What if It Was Me?
It’s surreal to reflect on conversations and situations knowing that I have not been alone. Each step of the way, someone has helped me stand back up or point me to where I need to be. Support is amazing; it can be unexpected, unwelcomed, needed, and hard to find all at the same time. I have this motto that I try to follow and remember in the hardest of times: “People need Jesus and people need people.” I want to talk about the experience that has led me to see this statement in action.
When it came time to decide where to complete an internship, I was utterly lost. I kept telling my professors that I didn’t want to just “do” an internship and get the grade. I wanted one that was meaningful, somewhat related to my major, and made an impact in the community. It wasn’t until the end of last semester when a dear mentor and teacher, Dr. Amy Hicks, told me about some work she had done with the Greenville Homeless Alliance, led by Susan McLarty and Heather Gatchell. I was unfamiliar with GHA, but, trusting in the Dr. Hicks, decided to investigate. The more I read, I became increasingly impressed and excited to talk with Susan about the organization. I emailed her, we set up an interview, and, ultimately, we decided I would join GHA as an intern in February.
You may have watched or read about the closing of a motel called the “Economy Inn” back in January of this year. I hadn’t heard about the condemning until Susan told me that GHA intervened and assisted those who were displaced from the event. You may think, “Yeah, I heard about it and I’m glad they closed. There were lawless and sketchy things happening there,” and I can understand why you might feel this way at first look. However, did you know that there was a family with a three-month-old at Economy Inn? Did you know there was a 70-year-old man with no vehicle, no phone, no computer, or means of contacting anyone when at the Inn? Were you aware that 60% of those forced out the of Economy Inn were working at the time of the motel’s closing or that a percentage of the women working there were being exploited by their managers and employees at the Inn? Because I was not.
When I first heard about the closing of the Inn, it didn’t really affect me. Of course, I felt empathetic towards the situation, but I didn’t live there, and I didn’t know anyone who did. Why would I carry such an emotional load that wasn’t mine to carry? It wasn’t until I was assigned to compile demographics and other statistical data from the individuals living at Economy Inn that it really clicked for me and my motto kicked in.
What does “people need Jesus and people need people” mean? As a Christian, I have firm faith in Jesus and the sacrifice that He made for me, all who have lived, and all those who will live. Time and time again, the Bible mentions examples of Jesus being a servant first and even gives the command to “[…] love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). To me, “people need Jesus and people need people” means that I see Jesus in everything I say, do, and express. Even more, it says that, like Jesus, I am willing and ready to serve. Looking at the Economy Inn condemning, I realized that I needed to put my motto into action by providing resources and direction in finding those evicted as well as figuring out how to numerically show their worth.
I was recently interviewed about this very assignment by Renee Wunderlich from WYFF. This was an opportunity that I had never imagined, never asked for, and didn’t feel worthy of, but I was grateful for the chance to advocate for the impacted souls from all walks of life in the Greenville community. During the interview, Ms. Wunderlich asked a question that helped me see the value of my work, “Ashley, do you look at these people as more than just numbers and statistics?” I responded with the following:
Think about your family or friends, even yourself, being in one of these scenarios given in GHA reports on the Economy Inn. For me, when reading about the older gentlemen who was secluded and socially isolated, all I could think of was my grandmother who is around the same age and what it would be like for her in that situation. How would I want to help her? Would I help her? What resources would she need to rise above that situation?
It takes but a single moment for us to be in a situation similar to those of people we look away from – those standing on the corner with a cardboard sign, living under a bridge in a tent, or even in a motel trying to make a home out of it by cooking out of the bathroom sink and washing their dishes in the bathtub. If we can comprehend the urgency and humanity in that even a little, then why wouldn’t we want to help? Why wouldn’t we be breaking down the doors, calling all public officials, creating petitions, making phone calls in hopes of putting an end to this atrocity that’s happening to our brothers and sisters in need?
Even though this year has been challenging to say the least, it has been one to learn and grow from as well as one that I will not forget or take for granted. I had support through all of my struggles and hardships which allowed me the freedom to be able to bounce back and know that I had someone to rely on if I couldn’t quite make it myself. People experiencing homelessness in Greenville County deserve this same support. They need you to see them, understand their situations, find resources, and act. If you’re still questioning whether or not to help, just think, “what if it was me?”
Thank you, Susan and Heather, for helping me to see people in need as my Savior sees me and treating them as I would want to be treated. Thank you for showing me that advocacy, education, and accessibility are key in the rehabilitation of those in any community. I have been privileged to be a part of something bigger than myself and to work beside incredible women who aim to serve.
- Ashley Lowery is a senior at Bob Jones University from central North Carolina majoring in Public/Global Health.