Freedom is not given, it is taken. As a result, we are as free as we choose to be. Free enough to help an unemployed neighbor fix his car so he can find a job. Free enough to find housing for and feed an elderly couple abandoned by their children. Free enough to protect a child from abusive parents. Because freedom is a choice, we will be free.
Freedom is not simply found in words that appear in a newspaper, or weaved throughout a cleaver politician’s speech. It lives in the benevolent actions of citizens like Andrew Byrd of the Thomas Group, Marion Sheffield of New Orleans on the River, Judy Ann Dial of Reserve Direct, Earl and Margit Worsham, or Mary Vance of Mountain Hope Clinic. These people dedicate their time and treasure to the benefit of our entire community. No person or government has made any of these people or the countless others like them help a single Tennessean in need.
When we are young, we are courageous and independent. We listen to the voices within with little fear. However, in time, too many of us decide to surrender our liberty for perceived security. Suddenly, we start driving by women with flat tires on the interstate, ignoring the spousal abuse in our neighborhood and look the other way when we see a child with no winter coat. Too many times, too many Americans just expect someone else to take care of the problem.
As a young man, my Uncle often reminded me that “there are more seats in the wagon than there are harnesses for a reason and there will always be more passengers than horses.” Consequently, it has always been the horses that keep us free. For, without them we would be completely dependent subjects of those who gain power and control by way of our complacency.
Exercising our freedom, on Saturday November 14, The Sevierville 407 Merchants Group will host the 407 Wild Game Cookout at New Orleans on the River from 12-5pm. Soon to be neighbors, LISEGA Inc. has offered to sponsor the event designed to raise funds for the 24 important local agencies that rely on support from The United Way of Sevier County .
Marion and Glenda Sheffield graciously offered their beautiful facility on the banks of the French Broad River to allow a perfect venue for the event. Danny Devaney from the Hoot n’ Holler Dinner Theater in Wonder Works and Dave Gorden, a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame and columnist for The Mountain Press will share the master of ceremony responsibilities.
“Genuine Nothing,” “Summer Breeze” and “For Her Pleasure” will perform throughout the afternoon. In addition to a variety of wild game and some less exotic specialties, there will also be an auction of donated items from many of our areas businesses and beyond. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children 10 and under. I see this very special event as God’s work disguised as a good time.
What makes Tennessee and Sevier County specifically such a special place, is our collective willingness to work together to help each other. As in the past, during this year’s United Way Campaign, many of us have slipped into our own harness to advance the causes important to each of us. We do these things as free people who do not have to be told or paid to volunteer our time and treasure to help a neighbor who will one day do the same for us and our families.
Henry Piarrot is the general manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Sevierville Kodak. Please send all story recommendations to hpiarrot@yahoo.com
“History makes you clairvoyant.” – Piarrot
