Yesterday was Thanksgiving and it was a day to give thanks to all the blessings we have. I was able to spend time with family and we sat at a table with an abundance of food, conversation, and love. It is in these moments that I think about all those who may not be as fortunate as I am. I have a home, a job that pays me well and I have a family. I know at any point in time hard times could come to any one of us in our family, but we have each other to fall back on in a time of need. I am so grateful for that. The thing that is always at the forefront of my mind is that I know there are people who are not as fortunate as I. They have no family, no home to go to and no table filled with all the traditional holiday foods I have taken for granted would be there. Over the last two years I have come to learn much about the people of Berkshire County, and I want to share my thoughts with you today.
I often speak about the challenges we face as a community. It is interesting that every time I share our challenges in Berkshire County someone would come to me and say I didn’t know we had those challenges. Well, until 2 years ago neither did I. These last two years I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. These are people you will not see on a billboard or standing on a stage receiving a medal. They are the unsung heroes that make a difference every day even as they go through their own challenges.
These are the heroes, just ordinary people
Laying down their lives like angels in disguise
They’re weak but always willing
They dare to do the hard things
And in the dark and desperate places no one else goes
You’ll find the heroes
You’ll find the heroes
Casting Crowns
The lyrics to this Casting Crowns song called “Heroes”, say it all. People like my mother that no matter what the circumstances made sure her sons had what they needed and even in her struggles she gave back to help others. To those who struggle with substance use on their journey to recovery and even though they have challenges it does not stop them from wanting to help others. I have been blessed to sit in a room with people who didn’t have much but gave their last dollar so that someone could pay their rent and have a place for one more month. The heroes who spent their Thanksgiving feeding others and providing a warm place even for a few hours to help those without a place to go. As I watched the snow and freezing rain come down yesterday, I wondered where those without shelter are keeping warm and dry. I know that the people that manage our shelters countywide are doing all they can to help those in need. I want to recognize all the parents who work two or sometimes three jobs to provide for their families. Every day that they can keep a roof over their heads and food on the table is a day to be thankful but also understanding that tomorrow is a new day, and they need to start again.
I am amazed at what the people in this county are doing to try and make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. It is why I continue to speak about the challenges we face. It is why I will continue to give of myself to help others. I am blessed and I want everyone to have the blessings that have been given. I have come to understand that we as a people must uplift all who face difficult challenges. When all the links in the chain are strong it benefits all of us.
When we honor dignity, it goes beyond just ourselves. We are connected to something higher, and that higher calling leads us to hold out our hand and pull others on to the boat.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 