She talked about going to Africa and observing a group of women who were part of a savings group. They saved money together in a box and helped one another start businesses with the microloans from the box. Reesheda spoke of how terrific the program was but also of all the questions that formed in her as she considered how the box traveled from one woman to the next for safe keeping each week. What if the box gets stolen? lost? What if a woman spent the money in the box on something outside of the collective rules and goals? Reesheda mentioned some of her "what if's" and fears that were raised and told us that she asked several questions of the women through a translator regarding these fears.
Reesheda waited as the women spoke to the translator in response.
"What did they say?" Reesheda asked the translator.
"They said, 'You Americans have time to worry and be afraid. You Americans have everything and do nothing. We have nothing and do everything. When you are ready to live, then we will answer your questions."
Hence, the name of Reesheda's innovative business ministry model, L!VE cafe. It's in Oak Park, IL, and if you're ever in Chicagoland, please stop by there. I got to spend a morning there last week, and I love the vision and mission of Jesus's justice being worked out through products, staffing, coaching, and events held there.
Reesheda told the CCDA audience that we have to live rooted in community and courage. We have to go forward afraid...we will never move if we wait until we have no fear. What might you need to do even though you're afraid?
#live intension #live in tension
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