Lewiston has a chip on our shoulder.

But what the world has come to learn this past week is that chip is made from grit and grace; heart and hard work; toughness, tenacity; authenticity and love.

Having a chip is often viewed negatively, but it can also be a catalyst to be the very best version of ourselves and that is how Lewiston has always harnessed its chip power.

Having a chip on your shoulder can instill a sense of resilience and perseverance compelling you to work harder and refuse to be labeled by anyone’s preconceived notions. It can fuel a “I’ll prove you wrong and love doing it” attitude of epic proportion.

Having a chip on your shoulder can spur creativity, innovation and a driving pursuit for excellence. That chip is a fierce sense of competition in all the best ways. Like in 2010 when Lewiston transformed the Bates Mill into the most stunning venue for The Governor’s Conference of Maine’s Creative Economy. All at once, we became the epicenter of innovation and creativity and who did we think we were? Lewiston.

My dad had a wicked chip on his shoulder. Lewiston was his haunt and mostly he took that chip-energy out on the ice at the (now) Colisee or when he racked up at The Cage or on the softball field or in the bowling lanes. There was not a league in Lewiston that man wasn’t compelled to join.

If you knew Fred Davis, you knew he occasionally ignited that chip on his shoulder for one other reason. To stand up for the underdog. If he felt someone had been wronged or belittled, out came the chip without hesitation (and sometimes his inner Muhammed Ali). Later, his kids would get an important life lesson that you never, ever stand by. You always, always defend the little guy. You speak up every time. You always tell the truth, and you use that chip on your shoulder for good.

Having a chip on your shoulder can be a powerful force of empathy. It can spur a genuine source of kindness and love and a deep, unwavering commitment to community. It can allow us to use whatever trauma or pain we have endured to fight for what is right and true.

That chip is a big part of why Rinck chose Lewiston-Auburn as our home-base and headquarters. Twenty-two years ago, when we considered locations for the agency — including Portland, Boston or New York — we set our intentions on L/A for one reason only – its people. And that decision instantly paid off with offers of free office space, support and so much goodwill. It was the people of Lewiston who helped launch our business and it is the people of Lewiston who will come together and heal from this tragedy. There is really nothing we cannot accomplish as a community when we come together. We have always been Lewiston Strong.

We will need that chip on our shoulder more than ever to harness energy of compassion over the coming days, weeks, and years. To stand up for those who need us most. To never give in. To create solutions to heal our city. And by using our chip-energy as empathy, we can empower our community to heal and rebuild and take care of the families who were tragically impacted forever.

Lewiston has a chip on our shoulder, and it is our superpower.

Laura Rinck, Lewiston

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