Show up anyway

Sometimes it’s hard to show up. Whether it’s because of your own “stuff” you’re working through, uncertainty of what a day may bring or simply a fear of showing up and no one is there. The last is a more common than I like to admit inconvenience people face at Hope Street. People with good intentions, valuable time and a willing heart arrive and sometimes aren’t met with anyone, or maybe one or two. I’ve always been OK with this tension but I know it is not an easy one for many to maneuver through. Recently I was contemplating whether our building should be open with the pending cold temperatures. I thought through reasons to close, and then reasons to stay open. I ultimately came to the conclusion that we should be open. That we should show up, because in the event that a kid doesn’t have a warm place to be or a meal to eat because school is closed…we would be the consistent place that they could count on. Now I don’t yet know if anyone will show up, but I do know my team showing up speaks volumes to our community. 

I am grateful for the people who choose to faithfully show up. We don’t always see the impact of presence but we trust it is the Grace we all need to lean into the realities of life. A life that continually reminds us community is what heals, restores and creates opportunities. It is in the showing up for one another that new life, a flourishing life is possible. 

Lord, thank you for the grace to show up. The grace to show up as we are, with what we have, and trust that your sovereignty is sufficient. As we continue to show up in our spaces, and invite others to do the same - help us be OK with being uncomfortable at times. Use the moments that stretch us to make us more like you. Help us to see you in the people we encounter. Thank you for your perfect love, and that it casts out all fear. In you we can show up well. 

Amen,

Ash