Being kind takes strength
It isn’t always easy to be nice. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the hardest disciplines a person can practice. Anyone who’s tried to be kind to the unkind, patient with the impatient or gentle with the rude knows that goodness often demands more strength than anger ever will.
Around here in the mountains, we pride ourselves on our manners – “Yes ma’am,” “No sir,” and holding the door even when the other person’s 10 paces away.
But manners aren’t the same as kindness. Kindness asks something deeper. It asks that we treat people right even when they don’t deserve it – and that’s where it starts to hurt a little.
Flannery O’Connor once wrote that grace changes us, but usually it hurts first. I think being nice is like that. True kindness isn’t sentimental or simple.
It’s an act of stubborn grace – loving people who make it hard, forgiving people who don’t apologize, smiling when you’d rather roll your eyes. It’s faith lived out in a world that doesn’t always reward it.
We can talk all day about how the world’s gotten meaner, louder and quicker to judge, but maybe what it really needs are a few more people willing to be decent – even when it’s inconvenient.
Because in the end, being nice doesn’t just make life sweeter for others – it redeems something in us, too.
Silas A. Shields, Murphy
Why not let all the kids play?
I happened to be at the Murphy football game Saturday night between Murphy and Robbinsville, a playoff game.
The Bulldogs played hard but lost the game. There were 6-8 players on the sidelines who never got to play.
The boys on the field played both offense and defense. The boys on the field grew tired, but the coach never sent in the other players.
I wonder why the boys all practice, all show up, but only some play. Is winning really more important than a child’s self-esteem? (The kids are ages 11-12.)
Betsy Kmet, Murphy
Change with food benefits
The N.C. Department of Health & Human Services has received a letter from the federal government saying that November food benefits (FNS) might be delayed or changed if the government shutdown continues.
Right now, we don’t know exactly what will happen, but it could mean your benefits come later than usual or the amount might be different.
We know these benefits are very important to you and your family. We will share updates as soon as we get more information. To learn more, visit ncdhhs.gov/fns.
Please know the Cherokee County Department of Social Services remains deeply committed to supporting our community during this difficult time. You will find a list of food banks, community meal sites and emergency assistance programs available throughout the county at cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/06/cherokee-county-food-resources/
You can check your balance by using the ebtEDGE app or calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
Amanda McGee, Murphy
The writer is director of the Cherokee County Department of Social Services.