Clay Street where you at?

About a month or so ago I let it be known that my life was about to take a dramatic change for the good, not that things were ever bad but, my businesses were being given a tremendous opportunity and would take me away from Clay Street for longer stretches. At that time I sent an email message to everyone asking for their help.

I understand that life has given us all our share of ups, downs, bumps, bruises, jeeps, and landcruisers. Further, I get it that not everyone is quick to put themselves in the line of fire and I mean that quite literally. Speaking out against the ills that plague Clay Street and acting at odds of the major entrepreneurs of the neighborhood does require a certain level of risk management that I do not believe everyone is ready to take upon their shoulders. There is still a fear that resonates on these streets. It is that fear that we have worked very hard over the last 2 years to eradicate.

How far have we come? What is the feeling now? I do still see some of the same faces back home from bids and still up to the same tricks again, unfortunate. There is so much work to do.

It is a moment of clarity that is necessary. There is no need for you to think Clay will fall back into its old ways however. There are a host of amazing people back here that are fighting day in and day out for the best the hood has to offer.

I am here. I am never far from the place that I call home. Business is taking me everywhere but, Clay as late. Don’t be mad at me, understand that I have to support my family too, especially in these depressed economic times, a period of great challenge. I will continue to serve as an inspiration for those that require a little help getting out of bed in the morning. I am back and forth, in and out of Clay quite a bit as late, never long enough though to really get my hands dirty. That time will come soon enough.

Until then though, I ask you to lend a hand. Step in and do something. Maybe, help an old lady with her bags, ask a school kid how he or she is doing in school, introduce yourself to someone new, bake cookies for your neighbors, smile at a passerby, acknowledge someone you wouldn’t normally, above all…DONT BE AFRAID. Get out of your own head for a minute, think for a moment about someone other than yourself and do something that doesn’t require a pat on the back. Just do it because you know its the right thing to do.

SMILE. Its never that bad, remember you ARE ALIVE.

Peace and Respect,
Timmy Grins

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Posted in September 2007