“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The writer speaks with conviction, of knowing where his strength & endurance comes from. It’s not difficult to see this same tenacity in the hearts of our towns people, our youth & the elderly homesteaders who have strongly made their claim. I’m impressed with the comrade spirit that embraces this community. It’s like the protective bobcats that mark their territory & take their stand to defend their own. This beautiful & mystical animal has an intriguing & historic life on the Ridge. Their story is one that gives us a wonderful comparative illustration of the strength that comes through weakness. As through their desperate threats of extinction, the bobcat continued to prove that their livelihood was one of resilience; much like the steadfastness of our very own town. Consider the brave hunters they are, since the bobcat is much smaller in stature than most felines. Yet they are able to take down much larger prey during the leanest times of scarcity & starvation. It’s no wonder that the perfect mascot for our High School has been the mighty Bobcat. It represents our undefeated team spirit! This same oneness, determined motivation & warrior attitude, can be seen through the gallant efforts of so many. We are only a few, but we’re courageous & brave. Our adversities are great, but we’re vigilant & unafraid. Alone we may be, but together we’re one. Although we’re weak, we can become strong! The writer’s words speak bold & true; “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing, or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”. Philippians 4:11-13. Through these difficult times, we’ve shared our hearts, homes & our lives with each other, as the caring community we are. We’ve learned to find the strength when we had nothing left to give. As the trail leads the Bobcat to return to its habitat, so the strength of Paradise shall continue to live!
