WHY WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY? Newspaper Article by Abidan Paul Shah

WHY WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY? Newspaper Article by Abidan Paul Shah

(Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on June 6, 2015)

“Embarrassed of my hometown…” “Not what it used to be…” “Not surprised…” “Wish I could move…” These were some of the reactions to a recent crime report analysis circulating on Facebook. Actually, these were some of the nicer comments. Others were too crude to be mentioned here. Why are some people so quick to trash their community? It seems that they get some strange pleasure in mocking it and talking down about it. Instead of coming to her aid, they join the assailants. They’re like that person who sees an arsonist dousing his home with kerosene and offers him a match! Such people live somewhere at the intersection of Nostalgia Avenue and Bad Experience.

Please don’t misunderstand me – I’m not naïve or oblivious to our problems. Nicole and I have raised our four children in this community for over 17 years and we have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, as the adage goes, “All that glitters is not gold,” we have come to realize that there is no perfect world. What are ranked as the ideal places to live have their fair share of problems as well. Unfortunately, the average person only looks for their town ranking. They don’t stop to consider population dynamics, high crime areas, and latest annual crime reports, which are not properly factored in many of the raw data analyses.

Our community definitely has its problems but it desperately needs our love. Here are some reasons why we love our community:

1. Our children call it their home. They’ve had a positive experience growing up with wonderful friends and neighbors. At the same time, they haven’t been sheltered from the problems plaguing our sin-sick world. Our community has given them a balanced view of life and reality. No matter where God takes them, they will neither be shocked nor disappointed but will become productive and contributing members of their community.
2. We have a wonderful unity in diversity. I’m sure there are plenty of stories of crime and bad experiences but I dare say that there are plenty more stories of friendships and positive experiences. When we make the effort to go beyond skin pigmentation and get to know one another, we find that we have the same needs and pains, hopes and dreams. As Americans we also have a common biblical culture and values. Our community can be a good model of living in true harmony.
3. Our community has plenty of opportunities to show compassion. Like the parable of the Good Samaritan, we daily come across people in physical and moral suffering. We can either skirt around them like the self-righteous priest and Levite or we can bandage their wounds and demonstrate the selfless love of Christ. Could it be that God has placed hurting people in our community because He knows that we will do something to help them?
4. We have some wonderful law enforcement officials. Daily they put themselves in harm’s way to ensure our security. To dis our community is to dishonor their sacrifice and dedication. When we acknowledge the positive difference they are making, we empower them to be God’s minster for good. Recently a friend shared with me that some of our men and women in uniform have the words “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God” etched somewhere on their belonging.
5. God has His hand on our community. It has faced incredible odds (Yes – I have read the book and even have a copy of it) but it is still standing. It goes to show that if God is for our community, then no amount of ranking will be against us. Our best days are ahead!