When I first visited Carnton in Franklin (a suburb 20 minutes south of Nashville) many years ago, I knew I wanted to incorporate the stories of the people who had lived and worked at Carnton and who fought in the Civil War at the Battle of Franklin—both the Union and Confederate Armies. These amazing real men and women—including the men, women, and children who were enslaved at Carnton—shaped their war-torn country in lasting and powerful ways.

If you ever get to Nashville, please set aside 2-3 hours to visit Carnton, an important site rich in American history with issues still so pertinent in today's culture. Let's learn from history, not cover it up or try to hide from it. God is a redeemer and a restorer, and the ground at the foot of the cross is level. Only through Christ will we all be truly reconciled.