CORBIN — Beginning next week, I will really get the ball rolling with this new column. But like the first class of a college semester, I wanted to take this opportunity to just introduce myself and discuss where I would like to go each week while writing and expressing my thoughts.

I was born and raised in Pikeville, Ky., which is about a 2.5-hour drive down the Hal Rogers Parkway from here. I graduated from Pikeville High School in 2002 and then moved to Lexington for college. I got an associate’s degree in information management and design from Bluegrass Community & Technical College (Lexington’s version of SCC) and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kentucky in integrated strategic communication, which is a fancy name for public relations and advertising.

During my time in Lexington, I got acquainted with the newspaper scene while working as a part-time sports news assistant with the Lexington Herald-Leader. I really enjoyed my time there and grew fond of working in that type of environment. But once college came to an end, I was looking for something full-time.

I had never really been to Corbin before, but when I came across the job listing for a designer/copy editor with the Times-Tribune, I thought I would give it a shot and sent in my application.

And I got turned down, crushing all my hopes and dreams.

Just kidding.

I got the job and started working as the nighttime editor on March 23, 2009.

Then on July 15, 2010, the Lord showed me an even greater reason why he brought me here as he introduced me to Carmen Mitchell who would later become Carmen Hall on Sept. 22, 2012.

Yes, I found my wife and soul mate here and now we have a lovely 30-year mortgage. So I’m not going anywhere, Corbin!

I also had my membership moved to Hopewell Baptist Church last year, which is where Carmen and her family had already been attending. I really love my church and my church family, and have grown very fond of Corbin and the Tri-County as well.

So, I have been around for nearly four years but I have always been a behind-the-scenes guy here at the Times-Tribune doing page layout, editing, proofreading and updating our Facebook. This will be the first time readers will get a chance to see my handsome mug shot other than when I make my football picks for the Pigskin Prognosticators with Les Dixon and the sports crew.

And through this column, I want to share my thoughts and stories, but most importantly, I hope to be a witness for God through my words.

I have a slight speech impediment, which a therapist diagnosed as “the clutters.” That condition has created somewhat of a vicious circle as I’m somewhat shy because of the impediment but — I believe — I have the impediment because I am shy.

So when Editor Becky Killian approached me about writing a weekly faith-based column, I knew I had a tremendous opportunity to really share and be a witness for Christ.

And while Christ will always be Number One in my life, I do have some other hobbies and interests and will reference them in future columns as I share experiences and make analogies.

I’m a huge nerd and enjoy things like sports, TV, movies, music, video games and checking my billion social networks online. And I’ve found when you make time for the Lord, He will make time for you to enjoy all these things. And He’ll even show how to enjoy them while glorifying God at the same time.

But, I absolutely plan to incorporate plenty of scripture as well, and some lessons that can be applied to the scripture.

I will certainly welcome all interaction and would love to make the readers just as much a part of this experience as anything I have to say. I will include my email address at the end of my column each week so please feel free to send me thoughts, questions, stories, interesting websites, photos, etc. I would especially love to receive stories and photos from area church events which we could include on this page in the future.

And if you’re on Facebook or Twitter, feel free to start conversations on our pages. Sometimes just sharing with others can make a difference in your life as well as others. Working together, my hope is this turns into something unique and fun for everyone every week.

I am definitely looking forward to putting the pedal to the metal with this column. I pray that it will be a blessing to all who take the time to read what I have to say.  

Brad Hall is the nighttime editor for the Times-Tribune. He can be reached at bhall@thetimestribune.com