A little bit goes a long way to preserving the local economy. You don't have to spend an enormous amount in each shop, just a little bit here and a little bit there will go a long way to support all of the Sequim businesses.

And, in order to override this economic earthquake that we are experiencing, I challenge every resident of our wonderful town to grasp the reality of embracing and fortifying our town against any further fallout.

We do not have to be a statistic with the rest of the economic landslide. We can be a lighthouse, an example of how to survive and flourish in challenging times.

And in order to do this, we all must do our part to retain the wonderful businesses we have in Sequim. These proprietors have families and employees with families who need us. Our town warrants the appearance, backed by the reality, of prosperity and well-being. We can be a model town for such a time as this.

My grandfather was a wise and generous man. If he knew Mr. So and So and Such and Such bank, he opened an account and put in a little money. He did this many places; his heart understanding support for local businesses.

I have been blessed with this same heart for local enterprises. If the little "mom and pop" type stores all around us were not there, it would be sad for the surrounding residents.

So, please seriously consider being a shopper in all of the stores in Sequim to the best of your ability. We can be a prosperous community if we all do our part in contributing a little here and a little there, by getting to know the shopkeepers and appreciating their efforts to supply wonderful items for us.

Let's be known for something out of the ordinary:

"Wow! Sequim flourishing in a very difficult economic squeeze." May these be headline contents for us and broadcast nationwide. However, it must begin with a personal proclamation. We must say "No! Emphatically, no, to any further decrease of Sequim's net worth."



The Rev. Carol Kindt owns Beside Still Waters and is pastor of the Grace Northwest Fellowship - Full Gospel Christian Ministry, in Sequim.