The Good News

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

By Lisa Burwell

See, God has come to save me … THE LORD GOD is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation. In that wonderful day, you will say, “Thank the Lord! Praise HIS name! Tell the world what he has done.” —Isaiah 12:2

Unless you have been living on another planet this year, you probably know that we could all use a double dose of good news, positive affirmations, love, help, friends, family, nurturing, and kindness in general. In these unsettled and shifting times, it is important to combat negativity with positivity. I am sure that there are many people having the time of their lives this year, and that makes me happy since we can’t all be experiencing the ground shifting underfoot at once—can we? For me and for many around me, though, it’s been a year of mixed blessings. I guess that’s life.

The beauty of life is that it is ever changing, with seasons of highs and lows, and that creates our individual life tapestries. It is truly what makes us who we are and, to some degree, who we will become. Courage, strength, and resilience are found in the hardest of times, and that is why we present to you our first Goodness Issue. There is so much good out there—it needs to be shared and shouted from the rooftops and allowed to shine brightly! One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned since publishing VIE is that there are many gifted, generous, and wonderful people in the world, but, unfortunately, their stories do not get enough attention or recognition.

The amazing story of how Food For Thought Outreach was founded by Tiffanie Nelson and what the organization has accomplished since its inception is a shining example of how one person’s vision and generosity of spirit can move mountains. Please read “Having Their Backs” by Tori Phelps.

Our hip cover guy is fashion designer Billy Reid, and the story of his life and passion is full of goodness and fun! He recently celebrated his tenth annual Shindig event in Florence, Alabama, where St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Kacey Musgraves headlined. Managing editor Jordan Staggs covered the event—fitting since she too hails from Florence. Don’t miss her article, “Good Neighbors: Billy Reid and Friends Connect in Style.”

Inside are countless feel-good, celebratory stories on love and weddings, creativity, and so much more. We hope you find all the love and happiness this world can offer you!

This issue is dedicated to Bob Brown and Meredith Snow, who tragically lost their lives on August 31, 2018. Bob worked with VIE for eight years, and we loved him dearly, as we loved his beautiful wife and our cover girl, Meredith. To say they embodied the concept of living your best life would be an understatement. They serve as an example for many that each day should be lived to its fullest.

To Life!

—Lisa Marie Burwell

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