Dear Editor,
At no other point in history has our country been so overwhelmed with “Bad News”. Before COVID-19 consumed the newswire, it was election year nonsense. Prior to that, it was politicians acting like middle-school students with their he-said, she-said banter. Today, I would like to share a little “Good News”. A story that will not only warm hearts but bring hope to those still entrenched in the cycle of “Bad News”.
I am a teacher at a very small public school in a neighboring county. This school falls under Title One and is in a rural area. Many of the students and families that attend this school do not have the opportunities that a large portion of us take for granted. One of these opportunities is access to technology. This access gap can normally be mitigated in the classroom by teachers and staff who work diligently to ensure equal and equitable access. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing school closures, this mitigation has become more difficult.
Enter Vine Church. Vine is not a staple of Trussville. Its doors have been open for just over a year. The pastor and his family are not native to this area. Like many of us, they are transplants. However, Nathan and Brooke Headley have worked tirelessly to support our city and the surrounding community. Never have they sought anything more than a smile. They truly exude having a servant’s heart.
The day after the Alabama State Board of Education decided to close school doors for the remainder of the year, Nathan and Brooke called. They asked what they could do to make this unprecedented time easier on my students. As I was still trying to come to grips with what I needed to do to not only support my students, but for my own children, I told them I had no idea. The next day, Nathan called and offered to buy Chromebooks for a few of my students in need. To say I was taken back would be an understatement. This brand-new church was offering to support my students, none of whom live in Trussville. These people I had known for just over a year, had come to the aid of students they didn’t, and still don’t, know. They sought nothing, but to help those in need.
I submit this tale to illustrate that “Good News” is still present in our everyday lives. At a time when store shelves are bare, toilet paper seems to have become a commodity, and “Bad News” abounds, the kindness that Vine Church has shown gives me hope. We are all facing uncertain times. Even though unemployment is on the rise and personal financial stability is at risk, I think we should all follow the example set by Nathan and Brooke from Vine Church. If we can, bring a little “Good News” to those in need.
Respectfully,
Rob Hodgin
Trussville, AL