By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

Words matter.

And it’s amazing how much a few short words can mean – and do mean to passers by of the Josh and Allison Gupton home on Wilkesboro Street in Mocksville.

“Do something kind today.”

“Smile, it increases your face value.”

“Believe you can and you’re half way there.”

The sayings go on and on, and there’s a new one every week – carefully written onto a chalkboard placed in the front yard of their home.

Josh comes up – with plenty of help from friends – the sayings. Allison writes the words on the chalk board.

“It’s been fun for everybody, we’re very encouraged by it,” Josh said. “Since they’ve opened the roundabout, we’ve really noticed that the traffic has picked up.”

And so have the compliments about their sign and its messages – which are written with the seasons and holidays in mind, with religious notes and even local connections.

“We’ve enjoyed it, and look forward to offering more encouraging words … and put a smile on their faces,” he said.

Josh is an ordained minister, and works at the family business, Lambert Funeral Home. Allison works for Smart Start of Davie County.

They came about the chalkboard sign by way of friends John and Elizabeth Bumgarner, who posted messages on it in front of their home on North Main Street. They started it during the pandemic, and kept it up after things starting opening again.

But when the Bumgarners decided to move last year, Allison started thinking.

“As we would walk downtown, we would pass this house and were always encouraged by the notes, especially in a time that semed so dark and isolating,” the Guptons said in a yearly newsletter to friends and family.

“We reached out to see if the chalkboard was going to be moving, too, and if not, we could give it to a new home.

“The messages had become such an encouragement, and even in a more bright time, we wanted to see them continue.”

On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2023, the sign was moved to Wilkesboro Street.

“Since its arrival, the chalkboard has helped us celebrate our own birthdays, welcome family to town and celebrate their birthdays, congradulate our community on their win as a national “All American” county, send holiday wishes and more.”

But in August, a severe thunderstorm took it down, right before the start of school. There’s a school bus stop near their house, so they like to encourage the younger set, as well.

“As timing would have it, Allison’s mom knew of a friend who had a chalkboard that they were trying to rehome that would be able to sustain the elements and serve a purpose of continuing to share positive, encouraging messages with the community.

“That chalkboard arrived arrived just in time to send studetns and teachers off with well wishes for the first day of school, and has continued to spread encouragement since.”

They’ve opened the sayings to friends and others, with requests and suggestions sent to guptonsgreetings@gmail.com.

Yes, Gupton’s greetings.

Maybe regular online postings are in order.