MUD

The absolute most beautiful scenery I have ever “observed” is part of the Appalachian mountain range. The Appalachian mountain range is located predominantly in the eastern United States. It extends 550 miles through southern Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.

 The Appalachian mountain range was formed approximately 480 million years ago making it the oldest mountain range in North America.

 In an odd juxtaposition, I also have never “observed” such poverty.  The rugged terrain and lack of access to big city centers mean that industry does not choose Appalachia as a home.  That translates to a lack of jobs.  The mining industry at one time offered readily available jobs (albeit it dangerous and dirty). However, mining has been in decline and most of the mines are now closed.

 Without an income, Appalachians do not have access to transportation.  They cannot afford a vehicle let alone the fuel and insurance required.   Additionally, the communities do not offer reliable mass transit.  It is not uncommon to see Appalachians walking everywhere which creates massive food deserts.  Appalachians are dependent on their own gardens and/or hunting for food.

 Because of the lack of jobs and the corresponding insurance, Appalachians cannot afford well care visits. Medical professionals like doctors and dentists do not choose Appalachia to open a practice because the community cannot support them.

Drugs have gained a foothold within the community and that has already become a generational problem for many families.  Meth being the number one culprit. 

Some reports say that the Appalachians live 10 fewer years than their counterparts outside of Appalachia.

So why don’t the proud people of Appalachia leave to find jobs and opportunities in other communities?

 As an outside observer, I wonder if the proud people of Appalachia feel like they are “stuck”?   Tied down by poverty, lack of education, lack of opportunity, maybe even family ties.

 As a parallel, this past week I was again around water in the form of mud! Gross, thick, sticky mud! And I forgot my MUCK BOOTS!  Each step I took made my feet sink further, it suctioned all around my feet. I had to use a more concerted effort just to walk. It felt as if I was “stuck” in the mud.

 I am sure all of us experience seasons when we are “stuck”. Maybe relationships that have run their course?  Convictions and beliefs we hold to be true but no longer serve us?  The person we used to be?

 Growth can never occur without change. Change is hard and change is scary. But then again, so is spending your life “stuck” in the mud.

Much love,