Sitting on the porch, I found myself with a Catch 22 cigar in one hand and a glass of ice cold lemonade in the other, pondering life’s curious twists and turns. This smoke, like a good Southern story, doesn’t rush to reveal itself; it takes its time with a slow burn with a twist at the end.

The first puff hit me like a splash of humor from from a favorite comedian—smooth and comforting, yet with a bit of a bite that lets you know it’s not playing around. The wrapper is a dark, oily brown, reminding me of the deep thoughts some stoic philosopher might have had while staring out over the expanse of life. It’s earthy, with hints of leather and a whisper of spice, reminding us that life, much like a good cigar, should be savored, not rushed.

As I worked my way through, the flavors began to evolve. There’s a complexity here that could only be appreciated by someone who knows the value of a good story—a little bit of nuttiness, a dash of coffee, and a subtle sweetness that lingers like a fond memory. It’s the kind of cigar that makes you sit back, put your feet up, and think about where you’ve been and where you’re going.

By the time I got to the final third, I realized this Catch 22 had more to say than I initially thought. Just like life’s toughest moments, it gets richer and more intense the longer you hang in there. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, it throws in a little twist—a reminder that life is full of surprises, and that’s what makes it worth living.

So, if you’re looking for a smoke that’ll make you think, laugh, and maybe even cry a little, the Catch 22 is your cigar. It’s a story worth telling, a journey worth taking, and in the end, it’s one you won’t soon forget.

-MJHarvell

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:11

Now, I don’t know about you, but loving some folks is easier than loving others. Some people are just plain lovable—kind, generous, the type who brings you banana pudding just because they were thinking about you. But then there are those who make you wonder if they were put on this earth just to test your patience.

But see, John wasn’t giving us a suggestion here. He wasn’t saying, “Love the ones that are easy and tolerate the rest.” No, he said we ought to love one another. Why? Because God loved us first. And if God, in all His perfection, can love us despite our messes, our stubbornness, and our bad attitudes, then surely we can extend that same love to the ones who rub us the wrong way.

Loving one another isn’t always about warm fuzzies. Sometimes it’s about grace, about choosing kindness when someone deserves a sharp word, about showing up even when we’d rather walk away. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action, a decision, a way of life.

So today, take a deep breath, ask God to help you, and go love somebody—even if they don’t deserve it. Because, truth be told, neither did we. And yet, God loved us anyway.