The Calling To Awake

I had a chance to thank God’s Healing Springs Baptist Church this past Sunday for their donation. I was also asked to give my testimony. It was a whirlwind of emotions. Where I know God orchestrated this whole encounter - it didn’t make it any easier to follow in obedience. But God gave me strength in a situation I know was not my own. Not many know why I’m well suited for the vision given for this creative mission community. I understand the chain reaction and ripple effect of misunderstood and unresolved trauma. I can empathize, relate and help encourage those still stuck within the cycle of shame & guilt filled repression.  I am one of those individuals who was molested at an evangelical church by a church member. From about 9-13 each Sunday morning. Like many abused children, I didn’t come forward right away, because I was told and felt like I wouldn’t be believed. The first time I voiced the abuse - I wasn’t believed by those in spiritual authority. I was threatened b...

     Saturday friends came to brainstorm and talk about the structure of the upcoming creative mission organization. From right to left we have, Amy Jo, Mary Ellen, John, and Nanna. They came from Columbia to help plan the next steps of a non profit, grant writing, and forming a board of directors. Mary Ellen, is a natural networking agent and is well connected in Columbia, SC. She has talked with people who are willing to come give their talents to help in these initial phases.       The idea is to free licensed counseling for each person that comes to stay on the property. So far people have an overwhelming willingness to give of this special gift. A licensed therapists from the Columbia area is willing to give one day of her week to come to the property and give free counseling sessions. Another counselor I know is willing to give of his time via zoom sessions from Columbia. These types of services will be pivotal for the growth and restoration of t...

The Application of Broken Pieces Using a metaphor to invoke a deeper thought process towards healing. Giving a person a viable application and reminder of how their brokenness can be repaired can be a life altering gift. It can show a person that if we put forth the work through passion and understanding we can end up not only restored, but more unique, resilient and useful than ever before. We all know of the Japanese technique, Kintsugi, a 400 year old art form used during a time when vessels were too hard and expensive to come by that the broken vessels needed to be repaired instead of replaced. In Kintsugi the brokenness and scars of the piece are highlighted and proudly shown. This type of art form has brought a powerful application that can help others understand that their scars, their pasts, their very existence isn’t lost. That their life doesn’t have to be discarded. That their existence is desired and very much needed within a world full of people with seen and unseen scars ...

 Hello Friends and Family,        Little update. Hurricane Debby miss any of the east coast. I pray those I haven't been in touch with are all safe and sound. My folks are safe and never lost power. That is huge, as they aren't far from the Atlantic. Ben and our son, Jack remained safe in Charleston. A lot of flooding there, but power only flickered a few times. Mrs. B, Joe and Andrea and the farm remained safe. I asked her if she saw any cows mid-air :) we both got a good chuckle over that. God was good to the small town of, Whitmire! Rain didn't start for us until the hurricane went out to sea and came back inland. I had less than 24 hours of rain. I am certain God had his hand on the property as the roof cannot take much more heavy rain. I am thankful for His strong and powerful hand in keeping everyone I personally know safe.       Whitmire, SC. Linemen showed up first thing Wednesday morning to reinstate the power! Oh My Gosh!! I can't t...

It has been a week since my initial out reach to family and friends. It has been a whirlwind of exiting movements, miracles and community action.  ~I would like to thank my retired master electrician friend, for his time, talent and energy in helping get the home's (and barn's) electric up to code. It was a pleasure and honor to spend those couple weeks with him. In no way will I be able to retain all of the knowledge this great teacher gave me, but I am certainly going to try! It was a fascinating process to be part of. This gentleman, was able to backwards fed the gas generator to the electrical panel in order to locate which wire fed what socket, light switches, etc. It was anyone guess up till that point. We both stood by as the house literally shook its self awake. It was amazing to hear the home take a reviving breath after being stagnate for so long! It was hard to not get emotional and excited. This is what I want for each person that comes to stay within this creative ...