On Monday, our Senior Staff gathered to officially start a summer at Hopetown. We gathered in the midst of a continuing, unpredictable pandemic. We gathered in the midst of a nation in conflict—in grieving and learning together, collectively, more about how the horrors of racism have been furthered in known and unknown ways. We’re learning with you. And planning. And praying. And hoping.
In one of our first mornings together, Melissa read these words:
“Part of what can prevent us from carrying out compassionate action is not only the complexity of what needs to be done in our lives and our world, but the sheer amount of mess and even chaos within us and between us.”
-John Philip Newell, The Rebirthing of God
We’ve also been choosing our new songs for Hopetown this summer. We have loved this one,
“I’m praying God can come and turn this thing around
God, turn it around; God, turn it around; God, turn it around.
I’m calling on the name that changes everything, yes
God, turn it around; God, turn it around; God, turn it around.”
-Jon Reddick
What an incredible opportunity we’ve been given at Hopetown this summer. At Daystar, in these next few months. We get to gather in stillness. The stillness of a retreat at the lake. The stillness of a counseling office with a safe and trusted voice. We get to be in these hallowed spaces and allow the chaos to settle. To make room for compassion. To make room for God’s voice. To make room for Him, the one who changes everything, who truly can turn all of these things around.
We are grateful every single day to have the privilege of offering compassion to anyone who walks through our doors. And, even more importantly, to see Him—whether in Nashville or in New Concord, Kentucky—at this mighty act of redemption. Thank you for standing with us in gratitude and in hope. Thank you for joining our voices as we sing together in this time, “God, turn it around.” We’d love your prayers this summer, for both places. For health, for compassion, and to see evidence of God’s redemption.
The Daystar Staff
