Greetings to a faithful fall H.O.M.E. Family!

Last Monday, I was awakened by the sounds of howling fierce winds. It was evident that summer had finally retreated, to reposition and recuperate, from the thirst of a long hot spell. And, as always, fall in its colorful splendor was eager to step-in and respectfully take-over. The chill that came creeping into my room was provoking me to hibernate in bed—if only for a few extra minutes. I struggled. Reluctantly, I finally rose from beneath the cozy covers, read my Bible and morning devotionals, then slid to my knees to commune with God in prayer.

Interestingly, the last thing on my mind that morning was “fig trees.” Yet, in the midst of talking with God, there I was, pondering the parable in Matthew 21:18. But why? I thought to myself. The next day, I received clarity. You see, Jesus, noticed the fig tree because He was hungry. From a distance, however, the tree looked ripe and ready for figs to be picked. Its full leafy appearance was a sign that suggested, His desire for what the tree was created to carry, would be there. But on the contrary, what looked good and healthy on the outside lacked the seed-producing fruit that would grow from the inside.

This deeply rooted thought moved me to reflect upon our entire nation and, in particular, what we might look like to God. Can He come to us, thirsty and hungry, not merely for food, but for our service of sincere love and compassion to those who are suffering in silence? We often say we care. But in the face of men, women and children who are tormented daily by lack, loneliness, fear, injustice, confusion and dejection what fruit do we carry and willingly offer? Sure, most of us certainly look marvelously mature and financially fertile—but the truth is that many of us are not producing anything other than branches of leaves.

In the coming weeks, you and I will cast our votes and lift our voices in the 2022 election. I pray that as we examine the faithfulness and fruitfulness of those whom we elect, that we ourselves will also invest in our own purposeful potential to be fully productive in 2023. For indeed, God is hungry for more than the likes of lustrous leaves blowing in the fierce winds—because, in reality, He sees nothing more than a tree that’s spiritually barren and internally withered.

So are there any thirsty among us? Simply pray. And God will show you a most fruit-filled way!

As always… lovingly and graciously yours

Carolyn A. Watson

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Thirty-three-year-old sisters, Keanna (left) and Audriana (right) Burris of Kokomo, Indiana, have always been closely connected. Growing up as twin siblings, they remain inseparable. Even through hardship, they are two of the most positive, energetic and sweet-spirited women that H.O.M.E. has been fortunate to meet. Raised by an amazing single mother, due to the incarceration of their father when the girls were only four, Keanna and Audriana are grounded in their faith and belief in God. “I know my mother struggled, but we never felt it,” Keanna expressed. “We had a wonderful home growing up.” After Keanna made the life-altering decision to quit her job and attend Seminary school, she struggled for 3 years. She eventually graduated and recently got her own apartment. The time spent in school was well worth what she has gained thus far. Along with her sweet 10-year-old daughter, Kassydi, who loves math and plans to someday become a professional basketball player, this is definitely a goal in life that Keanna can be proud of. When asked how Kassydi feels about her mother’s success, her eyes lit up as she stated, “I love my mom and I don’t want her to give up—because I’ll be here for her.”

Audriana, also a single mom, recalls what it was like growing up as twin sisters. “We got our first job together, we shared everything; it was a little overwhelming at times to always be compared to one another.” However, through the good times and bad, these sisters have always been there for one other and have remained best friends. When COVID hit, Audriana’s job with Kaiser came to an unexpected end when their facility shut down. She soon was evicted and moved in with her mother. Audriana decided to leave the medical field behind and enroll in fashion school.

Regaining her stability while raising her 11-year-old son, Zion, has been both challenging and rewarding. Audriana contributes her strength and faith to their late grandmother, Nan, and their mother who founded and operates, Marietta’s House, a nonprofit that helps struggling women find resources, like H.O.M.E., to live fruitful lives. “My Mother and Nan made our lives so amazingly great,” she shared with the biggest smile. In this same manner, Zion, who also loves math and has a knack for cooking, expressed his heart of gratitude for Audriana by saying, “She is fun… and can always come to my house if she needs a place to sit.” Someday, he’s sure to have a place of his own, but for now, Audriana and Zion are content with having furniture in their newly decorated apartment.

These two outstanding women and single mothers are the reason why H.O.M.E. is absolutely thrilled to name each of them, together, as our courageous pearls. As we gladly filled both homes with love from H.O.M.E., we pray that their faith in God will continue to shower them with favor, fortitude and a prosperous future!

 

On Behalf of
The H.O.M.E. Team

Congratulations