Community spirit is alive

Clayton Hayes is a lifelong resident of Dyer County.

The social fabric of Dyer County is composed of many different types of threads from a broad spectrum of the population.

Voluntary work, favors, and gestures of goodwill by Dyer County citizens and businesses begin to design a fabric made up of a unique feeling of community spirit as they display their willingness and desire to participate in activities that promote a community.

Under ordinary circumstances, there is no such thing as an instant community. A group comprised of mostly strangers must put in a great deal of work to achieve the safety of a true community.

But as they succeed, the floodgates are opened for all to view and use for the betterment of the community. As people see, they will be listened to and accepted as they are, and years of pent-up frustrations, hurt, and guilt come pouring out.

Vulnerability in a community then snowballs as its members become vulnerable and find themselves being valued and accepted. Walls built years ago start to tumble as love and acceptance escalate. Long-held resentments are forgiven, old wounds are healed, and old resistances fade away. Hope replaces all types of fear.

Dyer County has worked through these trials, evidenced by the community spirit that is alive and well today. This spirit is like the wind. You can see the results but cannot see the wind itself.

Community engagement increases the visibility and understanding of issues. It empowers communities to have their say over decisions affecting their lives, towns, cities, and neighborhoods.

Symbols are most often the apparent evidence of community spirit. School spirit is painted high on our water towers. View the Trojan and Choctaw logos blazing across our mammoth water towers, telling all viewers who we are.

Some areas speak of community spirit dying out as neighbors need to make more effort to know their neighbors. Mutual respect is sometimes not visible.

Take an interest in your neighbors and fellowship at block parties. Visit the sick and those in their senior years. Assist with some of their daily chores. Pray for all.

Remember, “pray” is a four-letter word you can say anywhere except in our public schools.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Always find something to appreciate in everyone you meet. Fix things even if you aren’t the one who broke them. We should all be walking together on the road of life.

Laugh a lot. Mark Twain said, “Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all of our hardness yield, all of our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.”

A focus on respecting one another and taking the time to learn and grow while promoting fun events, like those at our River Park and our new modern soccer complex, are some key ingredients allowing Dyer County to flourish with endless possibilities.

Currently, Dyer County has two rehabilitation centers, one for women and one for men.

Transitions for women is a ministry of Jesus Christ organized to transform women’s lives with life-controlling issues. Simply volunteer to assist their efforts by calling 287-0461.

The Damascus Project for men is a life-changing ministry, a turning point, and an escape from poor past-life situations, decisions, and additions. This Christian-based ministry is open to men. You can volunteer in their effort to transform lives by calling 334-9772.

“Bayanihan” is sometimes called “community spirit” because the Filipino people help one another without expecting anything in return.

Is this practice still in existence in our communities?

You bet it is!

It has never been easier to make a difference in someone’s life. Exercise your community spirit in Dyer County.