Finding home, embracing power of community
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Lisa Bentley/Johnston
Discover the power of community!
Having been exposed to many unique situations through being both an Army brat and marrying within it gives me endless opportunities for reflection.
After my husband’s 27-year military career came to a close, we embarked on an adventure of self-discovery in Florida and stumbled upon the perfect home just one mile from the vast blue ocean. Our days were filled with magic as we explored nature almost daily from our Key Largo boat.
After four years of living the dream, Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact on our community was a harsh reminder that life is fragile yet resilient. The cost of living in Florida can be quite high, so we as a family of eight with very young grandchildren at the time; including a 4-month-old infant, a 2-year-old toddler and a 3 year old; decided to come together to share expenses.
Our two grown daughters and son-in-law combined our finances to alleviate some of this financial burden, allowing us to live more comfortably. We embraced the concept that it truly takes a village, but now found ourselves faced with difficult choices.
In a situation where you would expect people to band together and support each other, it unfortunately became “every man for himself.” The instinct for self-preservation took over, causing individuals to prioritize their own needs above all else.
Our village was left to our own devices so we took the first step towards a brighter future by acknowledging our homelessness and recognizing that we deserved better. With hope in our hearts, we embarked on an adventure to find home.
After coming across a Facebook marketplace post in January 2023, we found ourselves on 32 acres of land in Coosa County. While the aftermath of a storm was evident, our optimism fueled our belief in the potential for restoration.
Upon entering this community filled predominantly with families connected through generations, one couldn’t help sensing a different energy. Everyone we met seemed so welcoming overall. Our initial skepticism/hesitation on our part completely disappeared after engaging conversations occurred naturally between both parties.
Today, March 10, the connections are stronger, paving the way for limitless possibilities. Will we courageously take the leap toward evolution and collective success?
Let’s embrace the power of community and learn to live sustainably! Can we infuse simple, yet effective, practices from the past into our modern lives?
Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive community that values connection and mutual uplift. Let’s make it happen!
Join us for our twice monthly classes and foster meaningful connections while learning how to integrate traditional practices with modern sustainability. Classes will be held at the Equality Volunteer Fire Department lodge adjacent to Jenny’s General Store. For more information, please contact me, Lisa Bentley/Johnston. You can reach me at 941-830-0180 or hisdaisy1333@gmail.com.
