What The South And Growing Up Southern Means To Me

Yesterday CNN did about a 10 or 15 minute interview with the mayor of Asheville… If you think you’re going to see news reporting every day for the next year and a half… You’re naïve… Seen the same stupid videos day after day after day, with the same stupid songs, and the same emotional manipulation… That doesn’t help anybody… It’s garbage.

I pondered this for 6 or so hours and here’s my response to you.

In the South, family isn’t just a word — it’s the heart of everything. From the moment you’re born, you’re wrapped in this deep, unspoken bond that ties you to those around you, not just by blood, but by love. You don’t just have a mother and father, you’ve got cousins, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends who are as close as family, always ready to offer a hand, a hug, or a plate of food. There’s a sense of belonging here that doesn’t fade with time; it grows stronger.

The rhythm of life in the South is shaped by the people, and the way they come together when life gets heavy or when joy is worth sharing. In our world, no one stands alone. When a neighbor’s in need, we all pitch in. It’s the way we show love, the way we show respect, the way we say, “You matter to me.” And it’s not just the grand gestures — it’s the little things too. A check-in phone call just to see how you’re doing, the casserole that arrives at your door when you’re sick, or the quiet prayer whispered for you at Sunday service.

We believe in showing up for one another, no matter what. When life tests us, we are the first to lend an ear or share a laugh. In the South, we’re taught that our worth is measured not by what we have, but by how much we give. We carry each other’s burdens as if they were our own, and celebrate victories like they’re our own too.

There’s something about the way we’ve lived for generations, knowing that we are bound by more than just geography. We are woven together by shared experiences, by a history of kindness and resilience that echoes through the generations. No matter how far we roam, no matter how much time passes, there’s always a sense that we’re never really apart — because in the South, family and community are the roots that keep us grounded. And as long as we’re breathing, we will always be there for each other, with open arms and a full heart, ready to walk beside you through anything life throws your way.

That’s what it means to be a part of this place, this way of life. It’s not just a feeling, it’s a promise.

And while you may see the videos as garbage, we see it as staying aware! I will keep posting until we have dug ourselves out of this and we are a stronger, more connected community. Because, in the end, it’s not about what’s popular or what’s easy. It’s about staying true to what matters — our people, our family, our roots. I won’t stop until we’re standing tall together again, because I believe in this community, and I believe in the strength we have when we stand side by side. We’ve always been there for each other, and we always will be. That’s something no video, no distraction, can ever take away. We’ve got this. And I’m not backing down until we’ve lifted each other up.