“Those who engineer will agree that the tallest buildings in the world are built on solid foundations. So if by chance you feel you’ve hit rock bottom, know that it’s the best foundation to rebuild your life. Let today be the day you start anew.” – L. Ron Pringle

At a recent distribution event I met a young man, husband and father of four, standing in the line waiting to pick up a meal for his family. As I often do, I began to walk down the line speaking to those that are waiting patiently; receiving their expressions of appreciation for all that our Food Bank is doing to serve them. As I made my way down the line, this young man caught my eye because he was wearing a really nice suit, however I could tell by his demeanor he was very uncomfortable. So I asked, “how’s it going, is everything okay?” He responded, “Yes sir, I’m good, I appreciate what ya’ll doing out here”.  “No worries brother, this is what we do, and we’re glad to do it. That’s a nice suit you got on, you must be going on a date tonight”, I said jokingly to break the ice. And that’s where it all began. He began to tell me his story, about losing everything he and his family had during hurricane Mathew. The suit he had on was what he was wearing when he met up with his family at a shelter because his family had to be evacuated. He went on to tell me that he lost his job because he could not bear to leave his family at the shelter alone. Because of his sacrifice to protect and be there for his family, he now finds himself in a position where providing for his family seems impossible. He said, “at least today, I can take something back to the room for them to eat and not feel like a failure”.   I did my best to encourage him and let him know that things are going to get better and this too shall pass. He went on to say something that shook me at my core. He said, “Nah man, it’s over for me, I have nothing left to give, I’ve hit rock bottom and I give up”.   I began to button up his shirt at his neck. Removing my tie to put around his neck, I told him how sharp he looked and that this tie would go great with his suit.  I went on to shared with him, “Those who engineer will agree that the tallest buildings in the world are built on solid foundations. So if by chance you feel you’ve hit rock bottom, know that it’s the best foundation to rebuild your life. Let today be the day you start anew”.

In the world of food banking, we understand that needing food is not the problem, but the results of a problem. Our mission is to solve hunger and its root causes, and sometimes, the reason some people are in line is because they feel they have hit rock bottom and they have nothing left to give. However, after almost 20 years serving our community, I’ve learned that it’s not just about passing out food. We are distributing hope, support, encouragement, and love; making small miracles for those that have prayed for a breakthrough. Every day my team and I are fortunate enough to provide an ear for those that just need to be heard and to speak up on behalf of those who feel they have no voice. 

For those of you that support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, here in Fayetteville North Carolina, thank you. Because of you, I have the opportunity to live a servant’s life that brings hope to our neighbors. I am able to give a word of encouragement to someone that feels that all hope is lost. For your service and commitment to our mission of solving hunger, and for this opportunity, I thank you. You are the real Hero!

Yours in service,

L. Ron Pringle