Interview by Brad Abernathy
Meet Lori Murray! It is my pleasure today to introduce you or reintroduce you to Lori. Lori Murray is one of the happiest people you will ever meet. She and her husband Steve have three children, Aubrey, Samantha and Stephen as well as 2 granddaughters, Ava and Georgia.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: I am a Christian counselor. I love helping others regain a sense of hope in their lives. I believe we are each uniquely, created by a loving, caring and healing God. Our own strength isn’t enough to heal us! God’s word provides what we need to help lead us to the way of abundant life in Jesus.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Taqueria Tsunami and Lunas
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
22 years in July. We moved to Gainesville in 2001.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
George Jones.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. My husband’s family is from Italy. His grandfather, Angelo Colucci, came to Boston as a newborn baby. I’ve always wanted to travel there to learn more about their family history and experience the country, the culture and the food!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: The Notebook. The only TV shows that I really watch are sports related, loving the Braves and Bulldogs!
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
Always be kind to everyone, help when you have the ability to do so! There isn’t a single person that doesn’t have some type of difficulty going on in their life. We all have the ability to be kind.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Longstreet Cafe. The first time that I came to Gainesville I ate at Longstreet when it was where Dairy Queen is now. The atmosphere is always warm and friendly!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dolly Parton! She is fun, empathetic, genuine and warm hearted. We would go to Longstreet Cafe, I’m sure she would love it!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? And secondly, what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?
What I love the most about Gainesville is that even though it is a fast-growing city, it still has a small town, warm feeling. I would love to see a Whole Foods market come to town.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Happily retired with my husband as well as traveling and spending more time with my family and friends. Continuing to serve the Lord .
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel to the Holy Land.
And, what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
Proud to have finished my degree in Christian counseling.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Eagles
Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?
Steve Syfan of Syfan Logistics. We have known Steve for more than 20 years. He is a man of high integrity and character. He has always been an encourager to those around him of all ages. If there is a need to be met he tries to the best of his ability to help in any way. So much that he does for others is totally behind the scenes! He is a strong, humble model for his family and so many others in our community.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is May. My favorite holiday is Christmas and the best single day on my calendar is December 19th, my wedding anniversary!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
God’s word and the truth it contains.
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Reese Witherspoon
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fraser Fir and gardenia
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Dawn Smith at Lakewood Baptist
