Our neighborhood is known for many things. Whenever the news mentions
The other day, I came home to a beautifully manicured lawn. (Please don't mistake, I hadn't cut my lawn in a few weeks.) Someone, I don't know who, mowed my lawn, my neighbor's lawn, and all the grass out by the street. Not only did they do it secretly, but they did it very very well. My lawn hasn't looked this good in months.
I was talking to a friend recently who said "there is power in how you describe a neighborhood"
Our neighborhood could be described as (and usually is): "a poverty stricken neighborhood plagued by drugs, gangs, and joblessness. Where trash and broken glass fill empty lots and broken windows are the norm." (P.S. broken windows aren't the norm, just so you know)
Or our neighborhood could be described this way: "a neighborhood full of life, where neighbors sit on portches, say "good-evening", and share groceries with one another. Anonymous do-gooders sweep the street of trash, mow others lawns, or shovel the side-walk for the whole block in the winter. Kids play jump rope on the side-walk and a little-league team plays pick-up baseball in the lot on the corner. An elderly man sets up a basketball hoop for guys on the block and watches them as he sells snow-cones. A young man walks from the 'L' after his day at a community college and a older man sits on his porch playing blues riffs on his guitar"
I'm desperate to see a piece on drive by mowings on the evening news. But I'm not sure anyone would notice.
What’s your neighborhood like? Have you experienced any good drive bys? Have you participated in any?
6 comments:
You describe a neighborhood that seems to be forgotten. I know that our neighborhood is very different...not in just the usual terms of black and white but I don't really communicate with my neighbors. We say hi and wave when going by but to me there is no sense of neighborhood. Maybe we are all to busy or we just would rather keep to ourselves....it's easier that way so we tell ourselves. I grew up in a neighborhood where I played kickball and baseball on the corner lot and played for hours outside with my friends. We had neighbors that we could rely on to help out when we needed it. I don't find that anymore at least not where I live. Your community, although it sounds scary to me at times, sounds like a beautiful community with alot of love. Thanks for sharing.
Corin, I relate on this. One of the things that surprised me when I moved here was its intangible similarity to my small town growing up. Sure there are lots of differences as well, but there is something in the "dna" here that reminds me of home.
Great insight Noel. You are an impressive dude.
Okay, so this has nothing to do with your post (although I thought it very insightful). I just wanted to pass a message on to Ashley through you (I can't find your current email address). I met Lakeena a few weeks ago...she came to Camp Dewan with us, and one night we were discussing if we have any people who really challenge and encourage us to live out our faith and love Jesus. Lakeena mentioned Ashley and how she has her over, and talks to her, and really encourages her. So...pass this on to her...she's investing in the life of a young lady who sees Jesus in her and is encouraged by that!
in some freaky neighborhoods - if you cut their grass they would be all angry cauze you cut it to short. i found that some people will complain if they got hung with a new scratchy rope!
when i was young i did do drive-by snow shoveling - now too old to pick up the shovel - i wait and watch for the angels in my yard.
I came home after a long day of work to a mowed lawn. I have no idea who did it. I am so grateful because I am a single mom and don't have time for much yard work. I can't believe there are people out there who are so giving. It makes me want to give more.
~Ms. BB
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