Community Matters
Looking at America through a National lens, it’s pretty clear we have some issues. Politically, the discontent and disagreements are across the board. But, no matter what side you sit on, the problems are there, and lately, it’s hard to find anything positive being shared from either side.
Now, let’s take a minute and zoom in on the local level—where life happens—where the rubber meets the road, where WE pay our bills, where WE chase our dreams and raise our children, and where we find our greatest supporters who genuinely value and care about us as individuals. While we still face issues that flow from the top, this is where I choose to put my focus and where I have been able to find the bright spots shining through all the dark clouds.
I have been fortunate to travel in my career and speak with many individuals. Without a doubt, the national news and whatever trending topic will always get brought into the mix during these conversations. Politics can bring the mood of a group down like nothing else. You can see each individual begin to get lost in their thoughts about how it impacts those they care about.
The best part of a conversation like this is when someone takes it to a more personal or local level. Once you ask about where they are from, their family, and their kids, the script totally flips. That depressing tone you felt minutes ago is replaced with one of pride and love. A love that shines so brightly that you can see the hope forming in their eyes.
In this sense, “community” can mean so many things. By definition, a community can be looked at as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals, or a specific area or place considered together with its inhabitants.
I have come to understand that the America one sees “up close and personal” bears little resemblance to America shared on the national news. In our communities and locally is where we’re at our very best. Whether that means in small towns like mine, larger cities, your friend community, your work community, your religious community, or any other community you may associate with.
We once formed communities because we knew we needed each other. Then, technology came along, and with the click of a button, we tried to replace those connections with convenience. The pandemic showed us that because we can literally have everything delivered to our doorstep, we still need each other and need to be connected to our communities.
We need those people who “get” us and those who can give us a firm shoulder to lean on when life is swirling around us. Our children need these communities to help them thrive and know they have a support system behind them. Small town, big city, or whatever community you claim as your own, we need each other, and our community needs us.
Locally is where we are at our best, and locally is where I have chosen to get involved.
This year I am partnering with Sierra Hayes Photography and Blair Creek Nutrition to support Clay County Community for Students, Inc School Supplies Drive. This fundraiser happens every year in our town to support our local students, but this year, with a bit of help from my friends, we wanted to do a little more.
Starting Monday, July 25th, if you drop off school supplies at Blair Creek Nutrition, you will automatically be entered to win a free Mini-Photo Shoot courtesy of Sierra Hayes Photography or a $100 Gift Card donated by The Rural Notebook. While we know we have a very generous community that helps every year, we also wanted to take the opportunity to show our appreciation.
In addition, we will be selling raffle tickets to win a Full Photography Session from Sierra Hayes Photography valued at $250, a 2-hour event/party package at The Beal Center (Excludes Weddings) valued at $200, and another $100 Gift Card. Tickets are $5.00 each or 4 for $20.
All funds collected go to Clay County Communities For Students to be used on the youth of Clay County. If raffles aren’t your thing, you can still donate, and checks can be written to Clay County Communities For Students. One person may not be able to do it all, but together, we can ensure our Clay County students have the opportunity to succeed.
