Some people create with their hands. My mind does the creating and casts a vision. A vision that often tells a story. I get excited about being able to invite people into something meaningful, a moment for the present but also a moment that could change someone’s trajectory forever. His story does that. Flips things upside down, or right side up. Gives meaning to the pain, uncertainty and unknown parts of our lives. Allows joy to be the great gift it was intended to be, as we live in a state of being known.
From the interactive greenhouse the story continued, or in many ways was reflected. We lived inside of the framework of the garden, we wrestled with the ongoing tension of what is, versus what will be.
The elements that made up our program this year were simply next level. Too often we think it’s wasteful or not necessary to perform with excellence. In my opinion our desire to share our best, reflects His desire of giving us His best. He doesn’t settle with “good enough”, His enough is sufficient.
After watching our 25th Anniversary video, Chris Carpenter left the room in tears and awe with his performance of “Back to the Garden”, the song setting the stage for the desire within each of us to get back to the place we were created for. The place where all things are in perfect harmony, and we can once again walk hand in hand with our Father.
Jamie Chapman held the attention of the room through spoken word by sharing her story, which mimics all of ours - with the great reminder of our belovedness. That His love isn’t wrapped up in our ability to do, but in spite of what we do. His relentless desire to pursue us, and be with us.
If you have ever wondered where Greenhouse for People came from, we were able to finally share the story through this video.
Our members graced the stage, first from Homes and then Shechem. Our Homes crew each in a different part of their journey - new, transplanted, and on their way out. Our teenage boys were brave and vulnerable - sharing how they have grown, but mostly how they have experienced community inside of a safe place.
So much of our history has been acknowledging the opportunity people have to experience reciprocity in relationships. The stripping of “us and them” or “those” people, to us together working towards growth and healing. Acknowledging our well being is wrapped up in one another, and leaning into the give and receive that happens when we see ourselves as equal. Equal in our desires and Hope for something more. One of these stories was shared through video, and we look forward to sharing this widely soon.
Our events are meant to be relational. I cringe at anything that feels transactional, I want people to give and join us from a place of being led. A willingness to join the story. The story I shared that evening was about my recent stroll through a new neighborhood in our city. It quickly became obvious the number of vacant buildings that lined the street. I found myself daydreaming about what could fill those spaces, and how they would bring beauty and resources to the neighborhood. I was curious about the people who called that neighborhood home, and wondered what they wanted the spaces to be filled with. If there were small business owners, entrepreneurs, or community leaders - who just simply needed someone to invest in them so they could in turn invest into the community. Before I went too far down that trail of thought I was suddenly struck with the reality of the buildings that were filled and seemingly doing well - funeral homes and daycares. This led me to the conclusion that people are dying, and being born. While this is part of the reality of life as we know it, it broke my heart that there weren’t places that were invested in the in between. The life that happens between birth and death.
I’m proud of Hope Street, and its consistent and faithful desire to care for men, women and children through all stages of life. The willingness to lean into the mess, and walk with people out of hard spaces into growth and flourishing. To invest in infrastructure that says “you matter” and provide opportunities for people to learn, be in community and have fun. Our fundraising goal for that evening was built upon our desire to continue to invest in the in between. Eight years ago we embarked on the largest capital campaign to date, with a trust in His provision along the way. We have some work to do, but we are hoping and praying that His people will answer the call to join the story at the right time.
From there, I welcomed Shelby Decker and the Community Chorus up for one final performance. They performed “Yet”, and the many faces of those who have been impacted by Hope Street filled the screens. We were reminded to not give up on one another, but to walk with, and continually point to Him who is faithful.
The evening ended with a reflection. One that still brings me to tears as I look ahead with great anticipation to what our Father is preparing for us (view here). That promise reminds me that He is true to His promises for us each and every day. Promises that hold us in His grip and provision - promises that give us the daily grace to step into the messy and hard spaces, but to trust His light is greater than it all as it penetrates the dark spaces in our hearts and city.
This evening we got a glimpse of being back in the garden.
Soon, we will have an opportunity for you to re-live or experience for the first time this special evening. Until then, I hope this has given you a glimpse into the evening that was shared. One, I know I will remember for many years to come.
It continues to be a great honor to lead an organization that holds true to His story, and the impact it has in and through people’s lives. I’m grateful for the many, many people who have allowed their story to intersect within our space over the years. For the well moments that have brought healing, transformation and new perspectives. I look ahead with great anticipation at what He will continue to do.
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