Over the last few days, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support, encouragement, and gratitude I have received for writing my article about Evans Spring. When I sat down to write it, I never imagined it would resonate so deeply with so many people throughout our community.
The inspiration for the article came late one evening while I was reflecting. I was feeling discouraged because I had been unable to attend the City Council meeting regarding Evans Spring. A few days earlier, artist and community activist Jane Gabrielle had reached out and encouraged me to speak at the meeting. Unfortunately, I had a prior commitment teaching yoga at the Gainsboro YMCA, where I have dedicated myself to serving the community for the past eight years.
As I reflected on the situation, I realized that while I could not be present at the meeting, I could still contribute my voice. The next best thing was to write. Through The Roanoke Tribune, I shared my thoughts and perspective as an ordained Indigenous priest, called by elders and mentors to teach about our relationship with the land, the importance of ceremony, the wisdom of our ancestors, and our connection to the Creator.
This response has shown me that many people carry a deep love and respect for the earth. The words I shared touched the hearts of those who recognize that the land is more than property or open space – it is a source of healing, memory, identity, and connection.
Regardless of our faith traditions, backgrounds, cultures, or social status, the land gives us a common place to meet. It reminds us that we are all connected. We need the land, and the land needs us. That relationship is something we must preserve, protect, and pass on to future generations.
One of the greatest responsibilities we have is teaching our youth about their connection to the natural world. We must help them understand the value of clean water, healthy ecosystems, and the role they play in caring for the places that sustain us. These are topics I plan to explore further in future articles.
My purpose in writing this piece is simply to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who read the article, shared it, discussed it, and reached out with words of encouragement. Your response reminds me that there is a growing desire in our community to reconnect with what truly matters.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the Friends of Washington Park and the Friends of Evans Spring for acknowledging the article and for their continued commitment to preserving these important community spaces.
I believe there is a divine intelligence moving through all of us, calling us to remember our relationship with the Creator, with one another, and with the land itself. Perhaps the response to this article is a sign that many of us are hearing that call.
For that, I am deeply grateful.
