“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
For the past few days, we have been in Memphis, Tennessee. We volunteered a bit, tasted some soul food (for those of you Yankees who do not know what soul food is- a few specialties include: neck bone, collard greens, and yams) and, with the help of Blake’s aunt and uncle, explored a Southern city that has a rich, historic flare.
Throughout our travels, we have become listeners. Listeners fortunate enough to hear from the most amazing of storytellers. From Michael, our blind buddy in Gallup, NM to Dr. James Stamper, top cardiologist in Memphis, TN, we have deeply engaged with unique people who have shared their life journeys. Their testimonies have influenced, encouraged, and at times challenged us in the best way possible and we are so blessed to have met a wide variety of souls around the United States.
Today, we would like to share the story of two people who are living out hope each and every day. One main reason for stopping in Memphis was to meet Tony and Felicia Wade, a power couple who have devoted their lives to bettering their underprivileged community. We originally did not know what to expect; however, if there is anything we have learned it is to embrace this mindset of uncertainty because we find unexplainable value in stepping outside our comfort bubble. So, once again, we let our new friends lead the way. Upon meeting Tony and Felicia Wade at their beloved Divine Life Church, we could immediately tell they were two people with a fantastic and enthusiastic narrative. From the beginning, their caring, generous and passionate attitudes brilliantly shined through and despite working in a very rough environment, they have found a way to look at the bright side of it all. Experiencing a place like the Alcy-Ball district of Memphis (a place we likely would have never stopped in on a vacation to Memphis) without the guidance of Tony and Felicia would have been far less valuable so we were appreciative for their willingness to open up their world to us.
Thirteen years ago, starting with nothing but their profound faith, a call to serve, and a commitment to working together, Tony & Felicia slowly began to build their community initiatives, taking every opportunity they could to boost positive change. Since then, they have launched various child outreach programs (under the title of Repairing the Breach)- leadership & development, after-school tutoring, bible studies, service project trips, etc.- with the end goal to create global leaders who recognize they are loved and beautifully created by the man upstairs. Realizing that effective community change comes from holistically touching all ages, they have created additional outlets that involve family members and others who are not directly in the child outreach programs. These additional outlets include their Divine Life Church and WADE’s House, a transitional home for at-risk women who have fled domestic violence. Each morning, they wake up committed to providing a safe space for those looking for the hope and love many do not receive at home. From hosting bible study at the local high school to passing out neckties every Wednesday to promote professionalism, Tony and Felicia have done much more than simply create a few functioning community outreach programs- they have created a local crew dedicated to using their God-given talents to make good instead of continuing down the unfulfilling road of gang violence, drug addiction, prostitution, etc. Time and time again, Tony and Felicia open their doors to people they know are involved in immoral, dangerous activities because everyone deserves to feel treasured. Visiting their community members when they become incarcerated, mentoring young females on healthy marriages, or hosting a church-run carnival in an apartment complex police don’t even enter at night are just a few of their “day in the life” events. Talk about optimistic strength and dedication. In a broken place that has lost its identity, Tony and Felicia are focused on bringing hope to those who need it most. And we are genuinely inspired by their mission.
At times, when you see a broken place or hear of dreadful stories, it is easy to lose hope. To give up. To say this is not the way it should be. And the truth is that it shouldn’t be this way. But, at times, it is. From our experience, the real champions are the ones who are daily in the guts and gore of it all. The people who are doing more than just writing a check from a distance hoping it reaches someone in need. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using ones blessings to help initiatives working to alleviate brokenness; however, our experience in Memphis illustrated that those who work and exist in the dark places deserve a fantastic amount of recognition. It is life changing to learn about those whose daily lives revolve around resolving a place filled with disheartened people looking for a saving grace. Those who take a chance, sacrificing a normal lifestyle to serve the Lord by repairing His Kingdom here on earth. So, let’s take an extra moment to acknowledge those champions. They are all around if you just take a look. When you see or find a champion bringing needed hope for today, admire them. And maybe even thank them.
Today, we find graditude in sweet iced tea, the people who risk it all to provide hope in a discouraged community, and in yet again stepping outside our norm to experience a place through the eyes of two influential leaders.
Throughout our travels, we have become listeners. Listeners fortunate enough to hear from the most amazing of storytellers. From Michael, our blind buddy in Gallup, NM to Dr. James Stamper, top cardiologist in Memphis, TN, we have deeply engaged with unique people who have shared their life journeys. Their testimonies have influenced, encouraged, and at times challenged us in the best way possible and we are so blessed to have met a wide variety of souls around the United States.
Today, we would like to share the story of two people who are living out hope each and every day. One main reason for stopping in Memphis was to meet Tony and Felicia Wade, a power couple who have devoted their lives to bettering their underprivileged community. We originally did not know what to expect; however, if there is anything we have learned it is to embrace this mindset of uncertainty because we find unexplainable value in stepping outside our comfort bubble. So, once again, we let our new friends lead the way. Upon meeting Tony and Felicia Wade at their beloved Divine Life Church, we could immediately tell they were two people with a fantastic and enthusiastic narrative. From the beginning, their caring, generous and passionate attitudes brilliantly shined through and despite working in a very rough environment, they have found a way to look at the bright side of it all. Experiencing a place like the Alcy-Ball district of Memphis (a place we likely would have never stopped in on a vacation to Memphis) without the guidance of Tony and Felicia would have been far less valuable so we were appreciative for their willingness to open up their world to us.
Thirteen years ago, starting with nothing but their profound faith, a call to serve, and a commitment to working together, Tony & Felicia slowly began to build their community initiatives, taking every opportunity they could to boost positive change. Since then, they have launched various child outreach programs (under the title of Repairing the Breach)- leadership & development, after-school tutoring, bible studies, service project trips, etc.- with the end goal to create global leaders who recognize they are loved and beautifully created by the man upstairs. Realizing that effective community change comes from holistically touching all ages, they have created additional outlets that involve family members and others who are not directly in the child outreach programs. These additional outlets include their Divine Life Church and WADE’s House, a transitional home for at-risk women who have fled domestic violence. Each morning, they wake up committed to providing a safe space for those looking for the hope and love many do not receive at home. From hosting bible study at the local high school to passing out neckties every Wednesday to promote professionalism, Tony and Felicia have done much more than simply create a few functioning community outreach programs- they have created a local crew dedicated to using their God-given talents to make good instead of continuing down the unfulfilling road of gang violence, drug addiction, prostitution, etc. Time and time again, Tony and Felicia open their doors to people they know are involved in immoral, dangerous activities because everyone deserves to feel treasured. Visiting their community members when they become incarcerated, mentoring young females on healthy marriages, or hosting a church-run carnival in an apartment complex police don’t even enter at night are just a few of their “day in the life” events. Talk about optimistic strength and dedication. In a broken place that has lost its identity, Tony and Felicia are focused on bringing hope to those who need it most. And we are genuinely inspired by their mission.
At times, when you see a broken place or hear of dreadful stories, it is easy to lose hope. To give up. To say this is not the way it should be. And the truth is that it shouldn’t be this way. But, at times, it is. From our experience, the real champions are the ones who are daily in the guts and gore of it all. The people who are doing more than just writing a check from a distance hoping it reaches someone in need. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using ones blessings to help initiatives working to alleviate brokenness; however, our experience in Memphis illustrated that those who work and exist in the dark places deserve a fantastic amount of recognition. It is life changing to learn about those whose daily lives revolve around resolving a place filled with disheartened people looking for a saving grace. Those who take a chance, sacrificing a normal lifestyle to serve the Lord by repairing His Kingdom here on earth. So, let’s take an extra moment to acknowledge those champions. They are all around if you just take a look. When you see or find a champion bringing needed hope for today, admire them. And maybe even thank them.
Today, we find graditude in sweet iced tea, the people who risk it all to provide hope in a discouraged community, and in yet again stepping outside our norm to experience a place through the eyes of two influential leaders.
“The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places.
But there is much that is fair. And though in all lands,
love in now
mingled with grief, it still
grows, perhaps, the greater.”
-J.R.R. Tolkien
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11
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