Myron Pope - Former VP of Student Life - Tuscaloosa, AL

What actually sustains us? I found myself thinking this morning about how easy it is to confuse activity with alignment. Most of us operate with an internal list—goals, responsibilities, expectations. It’s easy to measure progress by how much we get done. But something I read today shifted that a bit. In Psalm 42, the image is simple, a deer longing for water. Not preference, but dependence. It made me pause. Because it’s possible to stay productive, move from task to task, and still feel…off. Not because we aren’t doing enough, but because we’re drawing from the wrong source. Activity and restoration aren’t the same thing. And over time, that gap matters. For me, this wasn’t about doing less. It was about noticing what I actually rely on to stay grounded, and whether that’s enough. Still sitting with that.

A look at how Nick Saban’s coaching tree and Alabama’s tradition trace back to Bear Bryant, influencing tonight’s national championship game.

A family road trip sparks a reflection on Mark Twain, banned books, and cancel culture—and how removing stories from classrooms erodes historical context for the next generation.

When Weakness Leads Us Back to God

I’m grateful to share my recent book chapter, Building Learning Communities, published by IGI Global. The ideas in this chapter come directly from my years at the University of Alabama and the University of Central Oklahoma, where I learned how much coaching, collaboration, and community shape strong teams and healthy institutions. Those experiences taught me that real progress happens when people feel supported and connected. Coaching helps create that environment — one where individuals can reflect, grow, and lead with purpose. If you’re interested in the full chapter, you can read it here: https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/building-learning-communities/389775 Thank you to everyone who continues to invest in people, learning, and the work of building communities that last. — Myron L. Pope

Sometimes the smallest moments remind us of our biggest blessings. A recent encounter with a father in my driveway brought back memories of helping his daughter years ago. It reminded me to stop striving for “what’s next” and instead be where my feet are. I’ve shared a new blog post about contentment, purpose, and trusting God’s timing—even when the path changes. I pray it encourages you as much as writing it encouraged me. 🙏 #BeWhereYourFeetAre #FaithReflection #ChristianLiving #Gratitude #Contentment #Purpose

Grief reminds us of what matters: community, forgiveness, love. I wrote this in honor of my godbrother & fraternity brother—reflecting on brotherhood, faith, and the sacred work of connection.

More Than Game Day: Building Spiritual Capacity Through Discipline

Only God Knows: A Song, A Season, and the Power of Being Seen