Fielder's Choice

Typically, if I watch TV, it's sports.

That ended rather abruptly the morning of March 12 when the SEC Basketball Tournament was cancelled.

I haven't watched a sporting event since the night of March 11, where there were two opening-round games in that tournament.

To be honest, at this point, I haven't missed watching sports on TV.

That will change when I cannot see an Atlanta Braves baseball game at the usual time. I'm just hoping part of the Major League Baseball season can be salvaged ­ unlike college and most likely high school.

My TV time has dwindled ­ which is a good thing.

I do not spend time watching the national news about the Coronavirus pandemic. I want to stay as positive and upbeat as possible during these uncertain, difficult and challenging times.

Instead, I turn on the Andy Griffith Show.

Or better yet, one night last week, Erin and I watched one my favorite movies of all time ­ Hoosiers.

The next night I went for a walk.

And I'm spending more time outside when I take our dog, Lady, for a walk. Believe me, she is thankful for those longer walks.

I catch myself occasionally dwelling on small businesses, like your community newspapers, and the challenges we are facing. It's difficult not to think about it.

Last week I told my good friend Lincoln Martin, who runs South Center Printing next door, "One thing about it ­ no matter what happens, we still have the good Lord and we still have one another."

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life." (Matt 6:25-27).

One of the grandest things about Marshall County is our love for a our fellow man.

We need to spread that love now more than ever.

So many groups are reaching out to help those in need. Thank you.

And I encourage all who can to please continue to support local, home-grown businesses. These neighbors need you ­ now more than ever.

Get a meal "to go" from a local restaurant.

Buy a subscription to your community newspaper.

Gas prices are cheaper than ever. But be sure and fill up in Marshall County.

Buy those necessities or those gifts from one of your favorite hometown shops.

And most of all, take care of yourself. Follow the instructions as far as the best ways to protect yourself from COVID19.

What we're facing right now is something I've never seen in my lifetime. I certainly cannot spread around any advice.

But I strongly believe in the good Lord. And I strongly believe in the people of this community.

Be strong. Be positive. Pray.