The Cost of Community
Message from the Director
It has been a while since I have had the opportunity to chat with you all through the Daily Road. Christmas is a very busy time around here as you can imagine. The abundance of giving from our community - whether it be Christmas goodies (can we say cookies!), thoughtful gifts for the men or generous end of year giving - was such a blessing to us all. Thank you!
Our staff usually get together for a meal before Christmas, but this year was marked by some Covid issues, and we all worked to cover each other’s duties to ensure we all got a break over the holidays. I had the opportunity to visit the Philippines with my wife for a few weeks in January and then we were into Coldest Night of the Year mode. What a turnout we had! It was such a pleasure to gather together with almost 300 walkers, enjoy a warm bowl of chili, have some well overdue connection and great conversations. What a glorious time. I'm so proud to be a part of this community we call “Jericho” - one that we have all built together.
The following quote has been on my mind and heart lately,
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members” – Coretta Scott King
Since coming to Jericho almost 12 years ago, I have realized that being in community is an essential ingredient to enjoying a fulfilling life. Communities bring people together to advocate for and support each other, as we continue to seek God's will and purpose for us. As human beings, we need love and acceptance and that sense of belonging is what connects us to the many relationships we develop. I cherish the many different relationships I have in my life.
In active addiction, we become isolated and stuck in our own thinking. Living a disconnected life goes against what God wants for us. I truly believe that we are created to live in community. We crave meaningful ties with each other and need a sense of belonging. We just can't be truly happy without these things—without a group of people who know us, “get” us, and help us make sense of our lives. It is an essential part of “our” recovery - and it applies to all of us, even those of us who don't struggle with addiction.
There is a cost though. Living in community requires effort and sacrifice. I am very fortunate to all the people who take their time and energy to not only pour into the men we serve but also the staff, including myself. They fill us up so that we may pour out into those we serve. It’s what makes community so appealing to us. I don’t want to single anyone out, but I‘m going to say that we are so blessed by Dan Reid, Doug Sprunt, David Hood and all the 12-step sponsors, who so selflessly and constantly pour into us.
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
With gratitude to all for being a part of our community, I look forward to seeing you at our Annual Celebration Meeting on June 8th.
Stay tuned for details…
Kevin Williams
Executive Director
