I'm back, Ya'll!!

Ah, back to the familiar comforts of sweet tea, livermush, moonpies and Cheerwine; the heavily scented air filled with the delightful fragrance of magnolias and roses; the yards overflowing with azaleas, tiger lilies, hydrangeas and towering old oaks. Ahhhh, this is the old South. I breathe it in and try to ignore the cars whizzing by and the newest skyscraper going up just a few minutes down the street. I live in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in this big banking town; born and raised in the same house. I remember the cops cruising the streets for prostitutes, knowing in which houses the drug dealers lived, and only being allowed to ride my bike around two blocks for safety reasons.

And now this neighborhood is trendy and expensive. The average car being driven around here is considered a luxury vehicle by most people's standards. The old buildings on Central Avenue leading into uptown have been turned into funky little high-end shops and restaurants. Within a 5-10 minute walk you can reach most anything you need: grocery store; library; spa and hair salon; boutiques; bakery and coffee shop; 13 restaurants of varying nationalities, styles and price ranges; tattoo parlours; club; home furnishing store; barber; post office; bank; mechanic; fish store and book store. And all of this is reached by driving or walking down oak lined streets, past houses built with great character in the 1920's and 30's. My grandfather bought this house from the first owner, my grandmother bought it from him and my father bought it from her. I always thought I would be the next in line to own this great house and now, I am not so sure. Aside from the fact that I couldn't begin to afford this house, I'm leaving in six weeks. Leaving not only this house, my family, friends, church, city, state and heritage that lies within, but my country.

Have you ever given any thought to the pride and identity that comes wrapped not only under the guise of your citizenship, but which part of the country you're from, etc.? I'm a Southerner, from North Carolina, Charlotte, Plaza Midwood, Grace Bible Church, the Hunsucker family. My identity is about to change. Most people overseas don't understand what Southern pride is, let alone know what the difference between a Northerner and a Southerner is. We're all just Americans to them. So, as I anticipate losing the identity I was born with, I take great comfort in going over to meet and live with my extended family. My immediate family and identity can be taken from me, but no one can take away my identity as being part of the family of God. And that family is so much bigger and greater and all-encompassing than the one I'll be leaving behind.

But no worries, I'll always be a Southerner at heart..........ya'll.