hope

Sustainability

I have always believed in creating something solid. Something that would outlast even me. Something sustainable.

Sustainability was always one of my first thoughts when asked to work on community-based research projects, especially those that had the potential of making or breaking communities—leaving them healthier or leaving them worse.

I always asked—and I’m pretty sure many were annoyed—What’s the plan for after?

After the funding ends.

After the results aren’t found favorable, or publishable.

After a bigger and better opportunity comes along.

What’s the plan for the community?

I have found that commitment, longevity, and endurance are key to sustainability. You have to be committed to the plan (the vision), and in it for the long haul. You have to push through the hard times. Now, I am not going to lie, there were times when I wanted to give up. Times when my heart was so broken that I did give up. Y’all, people be peopling. However, I am now realizing that when God has a purpose for your life, even you can’t stop it!

So, here I am.

What I am building will last. I know this to be true because God didn’t give me a vision for something temporary. For a quick fix. He gave me a vision for something sustainable, where communities will thrive.


Here’s another great share from Bruce Van Horn. When I tell you his posts kept me encouraged! He is missed.

Slowly, but surely, things are happening.

One crawl, one step, and one leap at a time. It will happen… It is happening.♥️

Shaun