Revelation 3:20 reads, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
When I was young it was normal to have neighbors at our dinner table. Everyone tried their best to look after everyone else because that is what we were taught to do. Even the old ladies who sat on their porch all day, and told your family the bad things you did before you got home, were only looking out for the neighborhood. I am so thankful for all the people who cared about my family growing up because I know what a strong neighborhood can do to nurture a young person.
Today people have lost the meaning of the environment and how important those relationships are. Most have separated NEIGHBOR and HOOD, which has confused the young people, where all they know is “The Hood.” Where I’m the only one that matters , and being from the HOOD means I make my own rules. Most people won’t answer a knock at the door if they don’t know you. Getting into the house to eat at their table is really out of the question.
Thank God that most of the leaders on the City Life team know what a healthy neighborhood looks like and the love and peace that comes with answering the knock at the door. We get the opportunity to share with the teens how good the food is when Jesus comes to visit. Not because how good we cook but because the presence of God makes everything sweeter. We thank God for allowing us to build Christ-centered relationships with the teens in these environments.
City Life is building with trips, meals, and new experiences, and most importantly daily life in the streets of the Hood, modeling what neighbors look and sound like. Hopefully our voice is the voice of Jesus, and not only their doors but their hearts open to invite Him in. Thank you so much for the love and support that makes this possible! As we try to put NEIGHBOR and HOOD back together, be sure the meal on the table is the Bread of Life.