The Boston Food Justice YAV program ended 2 weeks ago and since its end I have been doing some soul searching and job searching. I’m back at home readjusting to life in my hometown and trying to figure out where I go from here. Part of me know what I want to do and is ready to get started. Another part of me is holding on to my old ways, my apprehensive ways.
I want to build gardens. I want to build gardens that provide produce to those in need. I want these gardens to be a place where communities come together and neighbors help neighbors. I also want those on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to shop for produce at farmers markets because the market has a matching program.
During our time in Boston I really appreciated the social programs the state and localities sponsored. We went to farmers markets almost every weekend to buy our groceries, even while on SNAP. We were able to buy nourishing produce for our bodies which then became nourishing to our souls as we spent time in fellowship around the table.
I want to provide this same experience for families who need a little extra help making ends meet.
*Just because they need help making ends meet does not mean that they should have to eat less wholesome, unhealthy food and not have fellowship at the dinner table over a delicious meal. We are all children of God and deserve to be provided for in God’s bounty.*
Yesterday morning God had a message for me. I went to church hoping to hear something special. I got what I asked for. Our pastor’s sermon started with Moses and the burning bush. God spoke to Moses through the burning bush and gave Moses a message he had to deliver to Pharaoh. I feel a little bit like Moses. I have a message to deliver.
The sermon continued and our pastor mentioned that you never know who you might affect when you go out into the world. Something as small as a kind word or deed can really affect those around you. He made a metaphor that made me think God has his sights right on me that morning. He said its like being a farmer and planting seed. That seed is going to grow into something and you never know who you’re going to help. Farmer. Seed. Growing. Helping. Its exactly what I needed to hear. We also sang one of my favorite hymns, Here I am Lord.
The lyrics “Here I am Lord, is it I Lord? … I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart” strike me every time I sing it.
Here I am Lord, I will go where you lead me. Lead me like you led Moses. Help me grow fruits of the Spirit.