One Decade.

One decade. 

Okay, first of all I am not actually sure how I am old enough to have led Hope Street for 10 years. In my mind I am still twenty something, and figuring things out - but in reality I am thirty-six and still figuring things out. That notion once gave me major anxiety, and now I know it is just part of life. A fruitful life, doesn’t ever actually arrive - it is aware of the areas that need to be pruned, watered - and potentially uprooted. I have experienced a wide range of seasons at Hope Street. Some of it I don’t need to repeat, and other parts I find myself daydreaming about back when…Yet, none of it has been wasted. 

Have you ever sat in a sermon and had something click? Where the words you were hearing deeply resonated within your soul? I did recently, and I found the message giving language to what it is that I have been able to witness and experience in my time at Hope Street. 

In short the message was: redemption = rescue + restoration. In other words, Jesus is not only in the business of rescuing us out of our mess, but restoring us - putting us in the right relationship with Him. Hope Street reflects the redemption of the Father by offering a space for people to be rescued, and restored. I have personally experienced this, and I witness it through the men, women and children who live, play, and serve here. It never gets old. It never stops amazing me. 

Time is such a gift. It leaves space for growth. Provides an opportunity for presence, and relationship. It strengthens our ability to endure, to trust that things don’t always happen when we expect or want them to - but His timing is perfect. 

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have led Hope Street in this last decade. As I continue to hold my hands in holy surrender to His will, I will take each allotment of time given each day as the gift that it is.

Keeping track of my time at Hope Street has always been a big deal for me. I don’t know if it is my own awareness that people don’t stay long, or a fear of what comes next. I’ve held the tension of His immeasurable grace, and the freedom He gives through choice. I am grateful I get to choose to show up, and that He has blessed my obedience to His will. My hands continue to be in an open posture, trusting Him in the give and take. 

This last year in many ways was my best year. I found new sustainable rhythms. I delegated in ways that 26 year old Ashley would have panicked over. I listened more. Spoke when needed. Allowed myself to focus on the things I am best at. 

I love to give gifts. I love paying attention, and figuring out what it is that will make someone feel special. Beyond that I love the idea that someone will have something to enjoy. Gift giving is very clearly one of my love languages. 

Hope Street has given me so much. My hope in sharing Well Moments (chapter book, and kids book) is to give something back to it. To share with the world why it is such a special place. While it doesn’t fully encapsulate all that I have experienced, nor all that I want to say - it does paint a picture of what God has been doing, and continues to do in the lives of His people. My prayer is that it honors Him, and the people whose lives I have intersected with. 

Grateful.