There in rural Copiah County, just outside the city limits, is where I spent most of my childhood days. Days of playing on the swing set in my parents front yard. Or even rolling down the hill beside that red brick house. We played many a day on the concrete slabs near the foot of the big pecan tree that now belongs to my aunt and uncle. And then there was the time my cousins and I tried to float my younger sister down the creek in a cardboard box. Did I mention we were kids?! And the best part was that all my dad's family lived right down the road...literally. And they still do.
My Granny, my mom's mom, managed a women's clothing store on Front Street. And when we weren't at home, we could be found with my grandfather. He'd take us (me, my sister and my brother) to my grandmother's store to watch the train every afternoon. We'd play hide and seek in the clothes racks and try on all the hats. And then, on the way home, we'd go by the 7-11 to get an ice cream sandwich or a nutty buddy. We'd watch television or play in the yard until my mom picked us up. And usually we'd get to see our aunts and uncles because, well, all my mom's family lived in town.And for the most part, all my family remains in that little rural Mississippi area. An area that has in some ways changed dramatically over the years and in others have remained quite the same. The public school system is in desperate need, both physically and academically. The commerce has taken a toll over the years. But, when something leaves, something new takes its place.
Recently my family of five moved back to Crystal Springs for a time. I will say it was very difficult for various reasons. One, we'd lived in Birmingham, Alabama and were used to having what we needed at our finger tips. Two, because we knew it would be temporary. My husband is the pastor of a church in rural Choctaw County, Alabama now. But for six months we waited and prayed.
As many of you know, there is a controversy surrounding this small town even as I type. May I say, the issue at hand is not the story that's in the news. The incident is unfortunate and tragic. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I'm saddened by the actions of many involved. However, I want to point out somethings I have seen as an adult. Not just from living in Crystal Springs but from all over.
We all have prejudices. For some it is race, for some economic status...and I'm sure the list goes on. However, the key is how we deal with these prejudices. There is no reason we have to act on them. In fact, most of our prejudices come from a lack of experience on our part. Many of us have never been where some of these people are. We don't understand what it's like to be of a different race or economic status. We place our preconceived notions on others. We expect that they don't want to work, aren't trying to take care of their families, or are just living off the government. Truthfully, these are not always the case.
I want to know people and love people. People who don't look or believe like me. Who don't have the means I have. Who love their children and desire to take care of them but can't. I want to, and have, ask the forgiveness of others when I've wronged them. And I'm sure I'll have to seek forgiveness again, and again, and again. I'll admit I make mistakes, have formed opinions before getting to know people and have refused relationships out of my own ignorance.
With all that said, wherever you are, remember that people are human and relationships must be built. It shouldn't matter the color of one's skin, their economic status, their place of employment, their housing situation, whether or not they have the means to provide for their children and the list goes on. We can all help one another. What we don't realize is that we may need that friendship more than the other person. Because what you don't know about me, you'll never know until you choose to be a part of my life!
Crystal Springs, I look forward to the day that hope is restored in your community. When there isn't a division of color or class. Frankly, I look forward to that day for many, many places I've been. Because hope is for everyone.
Who is it you need to seek reconciliation with today? What prejudices do you need to lay aside in order to be a friend to others? What hope can you share with someone else?
