Hope & Community

It's about doing life together.

Hope Matters

I was having a conversation with my mother some time ago about community, and she began to describe to me the way she grew up in community with others. Now, that wasn’t because my grandparents had 12 children. They could have been the community 🤭, but that’s not where I’m going with this. My grandparents also had 40 acres, where they grew vegetables and fruit trees and raised animals. There were also some people who lived down the road from them who had land and animals, while there were still others who had neither.

What my mother went on to share is during that time when late fall and winter rolled around, no one was really worried about what they would eat or having enough. Each family would kill a certain amount of animals and harvest all they’d grown in early fall to begin to prepare for the cold and planting seasons. They would keep enough for their families and share what was left with others who either didn’t have anything or the same vegetables or animals. Community, for them, was a way of life.

I began to think about our nation as it is now and how far removed from this concept of community we seem to live. Those who’ve latched on to capitalism are only concerned for themselves and how they can have it all and keep it to themselves. This makes my heart sad, because we need community in order to thrive.

As the organization I work with attempts to rebuild a sense of community among the families we serve, I feel as if we’re having to strive too hard to restore it. At times it can feel so difficult to do. However, Hope Buddies, I submit that it’s not as difficult as it seems.

It begins with each of us reaching out to someone nearby and sharing what we can spare of our resources-whether it be time, money, knowledge, etc.-to create connections whereby we know we can rely on each other. Each of us, from the richest to the poorest, share commonalities. We want to be fully loved, deeply cared for, and wholly well. A person fully focused on himself or herself and their tiny family unit is going to be lacking at least one of those things. It takes community to achieve this deep sense of wholeness and wellness.

We were divinely designed to live in community. Our Creator gave us each different gifts, because it takes all of us to form one body. You have something I’m lacking and vice versa. If we can begin to see every single person-not just your neighbors down the street or people who look like you-as community members, how much better would our lives be?

Hope Buddies, we should actively be asking ourselves,

What do I have to give? How can I help the next person I meet?

The most necessary and impactful of all that you can give is time. It’s the basis of all other resources you have to share, but it starts with time. Take the time to see people, assess the need, and attempt to fill it or make a connection with someone who can.

We can indeed restore community with simple consideration of others. Restoring and building community isn’t hard. It is sharing what you have (knowledge, time, money) with someone else and intentionally creating a connection. As we move forward in life, Hope Buddies, remain open to recognizing when what you have to share is needed and be willing to give freely.

Hope in creating and building community. ☕️

Coffee Matters

Coffee Buddies, I’m so excited to share my latest coffee adventure with you. I’m in Washington D.C. this week. The hotel I’m staying in is kind of in the center of everything. Of course, you know I looked up nearby coffee shops. As I was perusing the list, I saw a name I recognized, and it was only a 15-minute walk! So, yesterday, I donned my workout clothes and, instead of hopping on the hotel treadmill, walked to the coffeehouse.

Here’s what you need to know. I’ve read and/or listened to 3 of Mark Batterson’s books, where he describes how and why Ebenezers Coffeehouse exists. It’s a place founded by National Community Church and in service to the community, local and global.

When I walked in I felt refreshed but also a sense of peace. I was greeted with smiles and warm welcomes from the staff, and there were people having their morning coffee. Some were working. Some, sitting and chatting. And I was excited to see it thriving, because I know the mission.

And because I know the mission, I walked out with a cup of coffee, 2 bags of beans, 2 books, and a tote bag. 🫶🏾 I did take a few minutes to sit down and enjoy my coffee, although I had a full day ahead. I’m glad I finally got to visit this place and am able to share my adventure with you.

Coffee Buddies, you can learn more about Ebenezers Coffeehouse, its offerings, and mission here. I hope your visit to the website is worthwhile. And if you’re in or visiting the D.C. area, please stop by.

So…

What are you hoping and sipping this week?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.