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

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 →

A Familiar Refrain: Blame Without Accountability

A public meeting took place for City Council Wards 1, 2, and 3 about the city budget. I find this ironic. A meeting is held, an exercise, in my eyes, where the councilmen tried distancing themselves from blame for the mess that has engulfed our city’s leadership. The lecturing and posturing feel like the same … Continue reading A Familiar Refrain: Blame Without Accountability →

Monday: This is How We Remain Believers

We can admit it plainly: this is a 'mell of a hess.' Accounts hidden, money misused, trust broken. It has gone on too long without justice. And yet, what matters is coming to the other side of prosecuting those to blame without becoming unbelievers. Wendell Berry once wrote: “It is not from ourselves that we … Continue reading Monday: This is How We Remain Believers →