FROM THE EDITOR
LET ’ S JUST START WITH THE OBVIOUS - I ’ m a new face on the “ From the Editor ” page of Extol . Allow me to calm your fears and assure you that the OG Extol team is alive and well , and no one has jumped ship ! In fact , we have a lot of exciting things coming . After years of professional work in product development , marketing , and community engagement , it ’ s a bit of a dream come true to land here at Extol where my passion for storytelling and Southern Indiana can finally join hands .
“ Stop doing what you are able to do and figure out what you were made to do - then do lots of that .”
Life has a funny way of distracting us in a way that we feel we need to swing at every pitch . As a driven , ambitious , thirty-something year old , I find myself attempting to swing at all the pitches , too often losing sight of the ball entirely . I ’ m learning , slowly and sometimes painfully , that my greatest joys are found in my faith , simplicity , relationships , and living authentically . My short tenure at Extol thus far has helped me define , or I should say “ rediscover ” my passion and purpose based on those simple pleasures .
Maybe you ’ re currently aimlessly floating , wandering a bit , working at a job that doesn ’ t quite fill your cup , or searching for something that could add a little more depth to your life . You ’ re not alone ! We all have those necessary points in life that help us re-evaluate our priorities . As uncomfortable as they can be , we have the choice to stay in the discomfort , or come out on the other side as better versions of ourselves .
This issue of Extol is full of stories of individuals that decided to pivot . Inspiring folks who saw a need and knew that they wanted to do something about it . People and programs who radiate goodness , love deeply , and are giving back to the communities they cherish . I left each interview with a renewed faith in society and increased appreciation for where I live .
“ STOP DOING WHAT YOU ARE ABLE TO DO AND FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WERE MADE TO DO - THEN DO LOTS OF THAT .”
My hope is that these stories not only shed a light on the silent heroes of our Southern Indiana home , but that they ignite something within you , dear reader , to do something more . To help you see clearly enough to where you swing at the pitches that matter by looking past some of the distractions . Maybe you ’ ll realize what you , yourself , were made to do - and you ’ ll start doing lots of it .
Truly , Jen McNelly Editor
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