As we teeter on the ending of this year and starting the new year, it is always good to look back and see if the lessons from this past year were learned. If not, you need to figure out how not to keep making the same mistakes over and over. That usually comes down to the choices we make and the status of our heart can influence whether those choices are good or bad.
I don’t make resolutions but try to be a better person and to do more good than I did the year before; striving to do as our creator would do and love the unloved and show compassion. It’s not always an easy thing to do. Sometimes being a journalist and a Christ-follower can be at odds with each other but I find that most of the time it brings about better outcomes.
We all need an attitude adjustment from time to time and what better time than to start off the new year with the right attitude.
Dr. Billy Bassett who is also on Roberta City Council, mentions frequently that there is an image problem in the community. He refers to the unkempt homes, yards, litter throughout and grass which has not been mowed among other things. And yes, we agree, these create an image problem. But there is something even deeper which contributes to a bad image for the community. It has to do with attitude.
When leaders do not have vision and do not know how to lead or think the laws do not apply to them, then there is a problem. When the same problem keeps cropping up and becomes a negative in news outlets, then something should be done to rectify the internal problem.
There is an image problem in Roberta-Crawford County and I get ribbed about it all the time. People laugh about the political antics of some elected officials to the point of embarrassment. Not just because of the community having such a poor image, but for the citizens who deserve better and for the plain simple fact, some things should not be tolerated. It’s important for the public to be made aware of these negative attitudes.
When businesses are not celebrated and encouraged and made to feel they are important in the community, then there is a problem. Attitudes can be a perceived problem brought on by rumors or negative actions.
Folks, we have a problem here and yes it’s an image problem. Until people can check their egos and leave them on the shelf and decide things need to be done for the good of the whole, nothing will change. As long as we look the other way when officials think they are above the law, or we allow unacceptable behavior to go unchecked or unchallenged, we cannot expect any changes. Until we get on the same page in seeking community unity and wanting to see good things happen which will make this community a better place, nothing will change. When you have elected officials who continually embarrass the community, that makes any forward progress more difficult.
We will be facing some tough decisions this next year, things like consolidation. It is not an easy task and takes much consideration and discussion. There are pros and cons but overall I think the citizens would be the real winners if done properly. But unless officials can put turf wars and egos aside, it is a lost cause.
With the economy and things as they are today, I believe you are going to see more and more efforts at trying to consolidate cities and counties. There is only so much revenue you can get but consolidation combines that and opens up other doors. It can lower property taxes and make services across the board.
As the discussions and meetings progress on this subject, I pray that everyone will keep an open mind and will do what is in the best interest of the whole county of which Roberta is a part. Don’t let your ego get in the way and try to apply some common sense. And please don’t listen to some of those people who are only out for their own good. Get the facts yourself so you can make an informed decision. It will be up to the voters and only if you have armed yourself with knowledge can you make an educated decision and can you have the right attitude.
The right attitude can set your whole day on the right track and it has been said that attitude is 90 percent of everything and I prefer to always have an attitude of gratitude.
As community members we need that positive mental attitude. It needs to be a contagious attitude that spills over into everyone in the community. Yes, we need to tackle the tough issues, make changes and determine what’s best for the community.
It is going to require an attitude adjustment of great magnitude. Impossible you might say. Nothing is impossible when people are determined and have the right attitudes. First, we need to start praying for that change and expecting God to move mountains and have the attitude that He is working it all out for us and things are going to change. Let’s begin 2016 with the right attitude. Happy New Year.©2015

VICTORIA SIMMONS is an author, columnist, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com