Last Saturday's Home Dedication Ceremony was a beautiful and joyful event, as ten families officially became homeowners. The day was filled with celebration and moving speeches from the families, members of our faith community and supporters.
During the ceremony, each family shared a bit about their journey to becoming Habitat homebuyers. While each was speaking, Rev. Howard Dudley (Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church) took notes on what he heard. He invited those attending the dedication to actively join his prayer, raising our hands in blessing and honor to the families.
His prayer wove in words from each family: their motivations ("My family needed somewhere we could breathe"), gratitude to the community for its support ("We did not reach this point alone"), and reflections on what this moment means for their future ("security, stability, and a new beginning").
We often reflect on what it means to "build the Beloved Community." Part of that building happens when we really listen to our brothers and sisters that we are in community with. Rev. Dudley heard each family and lifted those family's joys to God, and invited each of us to participate, once more in that building. And that is good work, if you can get it.
Thank you to Rev. Dudley, and everyone who helps Habitat build the Beloved Community.