On of the things I admire about Jesus is more times than often he had a unique way of seeing the good in people, and even helping them to see worth in their situations even when they couldn’t. A classic example of this is the man who was at the pool of Bethesda for a few decades (read John 5:1-15). This man was lame, had been paralyzed in one geographical location, and limited (hoping to one day be healed one day). Jesus walks up to this man, sees value in this guy, asks him a pivotal question, and tells him that he has power to take up his bed and walk.
Jesus saw enough worth in the man even when the man was hopeless and had nothing! What does this suggest… Well, it suggests a number of things, but one main thing I see in the passage is that “lack does not determine worth.” There are many families in lack, and even more children who go without basic needs like clothes. But, because they are in lack doesn’t mean they do not have worth and value in the eyes of God.
Today, is the 16th DAY that I’ll go wearing one outfit on behalf of students, and children across the country and world that have few resources and little or no closets for #closetstrike. May God use this sacrifice to bless others, and push even more to live incarnationally.
Terence
This AM was amazing! Why? We went out and passed out tons of water we collected during our #projectTHIRST campaign! This morning we encountered several people who said that they have experienced dehydration before while living on the streets, and were grateful for the water.
While serving, I got a chance to help some people on 14th day of #closetstrike… It was humbling…I’ve been wearing one outfit for 14 DAYS straight, and I still can’t believe it…
Now, some may say that it is pointless to go out and distribute bottles of water, but I beg to differ… Our goal was to collect tons of water to encounter people who are subject to dehydration, and build relationships with them, learn their stories, and see how we can get them the resources needed to transition off of the streets (while making sure they are hydrated during Summer months).
Well, while serving we encountered this 28 year young man named Lamar! By passing out one bottle of water, it sparked a conversation that ended up with me driving him to Atlanta Crisis Center to check himself in… He told me he hadn’t slept in three days because of the hard drugs he was doing…But for some reason he wanted to try to leave the streets this AM…
So, was it the water, or was it the conversation that mattered. I believe it was the conversation! I believe it was the relationship, and I believe it was because we chose to go beyond a hand out…
Hand outs do nothing, but hearing stories and building relationships can be used by God to do wonders!
Below is the bottle of water that sparked the conversation. Pray that we reach more people, hydrate more people, and pray that I stay committed to the #closetstrike journey.
Terence
Today is DAY 11 of me wearing one outfit! It has been extremely hard wearing only one outfit. The thought that I have 79 more days to go frightens me. It frightens me because I don’t know if my closet will be restored at the end of my journey, I don’t know if people will be impacted, and I don’t know if it will even matter! Those are my true thoughts at this present moment! But, there are a few thoughts that are greater than those!
I wonder what it would be like to resources low income schools to help students who struggle with “family poverty…”
I wonder what it would be like to see families who will lack this coming school year be encouraged that they have support from their school and organization that cares…
I wonder what it would be like to help children who literally have no closets get a closet and adaquate clothing to survive…
I wonder what it will be like to teach students how to use technology and campaigns to solve societal ills by inviting people to get involved on the ground level…
I wonder how God’s love will inspire those through this sacrifice….
These wonders and my faith is what is driving me right now!
They are the fuel that God is using to push me forward… And guess what???? I’m not stopping until I see people reached for good. Therefore, I solicit your prayers as I continue to walk this road for those who do not have. Pray that #lovebeyondwalls continues to raise awareness, and move people to provide solutions!
Terence
Every now and again, God does something truly amazing and literally leaves you speechless! You know what I mean… It’s the feeling you get when you don’t know how something is going to happen, and then God provides! Well, that’s sort of what happened with our office space. Back in February, we were introduced to the space and approved for it in March, and planned to move in during the month of April… Well, there were tons of things that needed done (structurally) and completed to make the office space user ready…
Well, God not only provided the resources to get it together, but he sent a couple (husband and wife team) who committed themselves to serving and utilizing their “renovation” experience/knowledge to help us transform the space into a space that will be friendly to the community.
To this day, I am scratching my head about how God connected us, and how involved they are in the work….Not only are we grateful for them, they have become like family.
Below is a before and after shot of the lobby that shows the transformation that’s starting to happen… The office is starting to come together:
Terence
This morning makes 9 DAYS in one outfit. That’s 216 hours straight. When I woke up this morning, all I could think about is surviving day to day. As a matter of fact, when you have no other options survival is all you have. Lord, give me the strength to continue this journey to help children who have little in their closets.
This morning had to have been the rough morning for me! Why? Because for the last six days, I have literally had on the same outfit every single day. I have done everything in it. I have gone to meetings, done work around the office, and have used this one outfit for every single thing. If I can be honest, it hurts knowing I cannot wear anything else …Also, it hurts knowing that I am confined to one outfit for every single event that I will partake in over the next 84 days (I can only imagine how students feel who go through this struggle).
In fact, this morning I visited a school in Douglas County (Chapel Hill High) because a student did a campaign to raise awareness about homelessness and partner with students and teachers on behalf of our organization #lovebeyondwalls. The news paper showed up (Douglasville Sentinel), and I was in the same outfit again. Below is a picture on Kamara (student), Jeff (editor), and myself (same outfit) discussing how students rallied around our efforts to reach the less fortunate.
Nonetheless, while on this journey I have been humbled, and extremely appreciative of every single thing that I have had the privilege to own.
Being on this journey has shown me how ungrateful we can sometimes be when we have many options at our disposal. I encourage any/every/one to cherish anything God has entrusted them with (no matter if they do not think it is a lot).
Terence
This morning, I was determined to continue this #closetstrike journey! I am four days into the journey, and was pushed to continue by reading a stat posted by NCCP on children and poverty:
More than 16 million children in the United States – 22% of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level – $23,550 a year for a family of four. Research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice that level to cover basic expenses. Using this standard, 45% of children live in low-income families.
Most of these children have parents who work, but low wages and unstable employment leave their families struggling to make ends meet. Poverty can impede children’s ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Poverty also can contribute to poor health and mental health. Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or experience deep and persistent poverty.
Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. But effective public policies – to make work pay for low-income parents and to provide high-quality early care and learning experiences for their children – can make a difference. Investments in the most vulnerable children are also critical.
This stat alone is motivation to work to build closets on behalf of students that #lovebeyondwalls will encounter in the next school term.
Terence
Have you ever felt embarrassed? You know what I mean… Maybe you tripped on a small object in front of a crowd, told a corny joke that no one laughed at, or did something that made you a public example. Whatever it was, you felt embarrassed, and nothing can really describe that butterfly feeling of embarrassment.
Nonetheless, I felt that this morning… Why? Because it is DAY 3 of #closetstrike, and I literally am approaching 72 hours in the same outfit. Not only do I NOT have any other option in my closet, but I reflected on how embarrassing and humiliating it is not to have a simple change of clothes. I can only imagine how children (students) feel who have to endure shame because of poverty, and a lack of resources.
Well, after I went through the day, I received a phone call from a friend asking me about why I was doing what I was doing… He made mention that it didn’t seem to connect to anything for him, or he may have missed something. His statement was in no way belittling the campaign, but was uplifting (which is why I am writing this). He, like many others are wondering what is the end goal for this entire project. He wanted to know what resolve will come of me wearing an outfit for 90 DAYS straight… Well, here is the answer:
Last year, I had a chance to go into several schools (K-5), and work with many elementary students who attend Title 1 schools. Upon working with them, I observed that many of the students were impoverished, and had on uniforms and outfits that they wore every single day (literally), or they were underdressed (lacking socks, belts, and other basic items).
I started asking educators about this and found out that many students suffer because their family lack resources, or have little means to replenish worn clothing. This touched my heart…
Therefore, I took it upon myself to research disconnectedness of students when it comes to learning…. I found out that in many ways attire & low self-esteem affects academic performance among students (especially those who have tons of social pressures).
My heart immediately went out for those students, and I wanted to come up with a solution. Therefore, #lovebeyondwalls created a uniform called, “Uniform of Hope.” Below is a pic
I dreamed of creating closets for students who often times lacked closets in their own homes to provide of to students who struggled academically. But, instead of contributing to each individual students, I made it our goal to create closets for 5 schools (K-5). Why? Simple. To empower schools with the necessary resources for students. Also, this would give our organization a chance to do work in the school system, and teach students how to identify and solve needs in their own communities.
But, I was left with one delimma… I didn’t fully the challenges know students go through (or have to face) when they have to endure this type of shame.
Therefore, I took it upon myself to give up everything I own to walk in their shoes to raise uniforms for students that we will meet in August. I vowed to take three months to do this…
During the three months, I am planning to work with many individuals to help build these closets of hope for students in need (with uniforms)
Two things will come from this:
1) #lovebeyondwalls will impact students, families, educators, and
2) #lovebeyondwalls will launch a program to teach students how to raise awareness and solve problems that exist in the world.
Therefore, this is how #closetstrike was born. As days go by I will keep you guys updated on the progress, and also share with you the schools that we are partnering with this coming school year. Thanks for your support!
Terence
88 more days to go! Only outfit I own at this point. This morning was extremely humbling… Why? Because when you don’t have options, you must be grateful for what little you have… Below is the one outfit that I have committed myself to for 90 DAYS during the awareness campaign #closetstrike
