I am a white woman, 92 years young, who has a precious, dearly loved black friend who comes every Tuesday and Friday morning and helps me with anything I ask of her. She arrives with two sausage biscuits, her treat, and we have breakfast together, first asking God’s blessings on one another’s families, for special needs, and giving thanks for His bounteous provision to us.

There has never been a single thing I needed her to do that she didn’t get right on top of it. Sometimes we work on a project together, I losing patience after struggling when nothing seems to be going right, but she’d keep on plugging until it is fixed.

At the grocery last week the checker saw her assist me and asked if she worked for me, to which my sweet friend replied “we help each other,” and we most certainly do! Now I also have many other dear friends in the black community, personal friends plus strangers who see me walking poorly, hold doors open, hand me something from a top shelf, or simply give me a smile. Offers of aid come from each of them. Naturally I do not know all of you, but you and I are all beloved children of God, regardless of the color of my skin or yours.

Remember we are told to be “constant in prayer,” and my town paper gives me the opportunity to do just that.

I live on a street with the easiest access to the highway for emergency vehicles, so upon hearing a siren it is a signal to stop and pray for the person and family of whoever is in dire need. Therefore, being made in His image, our hearts beating with His love, it makes us sisters and brothers to one another. It is my prayer that by now you totally “get it” about where I’m coming from, and on that assumption I am asking you to take action on an issue that vitally concerns you, me, ALL of us.

Sadly, our Representative to Congress, Bennie Thompson, does not represent you or me well, mainly you. Many promises were made by him over his 17 years in Washington, but may I ask are you better off now than you were then? Are you receiving a hand-up or a hand-out? Do you live in a nicer, better home? How about the furnishings? Is it the same sagging sofa or chair? Everyone have a good job?

If you are able to say truthfully that all these great things are happening in your life, then by all means vote for Bennie Thompson.

But, if your life remains about the same as it was 17 years ago when Rep. Thompson was elected, then I ask you to go into your voting place on Tuesday, November 2nd, and mark your ballot for Bill Marcy.

Janie Dale

Greenwood