Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

“Tell them about the dream.”

Those words, uttered by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, prompted one of the most powerfully worded—and largely improvised—portions of a beloved speech.

“I have a dream,” Martin Luther King, Jr. said.

The rest is history (you can watch it here)—and today and every day, I’m so glad you’re here.

Dear Grace,

Can we really talk about everything here? Can we talk about racism, politics, marriage, children and how wild the world is?

— Incredulous in Illinois

Dear Incredulous,

While I wish you didn’t feel like you had to ask, I appreciate your question and anyone else who may have wondered it but never written in. The short answer to your question is, “Yes!” This community and my advice columns are here to talk through anything and everything. 

I get why you might be skeptical (and even Incredulous). Some of the topics you named can feel like taboos or arguments-waiting-to-happen, but that’s why I started this column in the first place: To give women like you and me a chance to be honest about our struggles, questions, and feelings, no judgment. Most of life isn’t black and white, Incredulous, and my goal is to give us a space to sort through the shades of gray together.

No matter the topic, there are a few truths that I try to always remember when I’m giving (and getting!) advice….

It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and that means people throughout our nation will honor his legacy by intentionally setting out to help others. What are you doing for the Day of Service?

It’s really encouraging to see so many people—not just in Virginia, but across the country—give of their time and talents to benefit others on this special day. 

I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating. Or if you’re unable to participate in a service project today, I’d definitely be interested to shout out some of your favorite local nonprofits in Friday’s newsletter. Drop me a line at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

This week, we’re taking a different approach to our “events” section. In honor of service projects taking place across the commonwealth today, we’re highlighting three warming centers that utilize volunteer help. 

If you’re able to visit and serve—or give a monetary donation—these locations provide opportunities to positively impact community members in need.

Inclement Weather Shelter

1900 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond

Daily from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

MHC Warming Center

603 Memorial Blvd, Martinsville

Open 7 p.m to 9 a.m. in temperatures below 40 degrees

The Men’s Hope Center

203 W. 19th St., Norfolk

Shelter beds available nightly for men

Weekday services open to men and women from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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