I Believe in This City

I believe in Huntington, WV. I believe in the revitalization that is coming, no matter how long it takes. I get aggravated when I see people who have moved away comment on the state of this city with a #smh attitude.

Do you want people in your new city to see how strong you were for leaving?  What does that accomplish?  Do you know how that makes those of us who stayed (for whatever reason) feel?  Stupid. Uneducated. Not good enough to leave, when I feel the opposite. I see the value of what is coming and I value the lives of those living and dying here. 

Move away for whatever reason. Whether it be the drug culture here or a job you receive or because you want to experience another city or make more money doing the same work. Live your life to its fullest whether its here or somewhere else. Thrive!!!  I support you wherever you go. 

But please don’t degrade those of us who stay and love a broken city. Don’t act like you’re better because you “got away.”  I’m not trying to get away. As for now, I’m staying close and I’m loving and I’m serving and I’m EXPECTING to see the most glorious transformation in any city EVER. I hope you’re doing all of those things in your new city. Truly.

We aren't always meant to stay 

in the same place, 

but when you leave a place 

don't put it down once you're gone. 

It says more about you 

than it does the city. 

Awhile back, there was a picture floating around social media and it was truly heartbreaking. Two adults were overdosing in the front seat of a car and a little boy was strapped in the back seat.

Everyone loved that little boy. 

Then. 

They fought for that little boy because he was truly innocent and NO CHILD should ever have to live that way. Fast forward 20 years or so when he’s a man and in the same position as the adults in the front seat. 

He's torn apart by hateful words 

and spittle flies as people

behind keyboards show their

hatred towards him. 

But do you see how it works and why it’s so hard to get away from?  He was quite literally born into it. 

People fought for him. 
In 2016. 

But will he be fought for in 2036 when suddenly the tables have turned and it's not seen as a life he was born into but a decision he made? 

Some of you use stories like these or the fact that you’ve moved away as the ladder up onto your very high soap box that these stories provide you. Stories like these are ones we absolutely need to see and read. But the comments you add to them as you share them all seem to be the same. What is that helping? 

Way to go. You really called everyone out. Do you expect that people will disagree with you?  Because they won’t. They’ll pat you on the back for calling out drug dependent, addicted people BUT WHO IS GOING TO DISAGREE WITH YOU THAT THE LITTLE BOY DESERVES MORE?  NO ONE. Because it’s true. 

You aren't brave for pointing these things out.  Bravery is solidified when action follows your words. 

You don't have to stay silent. Speak up for the voiceless, but don't state the obvious as if no one has ever said it. Don't use it to vent or get likes. These are real people.  Huntington, WV is a real place. 

Now, go be brave.