You Ain't No Kinda Man Unless You've Got Land!

“Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”

~ James Allen

I've never prided myself on being a good student. However, one thing I always remembered from school is that if something is repeated multiple times you should pay attention. It usually means it is probably important and most likely will show up again on a test. Luckily I don't have to take tests anymore but I, like you, am tested every day in my life and in work.

Recently the thing that has been recurring to me is a sense of belonging and the thought of having pride in where you are. The idea first appeared to me a few weeks ago when I caught an airing of one of my favourite Mississippi films, Oh Brother Where Art Thou.

(I should interject that many Mississippians don't like the film because of the negative light our State is portrayed in, in the movie. While I don't agree with all the "artistic licenses" taken in the film, our state and our people received very high accolades from the actors, crew and others close to the film for our hospitality and southern way of life. Very much like those received from The Help.)

In one scene, while gathered around a campfire, the three lost souls freshly liberated from a Parchman work crew are discussing what they will do with their share of a hijacked million dollars. Delmar O'Donnell, played by Tim Blake Nelson, exclaims he is going to buy back the family farm. He beautifully sums up the sentiment by saying, "You ain't no kinda man unless you've got land".

In addition to catching the film on TV, my preacher and I must share the same taste in movies because he brought this same message from the pulpit. "You ain't no kinda man unless you've got land". Mike was bringing the message from a spiritual perspective rather than physical, stating that unless we have a strong foundation in our faith and a firm grasp on religion, we will never "belong" anywhere. The physical tie to land is a human emotion but the spiritual tie to our foundation is what keeps us firmly rooted and grounded.

The third instance of this trilogy of "belonging" embraced me last week at I attended my second year of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's prestigious Institute for Organizational Management in Athens, Georgia. (I am in my second year of a four year certification program to become an IOM Chamber Executive.)

The message there was again rooted in a notion of belonging. Stating that we can all do a J.O.B. but what we as Chamber Executives do is create a unique opportunity for our volunteers to paint their story with a broad brush. To craft a message for the spirit of a town and a community that invites others to come, live, work, play, grow a family, build a legacy, and experience all we have to offer.

I have long been a fan and advocate of the State of Mississippi. From my time growing up among the rows of freshly planted soybeans and cotton fields to a lazy summer day on the Mississippi river trying to catch a mess of catfish. From the warm evening breezes and sand between my toes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the golf courses, hills, trails, lazy rivers and front porches all across the State. I love Mississippi! I have been all over the State and I am connected to her fertile soil and gracious way of life.

Much of what I love about the State of Mississippi is exemplified in Jones County. We have the vast natural resources, beautiful landscapes, rolling hills and fertile lands. We have every form of living this country boy needs and those things we don't have here, or we want here, are only a dream away. We have some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative individuals throughout the entire state located right here. Don't tell us we can't get it done in Jones County, ‘cause we may just have to prove to you that YES WE CAN!

I encourage each of you to find your passion, whatever it may be and get plugged in. There is something for everyone in Jones County! Tons of Non-Profit organizations, boards, committees, and groups are looking for passionate people to get involved and craft the future direction of our great community. We may not be able to do it all as individuals but together we can build on this great land we all love and call Jones County!

Still can't find what you are looking for? Come to the Chamber, I am always looking for passionate cheerleaders to help us hand out paintbrushes to others looking to grow their dreams.

Larkin