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By Betty Ramsey

If you know me, you know I like to use inspirational quotes to keep me motivated. One of my favorites is “Do it — because it’s the right thing to do.” Nine simple words that when combined with action have the power to make a difference.

I’m not telling you anything new when I say this past year has been especially challenging. COVID-19’s wrath has touched pretty much everyone to varying degrees. Some have been hit harder than others, but none of us — not one of us — has escaped the wrath of the biggest health challenge of the century, in one way or another.

Being your community newspaper, we have reported on these challenges and the impact they have had on all of us. While the news has been grim at times, there have been real bright spots too. Stories of those on the front lines, our health care workers, first responders, police, fire and educators. These are great examples of people who do it because it’s the right thing to do.

There are also many stories of community members stepping up because it’s the right thing to do. Recently Drewryville community members, young and old, took to the streets to clean up trash along the roadways. They weren’t paid to clean up the streets; they did it, yep — because it was the right thing to do.

This past week a community group “Changing the Narrative” hosted “Fit for a Princess” at the MLK Center in Franklin. Their stated goal is to promote unity within and around the community with the hope of changing the narrative to eradicate racism and infuse love into the hearts of those around us. Along with that effort they create opportunities for our youth to gather together to experience fun activities in which they learn how much good we all have in common. I can’t think of a better example of “doing it because it’s the right thing to do.” Seeing these words in action is the best inspiration of all.

Though some acts are small and some are big, they all make a difference. Thank you for the inspiration — your efforts make a difference.

Betty J. Ramsey is the publisher of The Tidewater News. Her email address is Betty.Ramsey@TheTidewaterNews.com