The America I Do Not Want Us to Lose

I was a lucky little girl to grow up in the America I knew. An America where the Fourth of July meant decorating our bicycles with red, white, and blue crepe-paper streamers and riding through the neighborhood, proud of our handiwork and the occasion we were celebrating. Patriotism was simply part of the air we … Continue reading The America I Do Not Want Us to Lose →

Peacemakers and Southside Academy: One Child, One Book, One Prayer at a Time

There are some people whose work makes you grateful they are part of your community, and for me, the people of Peacemakers and the scholars of Southside Academy are among them. Thursday evening I attended the Peacemakers Rocky Mount Picnic, their annual fundraiser, where a bluegrass band provided the beat and energy as people arrived, … Continue reading Peacemakers and Southside Academy: One Child, One Book, One Prayer at a Time →

How Important Is It To Be Right

 “You have to decide how important it is to be right.” This is a famous quote from a famous daughter-in-law. It was her observation after a family gathering many years ago, and through all the years since, I have not forgotten it. Her discernment that day has proved remarkably enduring and feels especially applicable now. … Continue reading How Important Is It To Be Right →

Campaign Mail and Missed Opportunities

The campaign literature is arriving in the mailbox again, large, glossy, colorful pieces, printed on both sides. Last election cycle, I had myself all wound up with an idea. I wanted to appeal to candidates to publicly pledge a small percentage of what they spend on campaign printing to preservation efforts on Main Street or … Continue reading Campaign Mail and Missed Opportunities →

Community is the Destination

Some beautiful weather has renewed my spirits. You too? Sunday afternoon I joined some wonderful neighbor ladies on the front porch, and for several hours we sat talking “of many things.” There was no agenda, no place any of us needed to be, just neighbors, conversation, laughter, and one of those beautiful afternoons that makes … Continue reading Community is the Destination →