Do you ever feel like the sermon is just for you?
Saturday, I was knocking on doors in Belvoir, when - after a long conversation - a nice, 50-something-year-old woman told me, “I like and agree with everything about you except you’re a white male.”
That struck me. Of course, I thanked her for her candor and told her, while politicians are able to contort themselves many ways, I’m not that limber. It smoothed an interesting situation, but left me with a flesh wound.
But then, the next day, First Centenary UMC was fortunate enough to have Bishop Wallace-Padgett as the guest speaker. As it so happens, they spoke about The Good Shepherd, and drove home the idea that God judges what’s in people’s heart; what’s in a servant’s heart.
It reminded me that I ran because I felt there were areas and communities in District 6 that had been neglected. As I knocked on over a thousand doors, what I felt was affirmed. To be clear, Belvoir looks fantastic, and we should all be proud of Eastgate’s success.
However, I noticed that Tyner looks the same as it did 30 years ago; frankly, Brainerd Road looks worse; and Shepherd is operating out of a 71-year-old community center. Further, I recently saw a list of current priority paving projects in District 6. The roads are Bacon Lane, Charles Drive, Durham Drive, Elaine Trail, Frazier Drive, Green Road, Kenmoor Drive, Kenmoor Lane, Kenmoor Terrace, N Concord Road, Phils Drive and Sylvia Trail.
When does Meharry Drive get paved? Or Fisk Avenue? Edgemon Forest? Mae Dell Road? Anything north of Lee Highway?
I’ve been told that things take time; that it’s about compromise and patience. And, sometimes it’s about compromise, patience, and collaboration. However, sometimes it’s about bringing home the bacon. And, I’m here to bring home the bacon.
Folks, when I see development on the Southside, progress in Highland Park, and improvements along Hixson Pike and Dayton Boulevard, it feels like District 6 is the only one being patient. And, some communities within are being asked to be more patient than others.
It’s time to bring some money back out to this side of the ridge.
I’m Christian Siler, and I challenge you to find out what’s in my heart.
I ask for your vote on Tuesday.
Christian Siler