| Carol Marshall Member of The Chapel of the Cross Only a few meetings into joining the JSC Board, I was introduced to two fellows who were presenting their End-of-Year project. Only being witness to the collective group of projects at the End-of-Year Party, I eagerly awaited seeing how these projects began. With confidence in their project and great anticipation that this offering would make a critical difference, they began. “We’re calling it the Blessing Box” and it will be installed in the yard of the Advocate Episcopal Church. They will help us by making sure it stays full.” These fellows had discovered that there were families that lived near the Advocate who weren’t able to purchase all that they needed for their families. This Blessing Box was to be filled with canned goods, most of which are proteins and personal care items. Two church women, one of whom is now a mentor for our fellows, are responsible for maintaining the supplies. The other woman says that she always goes expecting it to be empty but, much to her surprise, it has only been empty once. She suspects there are other Blessing Box angels around. The Blessing Box was blessed in 2021 with a ceremony by the rector of the Church of the Advocate, Reverend Lisa Fischbeck; members of the Advocate and JSC attended. As a member of the Episcopal order, Daughters of the King, I suggested that our Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray Chapter begin providing monthly supplies from each member of our chapter towards keeping the Blessing Box full. We have remained supporters of this project for the last 3 years. Another vein of this project is established with our participation. Our fellows come from a variety of locations, differing family units and support systems and commit to a year of intentional living, learning about leadership through being with their non-profit work, group work and roommates. I see them drawing in to this center of learning and living with principles of kindness, respect, valuing, giving and then going back out into the world with these attributes and characteristics blooming inside them ready to share with friends, family, through leadership in various groups and at work. And it can all begin by, reading and being sensitive to a community and doing your part. Imagine the other ripples that will take place with them bringing their personal ‘blessing box’ to share with others in need. |
