Inefficient, But Effective.

“Inefficient systems leave space for imperfect people to thrive.” 

• Ashley Thomas, Well Moments 

I am a perfectionist. This does not mean I am perfect all the time (obviously), but I try to be - and I try to have the spaces I live and operate in reflect this same desire. In my mind when things are perfect, my people will thrive. They will have all that they need, and possibly want - but not only that, they will be safe and loved. 

I have two toddlers. If you have had kids you know it is near impossible to have any physical space, let alone a moment… be “perfect”. Becoming a mom has softened me. It has forced me to pick my battles. I realize the tremendous amount of pressure I put on myself is not something I want to impose on the people I love. I hear my husband sighing a breath of relief somewhere. 

The reality is no human being is perfect. We all come with our own variation of mess and inadequacy - and if we looked too close it would disqualify us, but thankfully there is a narrative that invites us into something that says otherwise. And that is the narrative that Hope Street operates from. One that says every man, woman and child who walks through our doors is beloved before they do or say a thing, before they unload their baggage, and before they take one step in the right direction. What a gift. Yet, too often people aren’t ready to receive that gift, or they are waiting for the other shoe to drop…one that includes a list of do’s to maintain their status. At Hope Street we get to offer a new way for us all to live life, and in turn kindly remind one another when we have stepped back into old thought patterns and ways. 

Recently I was on a walk with a friend. This is someone I intentionally share what is happening in my life, and in turn she does the same - together, we point each other back to the Father. As we neared the end of our walk she shared some hard news. That news led us to further reflect and consider what our faith has to say about the matter. Ultimately it left me with the reflection of how too often as Christ followers we push out the very people who would most benefit from His love. We create this long list of do’s and don’ts and then order them in severity - from there we determine who should be let in the doors. The irony is - we think calling people out is what is going to “save” them or make them change their ways, and yet we know the only one who transforms hearts and minds is Jesus. His LOVE casts out any fears that keep us from resting in His arms. Our imperfections remind us of our need for a Savior and in turn the reality that that is how he meets us…when we are not put together. 

So our churches and ministries should be full of those people, in other words, all of us who are imperfect, and in need of a love that transforms everything. 

My perfectionism, or rather desire for perfectionism has to die daily. What I have thought kept me in right standing…with myself, others and honestly the Father…is the thing that creates the biggest barrier. He is perfect, and His love is perfect. That reality covers me, and invites me in. He reminds me I belong. I am chosen. I have a purpose. 

When I consider what this means for Hope Street, it is no more complicated than our organization being committed to being a safe place for broken (imperfect) men, women and children to grow and flourish. We are a place for all people, because we know all people benefit most from being in the presence of a loving Father. And that flips our propensity towards determining what is successful or “perfect” right side up. 

These truths and more are shared inside the chapter book, Well Moments, you can purchase your copy here. We also have a children’s book that invites your family to explore what hope and community looks like at an age appropriate level. If you’re looking for more discussion, follow along on our podcast as we dissect each chapter - you can find this week’s episode here.