Dear Editor:
2020 has been a year of unprecedented events impacting the globe in a way that many of us have never seen. In a time where one would imagine people rallying together to overcome our common plight, instead we are seeing amazing shows of divisiveness. Reaction has overtaken listening, self-preservation has overtaken community, and anger has overtaken compassion. Love has been relegated to a dirty word.
The Eastern Shore is unique because although it is big, it truly feels like one small town. We grow with each other, we depend on one another, we know one another.
Jesus’ greatest commandment was to love God and one another. My question to the community is when is the last time you’ve led with love? When have you reached beyond your comfort zone to help someone in your community? When was the last time you put aside your own response just to listen? Because here in the real world there is no Democrat or Republican, no liberal versus conservative, no White versus People of Color. All of us are individuals chasing those unalienable rights stated in The Declaration of Independence, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Let’s not simply imitate our leaders nor allow their bad behavior to influence us. We, The People, are the Democracy. Here in America, farmers have become presidents, one of our own sits in the governor’s seat. We are a small town, but, we are mighty. We can change the world. To all of the readers who have left the Shore, don’t forget to bring something good back for the next generation. To all of the readers who are still there, don’t forget to maintain a place for our future leaders. As we approach a very tough election season I implore the community, honor each other with compassion, respect the land that keeps us, and reach across the aisle to your fellow human being. Because when your car breaks down on the side of the road, it won’t be the governor helping you fix that flat.
Rhonda Poole, Director
The l.e.t. Initiative
