Fall: God's Gift to the People of Eastern Kentucky

I don't believe God ever created a more beautiful place than Eastern Kentucky in the fall. He must have been in a show-off mood as he painted the trees of the Appalachia Mountains in their fall coats. For sure, they flaunt the most spectacular and breathtaking colors you could ever imagine. There is no way to describe the beauty that unfolds here every fall. All I can do is invite anyone who has not been here in October to come see for himself.

Many people think of Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia as a backwards and dirty place. They couldn't be more wrong. The people here are as intelligent and modern as in any large city. We all have our cell phones glued to our ears and our laptops at our fingertips. We watch the same television shows as everyone else, even the reality shows, and our children dress in much the same fashion as kids everywhere in the United States. Some of them anyway.

Eastern Kentucky is known for coal mining. I suppose that's why people tend to think of the area as dirty. But coal has been called "Black Gold" and for Eastern Kentucky and the Appalachia Mountains that's exactly what it is. It has been the number one source of jobs for the people of this region for decades. And yes, coal mining has left some scars on the area. You may see areas of our mountains stripped bare of their trees. That is part of the price we pay for using the number one commodity we have in this area. However, we are working to correct those scars and we will succeed.

But I believe that God gives every area something special. Something that is theirs alone. Here in Eastern Kentucky, he gave us Fall, in technicolor. As the trees begin to change their colors, the different shades will take your breath away. I have seen trees that have red, orange, yellow, and green leaves, all on the same tree. Or a tree that is bright red at the top and yellow at the bottom. I have seen trees that have such sharp, vivid colors that I wonder how on earth they can be real. I have stopped to admire trees growing along side a dirt road, the picture spread out in front of me as beautiful as any postcard. I have sat beside a lake, the water sparkling with sun reflected diamonds, and multi colored trees shimmering in the reflection. To look across a lake and see bright orange and yellow trees growing at the water's edge is paradise. There is a sense of wonderment and contentment. There is a sense of peace. There is a realization that God created all this for us to enjoy and appreciate.

Visitors to our area in the fall often act surprised and amazed at how beautiful it is. I sometimes smile when I hear someone remark, "I just can't believe it's this beautiful here." I know they may have meant that they are surprised because it is Eastern Kentucky, but I still feel proud. How can I not? It's like hearing someone praise one of my children. It's part of me; it's my home. It's the only place I would ever want to call home.