A Star on the Rise...Again, Again.

As Thanksgiving approaches I feel it is appropriate to mention how very thankful I am for the many stories I have heard about people, places, traditions, ideas, etc that have been preserved or restored. History is a major driving force behind this blog and when history is well, I am happy. That being said, let's talk about one story I'm thankful for.

Last month I posted an article about the efforts of a group working to preserve a beloved tradition in their community (http://allthebiscuitsingeorgia.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-star-on-riseagain.html) 

I'd like to revisit that story for an update. 

The star is built. In fact, even as I sit listening to the wind rustling the trees on this brisk Georgia morning, the star is being hoisted into its perch to make sure everything is a go for next Saturday's lighting ceremony. 

The new star is exactly that. Made from lighter materials the new star is a foot taller, a foot wider and 120 pounds lighter than its forefather.  The 160 electric lights are energy-efficient LED bulbs that use a fraction of the power without dimming the glow.

So here's the festivities:

I have watched this happen as an outsider. My connections to Lindale lie in the past. The nostalgia and my love of history and tradition keep me connected to this endeavor. Compared to Restoration Lindale, I'm an outsider looking in. That being said, I am grateful to see the way the community has rallied around this effort. The bulbs sold out almost immediately. The involvement of schools, churches, businesses and individuals shows how important it is to the community that a star shines between the stacks this Christmas.

And so today the star will be hoisted by the sons, grandsons and great-grandsons of the men that hoisted it years ago.  Times are similar. The economy is down. People are out of work. Nothing seems to be changing that. As an outsider looking in, I can tell you that Lindale has seen better days. 

But the same outsider has seen the work that has been done throughout the community. On top of all the labor, toil and sweat, the beacon of hope and community is rising from the rubble. There's not one bale of cotton in Lindale but there is hope and love of community. Yes, Lindale has seen better days. But now it has seen worse and I can't help but believe that even better days lie ahead.