The Asheville Civil War

According to Wikipedia, “a Civil War is a war between organized groups within a single nation state.” In a Civil War, there are 2 sides (most of the time)… and no, they are not right and wrong. It is more like one side wants it “as it is” and the other side wants it “as it should be”. When a neutrality or understanding is not landmarked; the war begins. When we think of being Civil… we think of being courteous, respectful, and fair. Around here we may call it “common courtesy”. It is sort of like an unwritten rule that’s says to all of us “Hey… Be Cool”. We practice this in our families, companies, and in the common relationships we make daily. When we violate these “terms”, a civil war may begin brewing. How many times have you seen an awesome family, couple, or friendship get destroyed from the inside out? At least when warfare is coming from the outside, you can always band together on common ground and fight it in a reasonable manner. When we fight our own; we take away, destroy potential, and everyone ends up wondering how everyone lost.

Asheville is a place with great potential. The local talent consists of people who have lived here their whole lives, others that have relocated here, and then those that regularly visit the area. Some of these people bring different lifestyles, various faiths, and new ideas. We begin to become a civil community, respecting and accepting as they come. When this civility begins to be compromised, we end up living in a divided world even though we may be only a few miles apart.

Asheville is faced with a choice. Use the similarities and differences we have as grounds for a fight, or purposely plan on how it can create a strong synergy among us. People are different (oh so very different). We all have things we are passionate about. We have things we are prejudiced against maybe due to a prior experience in our lives. We work with all of these things to benefit the whole, which is Asheville to us. One of the reasons many churches around the world fail inside and in their community efforts is because they cannot band together in unity to carry the purpose or vision they have in mind. Gossip, division, backbiting, and jealousy can destroy any hope. What is our vision for Asheville? Do we leave it to the area Politicians to dictate our dreams? Or do we (me and you) take civil control and create a better world in own lives and right here in our AVL community? We are Asheville, and AVL will always be a product of the people it consists of. We are here; ready to grow and become even better. What about you?