Thankfully, The N-Word is Still Relevant by Michael Murphy

As we see actions all around us that should give pause about our civil society, I can not recall a more opportune time to ideally adopt two potentially contagious reactions – Be Neighborly, Be Kind.

An impactful experience occurred for me at a rather unlikely setting. A political Meet n Greet recently for one of the Mableton City Council candidates, who I am supporting. One of the guests, as part of his introduction, included that he has made it a priority to meet all of his neighbors wherever he has lived. He and his expectant wife are anxiously awaiting their first born. I thought it was a timely, yet poignant and common-sense approach to highlight the need for the uplift of the N-Word – Neighbor. Perhaps many of us take that word for granted. I have always held it in high esteem.

For me, its God, family, friend, neighbor, and community, in the upper tier of highlights of my daily life. My experience at the meet and greet caused me to reflect on neighborly instances in my own neighborhood.

At the top of the list would be my neighbor getting my water line shut off while we were away on vacation and the infamous ‘blue poly’ pipes gave way. A good amount of water was saved, and the cooperation of the Cobb County Water Department was very much appreciated. However, the first line of aid came from my observant neighbor. As I recall another recent experience, I had a neighbor come up during my morning walk to shake my hand, give me hug and let me know how much he enjoyed being my neighbor and friend over the years.

Imagine what that experience can do for you. The other week my car would not start up. I had battery power and lights; no spark. My AAA attendant arrived and tested things and told me I needed a starter. I declined a tow but started calling around for quotes on a starter. I even made the mistake of calling Mr. Wrench, in hopes of getting the work done in my driveway. Suddenly, my wife suggested I check with a neighbor that has the hobby of working on autos of many makers. Bam! He came over and after a careful inspection, and testing, the problem turned out to be the ignition switch. What a blessing, what savings but more importantly, what a valuable neighbor.

You may recall when President Putin greeted President Trump in Alaska this past August, he used the N word as they shook hands. One could surmise, how could he not from a geographic perspective? I will leave the rest up to you as to the sincerity of Mr. Putin’s intent and his grasp of the real meaning of ‘neighbor’. I just know that during these times the need for such positive outreach is critically important.

I have even noticed that some home building designs have dramatically been changed by eliminating or minimizing at least, the front porch on many new single-family residences. I always considered the front porch as a common meeting place or acknowledging point to my neighbors.

A very recent eye opener for me was a post in Next Door where a woman was asking for recommendations for a safe location to sleep in a parked car overnight. It turned out to be a mother and her 12-year-old daughter needing a safe harbor. A safe haven with a roof, healthy conditions and loving arms should be an integral part our safety net for anyone that needs it. Our society is meant to be a socially active one. Now that the claim of loneliness being at epidemic levels, it behooves us all to be mindful, intentional and committed to reaching out and enlarging our circle of friends and neighbors. It is my opinion that we do not adhere enough to the noble reminder ’Love thy Neighbor’. It really does matter and makes a difference in our daily intercourse with others.

Be kind, be friendly, and of course, be neighborly.

I am Michael Murphy