A Town Divided over a Beaver and What it Reveals about Our Hearts
Sometimes you come across a story that, in a nutshell, reflects the state of our world. Here’s how a recent article in the Washington Post began:
The organizers of the pumpkin patch outside the town hall canceled this year’s event so that “evil doesn’t win.” A local lawyer stopped watching Sunday football at the sports bar because he got tired of people yelling at him. A gregarious chef turns his head when he drives past neighbors who have shunned him. And what, you ask, could cause such a divide? A beaver. He even has a name. Buc-ee.
Over the past year, the residents of Palmer Lake, Colorado, population 2,500, have been torn apart by a gas station. Yes, a very large gas station, but still a gas station. Again, the Washington Post:
Buc-ee’s, the Texas chain known for its jaunty beaver mascot and sparkling bathrooms, wants to erect a 74,000-square-foot travel plaza... along the nearby interstate. The proposal is expected to go to a public vote this winter. But already, it has led to cursing at packed town meetings, mudslinging on social media and texts, accusations of vandalism, litigation, the downfall of a mayor, the ouster of two town trustees, and the resignation of a third.
Now, to be clear, disagreeing over such a project is both fair and understandable. Both sides want to do what they feel is best for their town. Those in favor are interested in the financial security the new tax revenue will provide; those opposed are concerned about wildlife and groundwater.
The tragedy is that we have lost our ability to engage in civil discourse. Former mayor Paul Olivier teared up while saying: “We have people that lived here and that were friends for many years, and now they’re fighting against each other.... We have family members opposing family members.” For Olivier, in favor of the project, that includes his daughter and grandson, who are opposed.
Personally, I like stopping at Buc-ee’s when I come across them on the interstate. But I also do not live near one. So the debate itself is one I am not in a position to engage.
But how the debate is unfolding is another matter. It seems to reflect our culture at large, where we have let disagreements quickly descend to the personal. Opponents are demonized, motives are cast in the worst possible light, and civility is cast aside.
Never has the world needed the vision of the Church, and specifically its values for community, more. That value is simple: loving relationships should permeate every aspect of our lives. It means doing everything in our power to relate to one another lovingly, truthfully, compassionately, and graciously.
When there is conflict or tension, stress or misunderstanding, we tackle it head-on within the context of love. We’re not going to let it go underground, much less let it become cancerous so that it infects the body of Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew’s biography of His life: “If your brother or sister sins [against you], go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over” (18:15, NIV).
I know we won’t all be equally close to one another; this isn’t about every single person being your best friend. But we can be loving in our spirits, gracious in our hearts, and fiercely loyal to each other. And when we disagree, we can agree to disagree agreeably.
Some have said that Buc-ee’s has torn the community in half. No, the community has done that to itself, over a beaver.
James Emery White
Sources
Karin Brulliard, “A Colossal Buc-ee’s Broke a Small Colorado Town,” CNN, October 26, 2025, read online.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Contributor
James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and a former professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president. His latest book, Hybrid Church: Rethinking the Church for a Post-Christian Digital Age, is now available on Amazon or from your favorite bookseller. To enjoy a free subscription to the Church & Culture blog, visit churchandculture.org where you can view past blogs in our archive, read the latest church and culture news from around the world, and listen to the Church & Culture Podcast. Follow Dr. White on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @JamesEmeryWhite.
Originally published November 06, 2025.
