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At the time of this writing I discovered in the High Point Coffee shop in the middle of the Oxford square in Mississippi. Surrounded by yuppie academics, I pinned these thoughts on faith, family and country. I visited my in-laws this past weekend who live in Oxford, Miss.  It’s a twelve hour drive from where we live in Kansas, so our visits aren’t frequent.

I thoroughly enjoy our visits to the sophisticated town that is home to Ole’ Miss. It is a lesson in patience on my part, however, as my in-laws have no cable TV and have dial-up Internet service.  Uggggg!

It is amazing what happens when the modern media’s of the day aren’t readily available.  Conversation takes place. We actually sit around the dining room table and talk.

My father-in-law is a “southern” Southern Baptist preacher of 50+ years, so you can imagine he has a few opinions to share.  Ranging from discussing President Obama’s socialist agenda to talking about rebellious behavior that robs us from truly knowing God’s joy and living His plan - we discuss it all.

He also grew up in Tupelo, Miss. and went to school with Elvis Presley. There are plenty of tales to share that come from his upbringing in what he calls the “tater hill” territory of Mississippi.

My mother-in-law is the consummate preacher’s wife who plays the piano.  But she also runs Bea’s Antiques just a mile from the Oxford square. A smart business operator, she buys low and sells high to southern bell mother’s looking to furnish their children’s dorm rooms. “You don’t make your money when you sell,” Bea says. “You make it when you buy.”

The McMullen clan lives’ by a simple plan – love God, serve the Lord, go to church and do what’s right. That message prevails in all that they do whether it be bussing under-privileged youth to church or selling a 1800s dresser to someone of Oxford’s upper crust.

During this visit I also got to hear Shepard Smith speak, host of The Fox Report on the top-rated Fox News Channel.  During a reception afterwards Jackie and I had the opportunity to meet Shepard.  While I wasn’t surprised, I was disappointed in his answer to my question when I asked how his faith might impact his work.

The Holly Springs, Miss native and former Ole’ Miss student rather directly said, “I don’t talk about my sex life, my politics or my faith.”

I was struck with the notion that my in-laws have a greater Kingdom impact than this man of national stature. What a waste of talent to put his “ultimate light” under a bushel – if he even is a believer. Apparently, we will never know.

John and Bea – you have it right - love God, serve the Lord, go to church and do what’s right. That is the highest “rating” one could ever achieve.