Author: Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin

Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin grew up in Evanston, IL. and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. She is an author of two novels: The Greening of a Heart and Facing East. She lives, writes and gardens in NC. Visit her: Stephenyhoughtlin.com

A Shining Star in East Rocky Mount: Peacemakers and Their Heroes

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” — Joseph Campbell Thursday evening I sat with heroes at the Picnic Fund Raiser for the organization, Peacemakers. The list of names is long that have given their hearts to work in various capacities on the "tree of life" … Continue reading A Shining Star in East Rocky Mount: Peacemakers and Their Heroes →

Will This Rocky Mount Crisis Finally Bring Justice?

“A community is the mental and spiritual condition of knowing that the place is shared, and that the people who share the place define and limit the possibilities of each other’s lives.” -Wendell Barry I looked for Berry's wisdom to help me think about Rocky Mount's financial scandal. I have used one of his quotes … Continue reading Will This Rocky Mount Crisis Finally Bring Justice? →

Outgrowing the Past in Rocky Mount, NC

Wendell Berry reminds us: “The past is our definition. We may strive with good reason to escape it, or to escape what is bad in it. But we will escape it only by adding something better to it.” Citizens are rightly infuriated that the “fix” for this financial hole put forward for Rocky Mount’s $30 … Continue reading Outgrowing the Past in Rocky Mount, NC →

Never Giving Up on Rocky Mount

There are days when it feels like Rocky Mount is under judgment, its name dragged low. The wrongdoing has left marks, and it would be easy to declare the whole city unredeemable. Wendell Berry draws the line more carefully: “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.” Desecration can be … Continue reading Never Giving Up on Rocky Mount →