It Takes A Village

Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

A few weeks ago Brian Hookfin a native of the Town of Kentwood took me back in a community outside the city limits of Kentwood to a small community they call Coleman hole.  The name Coleman hole just didn't sit right with me so I started calling it "Coleman Place." Their homestead isn't that far from the parish line of Washington Parish, Louisiana.  Traveling on HWY 38,  northwest of the Town of Kentwood—up and down the rolling hills with lots of whispering pine trees and pastures with beautiful herds of cattle.

The people who live in Coleman Place are all related and have very nurturing and supporting relationships with each other.  They may not have a lot of material things but they have a lot of love for each other. I sit there taking notes on how they help each other and share what little they have with each other.

When I told people in the community that the Immersion group was going to work in Coleman Place; their response were " you're going in Coleman's hole!" I couldn't understand why they made that statement  "why, that's for me to find out, thinking to myself.  What I found is exactly opposite of what people was saying; but at any rate people don't hesitate to repeat what they heard about someone very quickly, not knowing if its factual or rumors. Therefore investigate or get to know a person or situation for yourself before believing the negative things said about a person or situation. I'm certainly not saying that they do not have any challenges at all. They have them like everyone else that is rich or poor, middle class or upper class.

The people who live there are such beautiful people that work and stand together. Something that's hard to find in many families and communities with lots more material things than the Coleman family. They understand that it does take a village to raise a child, to take care of the elders and keep their family together. When we  understand it takes a village we'll see great changes in our families and communities. The Coleman family exemplify family unity and that is an example to follow.

Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

I saw people that taking care of their children and helping one another. If one family member has a problem everyone came together to help that family member with that problem. I saw people who are very humble and respectful toward each other.

One of the pictures that was painted in my mind is the day they came together to  pray right outside. They held bible study outside under the clear blue evening skies. They wasn't concerned with a fancy church with central air or heat, or expensive chandeliers didn't stop them for worshiping God. They didn't sit on expense church pews with someone's name engraved on a plague saying, " in memory of" they sat on whatever chair they could find in the yard.

I learned so much from them in a short period of time. Now, I want to take what I learned from a family that may not have much but can teach so many about love and family loyalty. They welcome us with open arms and friendly smiles. They express their appreciation for the little help we gave to them.


Copyright © 2016 by Antoinette Harrell