The hope of the South
Until recently, I’ve always felt safe in the South. Instead of staying out of each other’s business, we make it a point to know one another, which creates a feeling of security. We make eye contact, then smile and say hello when we pass on the streets. We carry chicken casseroles to sleepy parents with new babies, plastic Cool-Whip bowls full of homemade soup to a friend who is down with the flu, and we welcome new folks to town with the obligatory invitation to visit our church.
But for the first time ever, I’ve felt the chill of fear creep into my own Southern home.
All of us have watched helplessly as terrorism has crossed the ocean to first grab New York City, then waft its stench into every neighborhood, rural farm and mountaintop home in America. We’re now infected coast-to-coast with worry that keeps us awake at night.
Lately, when I hear sirens, I don’t automatically think a parade is coming through town. Like many of you, if I hear a commotion now, a knot forms in my stomach and I worry about the children at school or those shopping downtown.
I was surprised, when I recently caught myself searching for the exits at the local movie theater, then flinching when someone entered after the film had begun. In familiar restaurants, I’ve started scanning the faces of people I don’t recognize and wondering who they are.
How can our homespun communities suddenly be infiltrated by fear? We’re the friendly region of the country, where people linger and laugh with neighbors on . . . click HERE to read the rest of the story.
Thank you, thank you,, thank you. Made my day!
So glad. Thanks for reading.
Thank you for voicing so beautifully and encouragingly the hope we all can rely on.
Thanks Carrie.
Beautifully expressed.
Thank you Ellen. Glad you liked it.
Beautifully written Leslie Anne…………..
Thank you Emily.
Thank you Leslie Anne. I have found myself worrying about things that have never crossed my mind before, and looking at strangers differently…from now on I am going to choose hope over fear…
It never hurts to be careful, but really now, we all love talking to everyone so much, even strangers. It’s just a different world! Thanks for reading Jenna.
Leslie Anne, I’ve found myself feeling and doing the same lately when I’m at the store, walking to the bank from my office, etc., and have been clicking the doors locked as soon as I get in the car. You know that’s crazy coming from me, who routinely keeps windows open all night at home!
Maybe we just hear more bad news nowadays, but I keep reminding myself that if I feel in danger…don’t forget a loaded gun is right in my pocketbook. And, yes, I take it to the bathroom at work! And, yes, I regularly practice at the gun range 🙂
Mercy daisy Dixie! I won’t be sneaking up on you any time soon! Thanks for reading!
This is your best LeslieAnn- grams so far!
Thank you so much!
I was born and raised in the South, Alabama to be exact, and I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!! We will survive, and well, if not, I will see you in Heaven!!
I think that’s the perfect way to think!
Lovely post Leslie! I think we all feel a little unsettled lately, but be it the South or the Midwest (where I live) we’re all still filled with American optimism. That has to be why we had record voter turnout in our primary. I refuse to believe it’s all anger.
Love the shout out to my girl Scarlett 🙂
Your article from The Birmingham News is on my fridge…just felt so uplifted after reading your thoughtful piece. Thank you.
Being posted on a refrigerator is one of the highest compliments a writer can have. Thank you so much.