After a couple weeks of work we have seen several students start to benefit from the #closetstrike journey! In fact, we got this picture from a partnering school this week. It was very touching!
Because people donated uniforms this school was able to resource three siblings this AM who lacked in their closet. The educator said, “They were sooooo happy with lots of personality! The little girl says “I feel so pretty now” God is awesome!” Thanks to everybody that donated.
LBW Team
On Wednesday of this week, we visited Riverdale Elementary School and met with Ms. Veal (Principal) and Ms. Vazquez (Community Liaison) to present the “Uniforms of Hope” we raised during our #closetstrike campaign! The principal immediately grabbed a few children and shared the news with them! Below is a picture of their reaction when the uniforms were presented. Thank you if you were a part of us resourcing these schools!
LBW Team
When you look at a beautiful building, what do you see? Do you see only the structure, the beautiful design, the landscape, or the square footage? Or, do you allow your mind to think deeper about the many pieces holding the building together? In most cases, we never think beyond the surface about the screws, nails, framing, sheetrock, foundation, beams, and many other elements providing support for any structure to stand tall. But, the things that aren’t seen are actually the elements that make the building beautiful.
This past weekend, I pondered the MANY elements that go unseen at #lovebeyondwalls! In fact, it is the things that are not seen that make our organization beautiful. The volunteers that give their blood, sweat, and tears to our work is what make our organization stand. It’s not because I do adventurous things to raise awareness. Without the donors, volunteers, and people who pray for us we wouldn’t exist.
As a leader, I understand this profound statement, “If you want to travel somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to travel somewhere far, travel with a good group of people.” That’s what we’ve encountered. A good group of people.
Not only did we serve many families diapers this past weekend, we got a chance to pray for and with many families (hard workers) who only needed a push and encouragement because times were rough. Our volunteers set up, handed diapers out, and also sorted to make this happen. This is the beauty behind the scenes that help us move forward to have a great building. One story that really touched my heart was the family that only had eight diapers left, and literally did not know what they were going to do. Because people serve to make our structure great, we were able to bless this family.
Below are some pictures of what took place because a supporter and donor helped us with tons of diapers! I leave you with this, “If you are attempting to lead anything significant. It takes an army to do anything great!” I am grateful for the army God is surrounding us with at @lovebeyondwalls.
Terence
I can’t believe it has literally been six days since I have been in regular clothes! Some amazing things have happened over the three months (during the #closetstrike journey). We worked with several people, organizations, and businesses to raise resources to help four Title 1 schools. Next week, we will hand deliver “uniforms of hope” to four schools we’ve adopted in Clayton County. Each uniform will have a special heart placed on the sleeve! This will be to let educators and families know that there is an army of people who support and love them.
Additionally, next week we will mobilize corporate professionals to serve children in the Sheltering Arms Daycare on Welcome All Rd. Northwestern Benefits has raised tons of books for #lovebeyondwalls to promote literacy & education.
We are excited about this!
Terence
At 12 midnight, I made the full 90 DAYS in one outfit. Yesterday, the #lovebeyondwalls team surprised me with this memorbelia below to help us remember the journey! It currently is in our office! I’m excited because now we will be able to assist many of the schools we are partnered with with uniforms for under resourced students.
Terence
You ever been under water in a swimming pool for a considerable amount of time, and all of a sudden you spring out of the water gasping for air? Well, that’s what today feels like…
It feels like I have literally been under water wearing this same outfit for 90 DAYS straight, and I can now prepare myself to get some air… Why compare having no oxygen to wearing the same outfit? Simple. Each day was a struggle, presented a new challenged, was filled with embarrassment, and became psychologically and emotionally taxing. There were many times I found myself wanting to quit, or break out in tears, or even spring out of the “water of shame” to get some air.
“AGAIN…..” I’d wake up and say to myself.
However, the focus of this journey wasn’t about me! It was to gain a clear understanding of what children who battle poverty fell…. It gave me deeper understanding of how children are impacted emotionally, socially, and even psychologically (those who lack resources). When a child has to endure poverty, shame, and even socially isolating circumstances, it becomes damaging to their self-picture. When a self-image is destroyed, it is hard for any type of hope or confidence to be present (especially in a classroom setting). That’s why I am really excited that our organization will be able to help a little! We are aiming to encourage both educators and students! #lovebeyondwalls will soon present uniforms to four schools we are partnering with to aid families and children.
Terence
The finish line is close…
Today makes 89 days wearing one outfit on behalf of children that struggle with poverty! Tomorrow will complete the journey (90 DAYS)! Along the journey, many selfless individuals gave, donated new/used uniforms, and encouraged us to finish strong.
In fact, every single uniform raised will go directly to help four Title 1 Schools we have partnered with for the upcoming school year. To support more, click [HERE].
Lastly, we had over 40 people from all over the US take a stand with us by wearing uniforms the last three Mondays in July. We called them #strikedays (people uniting and taking a stand with us).
LBW Team
Got a chance to interview about #closetstrike on Be100radio.com! We’ll post the interview as soon as we receive the link!
Terence
This past weekend, #lovebeyondwalls partnered with several people to pull off a BBQ in College View Hill Apartments on Saturday. We had over 30 volunteers, served over 250 people food, resourced 20 people with groceries, and led over 30 youth to faith.
A young man that worked with us named Demetrious Nimmons had each of those young people sign the basketball after declaring their faith in the Lord. Below is a collage of a few pictures from this past weekend. Also, this BBQ day made DAY 85 in on the #closetstrike journey!
Terence
Today is DAY 84 of #closetstrike… I have many mixed emotions when I look at this calendar. Fear, hope, joy, shame, and many more. I’ve given up everything I own for this many days to help children in need. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing God called me to love His people.
I love a passage found in Matthew 4:19 when Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men…” I believe what Christ was saying was saying was let me show you how to identify with those who suffer, and introduce them to God’s love and redemption. I hope that every uniform we raise releases God’s tangible love to those families who are in need.
