SoulfulSQUAD! It’s August, and although Fall is my jam, I’m excited to squeeze in the last few summer bits that we can. My family just went to Michigan’s Adventure, practices are starting up for sports, and we’re gearing up for a busy season at the Mayfield residence. Within all of the activities that we have been doing, one of my favorite parts of summer is being outside and listening to people. I’m really an introvert, and I like to listen to different conversations (not like being nosy, but like learning about people), and if I’m drawn in, I’m happy to talk and share. Sometimes my expectations of people or my assumptions are completely wrong, I feel convicted, and then I have to ask for forgiveness because I’m a human. Aren’t you grateful for instant forgiveness!!
This summer, we’ve been blessed to share space with so many different people at our outdoor fitness classes. People who have left me smelling like a whole brat, or burger, hotdog, or ribs (thankfully, my husband enjoys those foods). We’ve shared spaces with people who’ve been enjoying the playground equipment, the park benches, frisbee, or those who need a quick bit of electricity from the pavilion shelter. Some have been there to hide, to make money, to rest, to play football, and we know people come in all different sizes, shapes, colors, etc. This may sound elementary for some, but I want to remind us all that the outdoor spaces are community spaces.
Unfortunately, we’ve been hearing some talk around the people who come to the park or around our classes. Whether it be, “I’m scared to talk to him or stand by him”, to “Ugh, they’re always at the park doing ____.” I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone, including myself, what God says about community, fellowship, and love.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to each other without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4: 8-11
Whether you walk to our outdoor classes, or come from your side of town to attend, please remember that SoulfulMOTION is a community that represents what heaven really looks like. A gathering of all different kinds of people, from different backgrounds, and walks of life. It is our job to treat people with respect and dignity, because we do not know people’s stories, what they’re going through, and how they got where they are now. What we do know, thanks to God’s word, is that it is our job to love one another, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in every space we occupy. As we continue our time outdoors during the summer, it is my goal that you will challenge yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone at the park or on Monroe to foster community, love, and humility. That could mean just saying “hi” to someone you wouldn’t normally speak to.
For the remainder of the summer, let’s be more like Jesus, and focus our hearts and minds to speak like him. My prayer for myself is that God guard my tongue, for we know that what flows from it, comes from the heart.
We’ve got an amazing month ahead full of classes, events, and fellowship! I’m praying that you will join us somewhere new this month, and that you will step outside of yourself and into what God has called you to do this month and always!!
Blessings and see you soon!!
