Rashional Thoughts: TAB editors Macon, Baggett, Terry and now Rash — Mrs. Roberta tested; Mrs. Roberta approved

In January of this year Mrs. Roberta shared with her family that she wasn’t so sure about the new editor of The Alabama Baptist (TAB). 

She enjoyed the weekly publication like it was, her daughter-in-law explained as Mrs. Roberta nodded and added, “I knew it would change with a new editor and I wasn’t sure I would like it.” 

But being the longtime, loyal reader she is, Mrs. Roberta decided to give it — and me — a chance. After all, she did the same for Bob Terry when he stepped into the role in 1995.

“I wasn’t so sure about him either,” she said with a chuckle.

And then there was Hudson Baggett who followed Leon Macon in 1966. She was skeptical of Dr. Baggett at first as well.

I was a bit starstruck to meet this amazing lady who not only knew about our history but also has lived so much of it through the pages of TAB under four editors now.

She was born in 1921, two years after TAB became an official entity of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and L.L. Gwaltney was named editor.

Mrs. Roberta didn’t recall reading TAB under Dr. Gwaltney’s leadership, but she definitely remembered Dr. Macon, who began as editor in 1950.

That means Mrs. Roberta started reading and engaging with TAB in her early 30s. And she hasn’t missed a week — at least generally speaking — since.

So the pressure was on as I waited to hear the verdict. Did I pass the test? Would my column need to change to “Ir-Rashional Thoughts” after Mrs. Roberta’s evaluation?

I felt a little nervous but then she gave me a hug, a big smile and a glowing review. Whew! Today’s TAB and it’s current editor are Mrs. Roberta approved.