Honoring the Past, Building a Future
A house, like a life, holds its story in its heart. Some stand weary but strong, their timbers whispering of laughter once shared, storms endured, and years that slipped quietly past. When we see a house on the verge of collapse, we might be tempted to look away—to believe its time has passed. But then … Continue reading Preservation and Possibility: What ‘Before and After’ Homes Teach Us #2
There’s something deeply moving about a “before and after” photograph. A small, forgotten house, weathered by time, standing in quiet dignity, waiting for hands to restore it. And then—the after—windows gleaming, a fresh coat of paint, a porch made welcoming again. These transformations inspire because they remind us of what is possible, not just in … Continue reading Stepheny’s View: Before and After—Inspiration for Rocky Mount, NC, and Our Lives
A Stepheny story: The first time I saw Main Street, silent and empty, the idea of this blog was born. I prayed about what I had seen and was there anything I could do about it. The answer I heard, "You're a writer, write!" Here I go again. A Season of suffering: Do you recognize … Continue reading Rocky Mount, NC – Stepheny’s Reflection on Finding Safe Haven
There’s something grounding about touching a brick wall. Maybe it’s the cool roughness under my fingertips, or the quiet weight of time pressed into each mortar line. These walls, with their weathered hues and enduring strength, are more than just structures—they are storytellers. As I’ve walked Main Street, hand to brick, I’ve felt the whispers … Continue reading Stepheny’s Hand On The Brick Walls of Main Street
Main Street Rocky Mount 