I have lived in this city for a year and a half.
When I first got here, I was optimistic. After a while, sad. A little longer, bitter. Now, after months of soul searching, self-evaluation, prayer, and - thank Divinity - healing, I am leaving soon... and I am once more optimistic for my own future.
What I'm writing about, however, is yours.
Many of you have lived here your entire lives, and many would leave if you felt you could. Well first of all... you can. Nothing's stopping you - not time, not money, not family obligations - but yourself. If leaving is calling to you, then go. There will never be a perfect time to go... do it anyway. There will never be enough money to move... do it anyway. Family will always need or want something... take care of yourself, first.
But if staying is your preference, then I have some things to say.
We live in a place where sexism is rampant, classism is abundant, and racism has been normalized and called "life". And yet... we are (for the most part) all good people. So why?
What have we settled for, for the sake of not stirring the pot? What grievances have we overlooked so we don't feel compelled to help? What have you, personally, decided you were okay with, even though it was so. not. okay?
I once had a commitment which, halfway through, told me I'd need to buy some supplies I could not afford. Had I known, I may not have even volunteered for that reason. When I expressed this concern, I was brushed off with a, "You can find them at Walmart for like $20."
Well, folks, wealth is a privilege. And yes, to some, $20 to spend is wealthy (I currently have $11 and I'm feelin' pretty damn good about myself). If you have money to spare, I'm happy for you.... look out for the little guy.
We started a community garden. We were the only ones to participate, but that was okay. When harvest time came, I put the extra out by the street with a sign that said "Free".
Someone squashed them all over the street.
Food is a need. If you have extra, I'm thrilled about that... feed the hungry.
Several times we attempted block parties, even advertising in places like where you found my link. One time we had someone show up, and that was amazing! ...and he wasn't even our neighbor.
Friendship is not a given. If you have friends, wonderful! ...Extend the olive branch. Someone is lonely near you.
We settle for less, expect less, and do less... for what? To stay in our comfort zone? How is that working for you? How happy are you - really - with the state of things in your city?
It comes down to you. No one can fix things for you.
If you want community, be the one to reach out.
If you want an abundant city, donate to someone in need.
If your job is not paying you a livable wage, walk away! Yes, you can!
Don't accept less than what you are worth!
I realize this sounds easy for some stranger on the internet, so let me just say this:
We have 5 children. We know that life's not cheap. We know that so well, in fact, that my husband left a job that didn't treat or pay him well, and I pursue endeavors that may or may not pay off financially, but feed my soul. We've both been called crazy for these things... and yet here we are, living a life that we know we'll look back on with pride, because we already do.
I don't know what your path is. But you do. Is it really living in a city that doesn't care?
If not... what are you going to do about it?
