Can you believe that 2007 will be over in a matter of hours? As cliche as it may sound, it really does feel like 2006 ended just yesterday.

In many ways, 2007 has been a rough year for me. Doubt, despair, disappointment, and death have all conspired against my faith and will. I have experienced a number of personal and professional setbacks that have sent me reeling. But, to quote Talib Kweli, even as I suffer losses, I choose to count the victories.

And there are many.

Over the past 12 months, I have grown as an intellectual, friend, and father. I have been able to work more closely with organizations and causes that matter to me. I have met many new people and encountered opportunities that would have been unimaginable one year ago. This blog has continued to grow in readership and allowed me to explore ideas that are outside of my normal scholarly gaze. Through a variety of outlets, I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to public conversations about critical issues in our lives. In many ways, I’m living the life I imagined. And for that, I’m grateful.

Next year, the blog will continue to grow. In the upcoming months, radical changes will be made to the site layout. Several new writers are scheduled to join the Barbershop as weekly columnists. Although I am exhausted from the rigors of daily blogging, I also promise to write original pieces more regularly.

Most importantly, I want to thank everyone for their love, support, and concern. I am consistently humbled by the beauty and grace that I see in all of you. It is my sincerest hope that 2008 provides you with everything that you deserve.

Bright Moments,

marc