I had not seen my classmate, Jerome, for over 33 years, until yesterday. After high school he went to Harvard and then came back to our hometown, New Orleans, to graduate from Tulane School. After years of being at a firm and then practicing on his own, Jerome left law to start a Baptist Church.
I had the privilege of attending the service with another lifelong friend and classmate. It was an inspiring morning as the community gathered.
The choir and all of the congregants joined the keyboardist and drummer singing three uplifting hymns in a row. We were all on our feet clapping and smiling.
I was struck by the vision Jerome had and the community he helped to create. He had the courage to follow his passion and dream.
In so doing, he created a strong community that was welcoming, energetic and supportive.
We all need community to stand with us whether transitioning to a new opportunity, bringing a dream to life, growing in our current situation or facing what is before us.
Who and what comprise your community? What is the feeling it generates? What are your contributions?
We all have the capacity to dream and to create communities that are supportive and uplifting. I saw that come to life in a neighborhood on Market St. yesterday.