Monroe has been my home since 2008. In just a few weeks I will have been a citizen of this city for 15 years. What brought me here was an opportunity to be the minister for a loving church family called the Forsythe Church of Christ. Whenever I need to clarify which building it is, I start talking about that funny roof and everyone knows. It’s a landmark, for sure. For me, and many others, it is not just an unusual building but it is a lighthouse of love for our community.
Monroe, like every city, can always use some improvement. But I have found it to be a place of hospitality, friendliness, and compassion. The number of helping agencies and organizations always reminds me that Christianity has had, and continues to have, a positive impact in this area. There are a lot of churches in the Monroe / West Monroe area. Many of them are involved in helping and serving others.
Another thing I love about this area are the abundant wildlife and outdoor activities. Places like Black Bayou NWR, Restoration Park, Kiroli Park, and the boat launch park off of Forsythe Avenue are all within a few miles of where I live. I enjoy going out to these places and I continue to be surprised at the close proximity of wildlife to the city. In Restoration Park, you can hear the eighteen-wheelers rolling down Interstate 20 while watching a deer nibble leaves at the water’s edge.
Monroe is large enough to have many local restaurants to enjoy and all kinds of shopping experiences. It’s a busy place, but not so large that you can’t find your way around. We enjoy both the convenience and the variety of stores and eateries.
I have been known to visit the enjoyable Butter Bakery, imbibing in some sweetness and coffee and trying to appear to also be working. I’m not sure I pulled it off. Church members are nice enough to give me a gift card to Starbucks or CC’s and I enjoy those places as well. And a friend has bought me more coffees at Books-A-Million than I can keep up with.
Anyway, tonight I was just thinking about the city that I call home. I am grateful to be a part of this place and was reflecting on the blessing of living here. The businesses and nature are all enjoyable. But it’s the people that make Monroe a great place to live.
Thanks for reading and letting me share some about my city. What do you like best about the place where you live?
Everything from I 20 to sterlington was NEW. I surely am glad I had google directions or I would have been loster! (I make up words as I go). Any way. The new sign on the east entrance to Monroe is beautiful. It’s new to me.
And now I have to try Butter Bakery when I visit my dad and bonus mom!