Op-Ed: Lawrence County — The New Blueprint for “Smalltown, USA”?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of LCtoday. We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage open dialogue about the future of our community.

In a world that seems to be spinning faster every day, something remarkable is happening right here in Lawrence County. While much of the nation is caught up in the hustle of city life and the pressure of modern trends, our little corner of Alabama is quietly building something different — something better. A return to the roots. A return to family, faith, and community. In many ways, we’re becoming a real-life model for what “Smalltown, USA” could and should be.

Let’s talk education. More and more parents in Lawrence County are taking a hands-on approach, stepping away from the standard public school system and toward something more intentional. Homeschooling is growing, but not just in the old-fashioned sense. We’re seeing micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, and hybrid models popping up — many with a strong emphasis on faith, family values, farming, and life skills. These aren’t cookie-cutter classrooms. They’re tight-knit learning environments where kids get individualized attention and parents are actively involved in shaping their education. The community is becoming the classroom, and that’s something special.

We’re also witnessing a big return to the land. Homesteading — once seen as a thing of the past — is making a strong comeback. It’s not unusual to see backyard chickens, home gardens, and even folks learning how to ferment their own foods or make herbal salves. Lawrence County is full of small-scale farms and families getting their hands back in the dirt. They’re not just growing food — they’re growing a lifestyle centered on self-reliance, sustainability, and stewardship. The kind of lifestyle that brings neighbors together and teaches the next generation where their food really comes from.

And perhaps most encouraging of all is the shift we’re seeing in health. Across the county, people are becoming more conscious about what they put in their bodies. You can hear it in conversations at the farmers market or see it in the aisles at local stores — folks reading labels, checking ingredients, and asking questions. There’s a growing interest in avoiding preservatives, food dyes, and ultra-processed ingredients. Many are cutting back on fast food and sugary drinks and choosing whole foods, organic produce, and meals made at home.

We’re not just talking about diet changes either. People are exploring holistic and natural approaches to medicine — from herbal teas and supplements to chiropractic care and essential oils. It’s not about rejecting modern medicine, but rather about taking a more balanced, informed approach to wellness. One that honors both tradition and personal responsibility. It’s a return to that old-school idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Now, does that mean everyone’s trading their drive-thru meals for homegrown tomatoes or swapping textbooks for farm chores? Not at all. And that’s okay. One of the greatest things about this country — and about small towns like ours — is the freedom to choose. Whether you stick to the old ways or try something new, Lawrence County is a place where both can exist side-by-side with mutual respect. We don’t have to look alike, vote alike, or live exactly the same to care about our neighbors and share in the pride of this community.

This isn't happening because someone told us to. It's happening because people are waking up to the value of simplicity, intention, and living in tune with their values. And in a world that often feels upside down, that’s a powerful thing.

Lawrence County may not have a skyline, a big-name franchise on every corner, or a nonstop stream of new development — but what we do have is heart. We have families who show up for one another. We have a growing number of people rethinking the way they raise their kids, grow their food, and care for their health. And we have a deep appreciation for our heritage — not just to remember it, but to build on it.

If we stay the course — supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and keeping our eyes on what truly matters — then Lawrence County won’t just thrive. We’ll lead. We’ll be proof that the American small town isn’t dying… it’s being reborn.

Let the world look to us and say, “That’s how you do it.”

This piece was written by Kevin Cooper, a lifelong resident of Moulton and founder of LCtoday. Kevin believes Lawrence County has the potential to be a beacon for rural communities across America — not by changing who we are, but by leaning into it.