Community Spring Storyteller Spotlight: Bobby King
Through our storytelling workshops we invite justice-impacted community members to join us on the final Tuesday and Wednesday of each month to work on various writing projects. We’re building a strong community of writers and thinkers. After having done this for several months, we’ve realized that it’s time to start sharing some of the beautiful ideas, stories, and poems of our participants. This will be the first of many spotlights to come.
Bobby is toward the far left.
Bobby King is a local community member. He wrote this piece to express a sense of care for communities facing challenges that he has faced in the past, and in some instances, challenges he is currently facing. He wants justice impacted folks to know that they’re never alone and that there’s someone who cares deeply about them.
To Whomever,
These words may seem like simple words to you but they are not. These words I write to you stand for many many times that I have thought of you and smiled. I wish I had a magic wand that I could just wave in your direction and make everything better. I wish I had a sprinkle of sawdust that would erase every problem that’s coming your way. If only I could get my hands on a magic lamp and rub it until a genie appeared, I would ask for an end to all you’re carrying and the beginning of great happiness for you. I don’t really have any magic, but if these feelings and warm thoughts can help, there’s definitely some wonderworking stuff heading your way.
Just keep your faith in God and in yourself and everything will be just fine. And please, always remember, when we’re dealing with difficult times in our lives, like you and I are doing right now, it’s easy to feel like we have lost the light along our paths. We wonder why these things happen and no one can give us an answer, but I hope it helps to remember that these moments are a part of life that teach us to treasure the happy times and appreciate the little things. I don’t understand or know why things are the way they are for you or me right now, but I want you to know, even through the rough times just like the good times, I’m here for you, and you can count on me always.
Why? It’s not about me succeeding or you succeeding. We are one family. When I do better, you do better and vice versa. The walk is so much smoother when you’ve got someone else to lean on, so let’s succeed together.
Sincerely,
Bobby King
P.S. I asked God, “why me?” and I asked myself “Why not me?”
P.P.S. Continue to stand tall, because God is still in control of all life’s situations. All. Be strong, stay strong, and never stop believing in you.
Come share your writing process, meet other impacted writers, and join us as we work to end the cycle of poverty and mass incarceration at Community Spring. We meet on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of each month from 9:30am-11:30am. Participants will either receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card or community service hours (if applicable) for each day of participation.
