba River and standing in awe of how the beautiful Cahaba Lilies thrive through adversity to reminiscing on days of his childhood walking through flower gardens with his Grandaddy, lilies are a constant theme in this essay. What does it mean to “consider the lilies?” Bryan explores parenting, worry, fear, and enjoying life despite the craziness happening around us all when we stop to consider the lilies. We hope you will enjoy this essay and, whether it’s visiting the Cahaba River to gaze upon the Cahaba Lilies or strolling through your own backyard, take a moment to consider the lilies for yourself.
Second Chances & The One That Got Away
In this guest essay, entitled “Second Chances & the One that got Away,” Chase Bowers recalls a fishing trip he took as a young boy with his grandfather and father. This fishing trip proved to be the catalyst that drove a wedge between he and his dad. But, like many complicated relationships, the worst doesn’t have to be the end. And in this story, the best was yet to come, even with the one that got away. This second chance essay is a beautiful story of grace and family.
Alabama Trout And Deeper Magic
You don’t fully understand fatherhood until you’re a father. And even then, you’re just doing the best you can with what you have. In this essay, Dr. Gill reflects on lessons his dad taught him about fishing, fatherhood, and sacrifice. He also laments his failure to having yet landed an Alabama trout—a feat his two young children have both accomplished. Bryan has understood varying levels of sacrifice over the years, but two nights in Arkansas, a Great Lion, and a fishing trip helped him to truly grasp this peculiar concept
You’re Bigger
In this episode, Brad reflects on a recent trip down to Nicaragua. He introduces us to the organization he partners with, the work there, several folks he knows, and one or two folks he met for the first time. This story focuses on what an international trip will do to you if you are looking and listening. We visit rainforests and journey around volcanos. This episode is a unique story that I am sure you don't want to miss.
Rocky Mountain Roadtrip
In this episode, we travel with Brad and his family from Alabama to Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. While driving home from this family adventure, Brad and his wife Paige are in a bit of disbelief that they actually did it.
The long road trip provided valuable time to reflect on all that had passed and perhaps bask in the glow of having accomplished what they thought was out of reach. This reflection rendered some valuable lessons that will propel the Hill clan toward more adventures and stories. You won't want to miss this one!
The Nine Mile Ride: Essay By Dr. Bryan Gill
In this essay episode, Dr. Gill reflects on the impact cycling and mentors have had in his life over the years. This essay covers a lot of territory from learning to ride a bike for a cub scout bike-a-thon in the 80s, to a hilarious encounter with Bo Jackson at Bo Bikes Bama in 2016, to riding the New York City Five-Boros ride in 2022. Over the years, cycling has been a way for Bryan to gain clarity through the outdoors. This was never more true than when Bryan had a transformative nine-mile-ride that rocked his world in 2018.
Alone in the Dead Marshes
In this essay, Bryan recalls a frightening night where he was lost in a swamp as a teenager. Reflection and journaling helped him to more fully understand this event and others. Reflection and journaling have been a big part of Bryan’s adulthood and in this essay, he offers insights into the practice of both. We hope you will enjoy this episode entitled, “Alone in the Death Marshes,”
Three Rivers:Essay By Brad Hill
Each time I stand next to a river, specific memories rise to the surface like a trout coming up to devour a fly. A few years ago, there was a season of life where I experienced loss in all sorts of areas in my life, my father, my appendix, and opportunities to be on a short-term mission trip. If I were to be blatantly honest, life for me in this season was pretty dark and low. I was entrenched in the thought that nothing was gonna work out for me ever again, ideas I am sure you have had before. Like standing in the bottom of a well and the walls close in, making the top seem small and far away, deep down you know it isn't true, but in those moments, it is so difficult to see out of the fog and dismay of loss. Little did I know that there was a sequence of events coming that are still some of the most memorable days of my life. When I reflect on these memories rising to the surface, in my heart is a flutter of appreciation and that same excitement that comes when I see a trout rise.
