We don’t worry about the light when the sun is already shining. It’s much more difficult to hold on to that hope when we’re surrounded by darkness. But when it’s pitch black outside, a single light can pierce the darkness.
In my first year as your Governor, I certainly have drawn hope from light – whether it’s the teachers who educate our children, the law enforcement officers who keep us safe, or the everyday people who see neighbors in need and lend them a helping hand. All of these people are a source of strength and inspiration.
In Asheville, Claire Neal experienced MANNA Food Bank’s warehouse being washed away by Hurricane Helene. MANNA’s own need was immense: tons of food lost and operations interrupted. Yet before the waters even receded, the folks at MANNA were already figuring out a Plan B.
I saw the same at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. When I visited, CEO Amy Beros met me at the door and immediately began describing the strain families were feeling from the shutdown impacts. The food bank is standing in the gap to preserve both people’s access to their food and their dignity.
In Winston-Salem, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina has a remarkable commercial kitchen and massive warehouse where they are providing job training to the next generation of cooks and forklift operators.
Everywhere I go, I see people choosing to be light in each other’s lives. There is so much light in this state – if we have the eyes to see it and the courage to be it.
