“Sometimes in our life we all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there’s always tomorrow.”

Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath have been devastating. My hometown, Kinston, North Carolina, and surrounding areas are experiencing the loss of homes, businesses, jobs, possessions, and even loved ones due to flooding. Roads have been shut down preventing travel to and from surrounding areas. Power and water are limited and many are trapped on their own islands away from their family and friends. People are being forced to evacuate their homes in order to ensure their safety, yet knowing there is a chance their home will not be there upon their return. The destruction is heartbreaking to see; especially knowing I am here in Chapel Hill unavailable to aid those in need. However, I have been so humbled, so proud of my hometown and the way they have come together. The way they have supported one another, put differences aside, stopped what they were doing in order to help those in need no matter the cost.

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong

And I’ll be your friend

I’ll help you carry on

For it won’t be long

‘Til I’m gonna need

Somebody to lean on.”

People are opening their homes up to those who are in need of a hot shower or a warm meal. Others are spending their days bagging up sand in hopes to salvage buildings, churches, and homes. Helping families and business owners evacuate their homes and offices in order to salvage what they can before the river crests. Many are feeding our linemen, DOT workers, police officers, firefighters, National Guard, etc. The temporary shelter locations are receiving donations and individuals are even staying and interacting with the children who have lost everything. Some are making cupcakes with them to try to keep their mind off the fact they may not have a home to return too. Others are donating clothes to those whose homes have already been succumbed to Matthew and its aftermath.

Bill Withers, Lean On Me, is the song that comes to mind when I read about these acts of kindness on Facebook or hear them from my family on the phone. Before the hurricane, our town was so divided over the social issues of this world today. The same cannot be said today. Those fighting on social media last week are working side-by-side today to help those in need. The word “community” truly exemplifies what Kinston is all about this week and for that I am proud. I am proud and thankful. Thankful for each and every soul who has donated, volunteered, prayed, and helped in order to prepare for the Matthew’s continuing aftermath. Though we will have many long days and nights ahead, to know we are united and in this together gives us hope. Hope for the future. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope in God to see us through. I pray that we continue with this gift Hurricane Matthew has blessed us with: the gift of community, the gift of unity. Perhaps this was a wake up call. Perhaps this was God telling us to stop fighting over the small, insignificant trivial items of life and to focus on uplifting one another, service, and the power of prayer. I for one know that I have been touched this week by the never ending love, support, and help our community has given to those in need. May God bless you and keep you safe in the weeks to come. Together we will rise. Together we will stand. Kinston will be great again.

“Call me if you need a friend

Call me.”