Continually ‘Transforming’ [v260]

OCTOBER 2020

Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based nonprofit, has been CONTINUALLY ‘TRANSFORMING’ the neighborhood surrounding Central High School—since 2017—‘repurposing’ the former Durfee Elementary-Middle school into a new “Innovation Society,” and instilling a new sense of hope into the community by bridging people across ‘divides’ that help transform each other’s lives.

Just a few weeks ago, I was again involved in capturing photographically the CONTINUAL ‘TRANSFORMATION’ of the neighborhood surrounding the Central High School in Detroit, Michigan by the nonprofit Life Remodeled. During this annual “Project Week”—even during the COVID-19 pandemic—over 2,000 volunteers removed blight on 71 city blocks, made improvements to the “Durfee Innovation Society” (a combination of a community center and offices for businesses and organizations), and revitalized a broken-down playscape.

Because of Life Remodeled’s care for the volunteers—and the community—they instituted safety measures like social distancing of 10 feet, pre-sanitized tools that only one person would use, working in limited groups of 10-30 people, and everyone was required to wear a mask. The thing is, 99% of the volunteers said that their pandemic safety measures helped them feel safe from COVID-19 while volunteering. [ FYI: Video detailing the measures is in the “Articles” section below ].

However, even with these ‘measures’ instituted, 99% of their volunteers STILL SAID that they felt a greater sense of ‘connectedness’ with others during the project!

CEO Chris Lambert commented to reporter Ingrid Kelly of Fox2 News that, “The work our volunteers are doing today is really important to helping continue to make Detroit beautiful, safe, and inspiring.” Lambert continued in saying that this year is especially important because the pandemic took away necessary funding from the city’s budget to remove blight.

During the previous three years, there was a tremendous effort expended in the prior six months to the “Six Day Project,” since they were planning, coordinating, and implementing substantial remodeling projects inside the Durfee Innovation Society (i.e. major projects like a new gymnasium floor, installing HVAC units, refurbishing the “Cafetorium” with a new Toarmina’s pizzeria, and filling in the pool with concrete to create a “Makerspace” to name a few), boarding up unsafe houses, repairing resident homes (with new windows, siding, or a new furnace), and then procuring the materials and coordinating over 10,000 volunteers to beautify over 400 city blocks in a four-square-mile area in the Central High School neighborhood.

[ More specific details about the “Durfee/Central” project are on Life Remodeled’s website: https://liferemodeled.com/about-us/, and in my previous posts (v248, v236, and v223) ].

HOWEVER, the COVID-19 pandemic was concerning employers about sending their employees (during working hours) to volunteer at an ‘event’ that could possibly make them sick (which, I’ve got to believe, they probably would have been legally responsible for, hence the concern).

So, Life Remodeled’s leadership team ‘pivoted’ by planning a substantially less ‘intense’ “Six Day Project,” BUT then spending the substantial time and effort they would have expended in doing their ‘normal’ project focused on helping those in the Central neighborhood with socially-distanced community events like free food distribution (in conjunction with Gleaners Community Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest), a community Super Bowl ‘party’, presenting medical experts to talk about the COVID-19 crisis, academic improvement partnerships, the creation of the “Race Remodeled” initiative, and offering free masks for anyone in the community.

The thing is, some of Life Remodeled’s long-time and substantial donors especially wanted to help BECAUSE OF the pandemic, like Wallside Windows. They installed new windows into 15 residents’ homes (75 windows)—at no cost to designated homeowners—starting in January 2020. [ Note: Wallside Windows has installed over 350 new windows in the Central/Durfee neighborhood in the past three years, all at no cost to the homeowners! ]. This then has inspired the homeowners to stay in the community and also make even more improvements to their home, making a difference in their entire neighborhood.

[ More details about this story: https://wallsidewindows.com/blog/life-remodeled-wallside-windows-2020-detroit-homes ].

Another long-time and substantial donor, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)—who have done over 2,000 board-ups since 2014—also still wanted to help. A crew of amazing volunteers from FCA completed the renovation of the dilapidated playscape and it was dedicated as the “John R. Lewis Playscape.”

[ Note: Thanks to Patronicity, the MEDC, and the 43 donors who helped crowdfund this campaign, Life Remodeled raised $21,558 to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies to bring this playscape back to life again ].

Now, every ‘solid’ nonprofit has made substantial organizational ‘pivots’ in order to best serve their communities during this pandemic, and Life Remodeled ‘followed suit’. They have made numerous changes in their strategy, including the distribution of $446,846 in COVID-19 relief efforts to their surrounding community (as of September 2020):

– Fresh, locally grown produce distributed to 700 families each week
– Groceries distributed 300 families every other week
– 8,000 high-quality, washable, reusable masks (and still being distributed)
– Rent paid for 11 families who live in the Durfee/Central Community
– Free WiFi access installed on the exterior of DIS building for community use
– 1,240 gift cards to black-owned restaurants in Detroit, which benefitted both the recipients and the restaurants [ They note that “Serve Foundation” supported this financially ]

In addition to the relief efforts, Life Remodeled is making further strategic pivots. Prior to COVID-19, only 1.2% of all 3rd through 8th grade students at Durfee Elementary-Middle School were performing at grade level in reading and math. In addition to that, during the stay-at-home order here in Michigan, less than 10% of students participated in distance learning. So, for many children who don’t have the luxury of a stay-at-home parent/guardian (or a private teacher/tutor) to monitor and facilitate their schoolwork, distance learning will equate to “no learning” for their entire 2020-2021 school year!

That said, Life Remodeled and a number of Durfee Innovation Society tenants (VIP Mentoring, Perfectus Consulting, Cleary University, The Lawn Academy, Repair the World, Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, and the Detroit Youth Choir) will be providing a “Safe Center for Online Learning” for students, and “Family Pods” that will have access to high-speed WiFi, desks, technology, and exercise and enrichment activities in a supervised environment with large spaces that allow for safe social engagement.

Several other Life Remodeled partners (including Temple Israel) will also be providing after-school tutoring, and so far 23 Life Remodeled volunteers have committed to become virtual “Big Brothers” or “Big Sisters” for a Durfee student for one year.

SO, even though ‘external’ things have changed, the “DIS” continues to exist to create substantial and impactful opportunities for Detroit children and families, while advancing collaboration among eight major sectors in both the city and its surrounding suburbs: Arts; Business; Education; Faith-based; Government; Human services; Media, and Philanthropy.

The vision for the Center is STILL to be a “one-stop-shop” for recreation, job creation, education opportunities, and community building. So, instead of creating new programs themselves, they created a dynamic ‘space’ for the best and brightest to share resources, and achieve greater collective impact. In partnership with students and community leaders, their new tenants “move the needle” on educational outcomes and community revitalization. The organizations provide innovative approaches to education, employment, support for entrepreneurs, and various social services.

Entrepreneurs will guest lecture in classrooms, and students will have the opportunity to learn subjects, like math and finance, with real-world examples from case studies of business ventures taking place within the Center. Community members of all ages will have access to resources and space in order to learn about entrepreneurship, and how to start or grow their own businesses. The Center will also serve as a valuable community and recreational space for families and their children.

Life Remodeled operates the DIS by leasing over 100,000 square feet to tenants who want a central location, interaction with other cutting-edge businesses, and are passionate about building community inside and outside the building. As of August 2020, they are at 93% occupancy (and of these organizations, 68% of them are led by people of color, and 46% of the leaders are female).

These organizations saw the opportunity to team with like-minded organizations to better serve and strengthen the community, and are already finding out that they are better together just by association and creating a beneficial ‘ecosystem’ inside the building. Life Remodeled staff fosters communication and interaction among the DIS tenants to identify ways to share resources, referrals, and how they can collaborate in other ways.

Services at the center now include job mentoring, training and/or placement in areas like coding, marketing, retail, construction, and the electrician field, basic social services, behavioral health, business support, literacy programs, foster care and adoption services, senior services, and violence prevention programs. Collectively, in general, DIS tenants focus on doing the following:

– Education
DIS tenants provide educational assistance to more than 5,000 Detroit youth and children annually. Being located next to Durfee Elementary-Middle School and Central High School, our goal is to help both become the most improved DPSCD schools by 2025.

– Jobs
As a result of high-quality workforce development programming at the DIS, each year more than 5,000 Detroiters will gain opportunities to acquire sustainable living wages through new employment

– Human Services
Annually, more than 4,000 children, youth, and adults will receive human services, including diapers and baby formula for families in need, health, and wellness services, and programs for senior citizens

Life Remodeled is confident that the DIS will generate measurable outcomes through the achievements of its tenants, and the success of their tenants will be directly influenced by the participation of students and neighborhood leadership in collaboration with the “Eight Sectors” (Arts; Business; Education; Faith-based; Government; Human services; Media, and Philanthropy). The determination of what additional outcomes to measure and what results to expect will be fully reliant on the breadth, quality, and capacity of their tenants, and the partnerships Life Remodeled is able to solidify within the DIS and surrounding community.

Ballmer Group Executive Director Kylee Mitchell Wells said it well: “The Durfee Innovation Society is an example of public, private and philanthropic partners working together to fill a gap in the community by offering a variety of resources that have a dynamic approach for helping kids and their families increase their chances of economic mobility.”

Chris Lambert said that “It’s the Center’s tenants that will drive impact in the neighborhood, and Life Remodeled’s role is to help them be better together.”

To ‘IMPRESS’ you even more about this organization, previous to this current project in the Central neighborhood, Life Remodeled completed three other one-year projects: Denby High School neighborhood (2016); Osborn High School neighborhood (2015); and the Cody High School neighborhood (2014). Statistically, the TOTAL ‘IMPACT’ Life Remodeled has had since its first neighborhood project is incredible (NOT including 2020):

– 4 schools
– 188 homes repaired
– 257 alleyways cleaned
– 1,589 blocks beautified
– 2,062 houses boarded up
– 66,433 volunteers engaged

In regards to the ‘SUSTAINABILITY’ in these previous projects, neighborhood CRIME HAS DECREASED in 10 of 11 categories (47% less homicides; 21% less sexual assaults; 10% less aggravated adults; and 19% less burglary).

In addition to the FORMIDABLE IMPACT on the neighborhoods, the VOLUNTEERS have also experienced POSITIVE CHANGE: 84% gained a more positive view of the city and suburbs by working together, and 80% experienced a positive change in their thoughts or feelings about people of another race, religion, political perspective, or socio-economic status.

Chris Lambert said that the continued support in its work “gives us confidence that we can and will eventually multiply this model throughout the city of Detroit, with the hope of expanding to additional large U.S. cities over the next 10 years.”

Life Remodeled plans to begin work in another Detroit neighborhood in the fall of 2022. They will take on another Detroit neighborhood at that point to create another one-stop “innovation center,” do annual neighborhood cleanups and blight removal, and possibly expand the vision to add a “business hub,” and a “residence hub.” They will also continue to manage the Durfee Innovation Society for the full 50 years of the building lease with the Detroit Public Schools.

They are now looking for a neighborhood with high levels of crime and blight, academic challenges, and workforce shortages. It will also look for another building that is ‘embedded’ into the community—maybe another school. Currently, they are considering the Brightmoor, Jefferson-Chalmers, the lower east side, and the northwest areas.

[ NOTE: Life Remodeled is going to have their 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on December 3, 2020 (Which, at this time, is planned to be ‘virtual’). Alongside some special guests (including a few celebrities!), their CEO and Founder, Chris Lambert, will honor Life Remodeled’s past and give insight into their exciting future. Even though they, at this time, won’t be able to celebrate this milestone together in person, they are thrilled to be bringing the party to you!

Sponsorship benefits of this event include participation in an exclusive VIP cocktail hour prior to the event, brand listings in all promotions, and more!:
https://liferemodeled.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LR-10-Year-Anniversary-Sponsorship-Menu.pdf ]

[ FYI: 2019 Life Remodeled Fundraiser Recap: https://youtu.be/Ceb6csQId60 ].

[ For more information about this phenomenal organization, visit Life Remodeled’s website: http://liferemodeled.com/ ].

‘SPIRITUAL’ TRANSFORMATION
Just like Life Remodeled ‘transforming’ a building and neighborhood into something new and better than before, I’ve got to believe we all would like to ‘transform’ ourselves into something new and better than we were in the past.

However, the problem is that we all want ‘instantaneous’ change, but most of the time it doesn’t work that way. Just as is happening with Life Remodeled’s ‘herculean’ effort—now a five-year commitment—‘real’ SPIRITUAL ‘TRANSFORMATION’ takes some time—actually a LIFETIME to ‘complete’.

W.E. Vine, in his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, points out that the word “transform” in the original Greek is “metamorphoo,” which literally means to “change into another form,” stressing ‘inward’ change.

Transformation is the inward, ‘metabolic’ process in which God works to change every part of our being, particularly our soul, creating a new ‘nature’ and causing our old, natural nature to be gradually eliminated. As a result, we “are transformed into His [Jesus’] image” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

In the Bible, this transformation involves not only a change from the natural disposition to a spiritual one by Jesus as the life-giving Spirit saturating all the inward parts of our being with God’s nature of holiness, (Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18), but also a change in ‘disposition’, that is, a separation from a common, worldly position in regards to God (Matthew 23:17, 19 and 1 Timothy 4:3-5). This involves both an outward change in our ‘position’ and an inward change in our ‘disposition’. This is referred to as “SANCTIFICATION.”

When one first becomes a “born-again” Christian, they are “saved” or “justified,” declared by God righteous in His eyes by faith. So, justification is attained in a ‘moment’. Then, at the end of a believer’s life, they are then “glorified” when they die, and enter the ‘presence’ of God in Heaven. So, in between justification and glorification—our time here on earth—we go through the process of “sanctification.”

Our English word “sanctification” originates from the Greek word “hagiazō,” which means to “set apart” or “treat as holy” (the adjective ”hagios” means “to make holy”). This is a continual, “progressive” separation from sin, conforming the believer into the ‘image’ of Jesus, and manifesting increasing holiness. This is what the present, wonderful, gracious work of the Holy Spirit does, on our behalf, and He continues to do so throughout our lifetime.

According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q. 35), sanctification is “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” It is a continuing change worked by God in us, freeing us from sinful habits and forming in us Christlike affections, dispositions, and virtues. It does not mean that sin is instantly eradicated, but it is also more than just a counteraction—in which sin is merely restrained or repressed—sin is progressively ‘destroyed’. Sanctification is a ‘real’ transformation, not just the ‘appearance’ of one.

Christian theologian, Millard Erickson, explained it this way: “Although regeneration is instantaneously complete, it is not an end in itself. As a change of spiritual impulses, regeneration is the beginning of a process of growth that continues throughout one’s lifetime. This process of spiritual maturation is sanctification. Sanctification is the ongoing transformation of character so that the believer’s life actually comes to mirror the standing he or she already has in God’s sight.”

The Apostle Paul also talked about spiritual maturity, noting that we were formerly dead but are now alive: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” [ Ephesians 2:10 ]. Paul also spoke of continuing and completing what has been begun: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” [ Philippians 1:6 ]. Justification is just the beginning, but there is much more yet to come. The manifestations of this spiritual ‘ripening’ are called “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:19-23). They are the direct opposite of the ‘fruit’ of the old nature, the ‘flesh’.

So, even though we have been “set apart” as God’s children, we continue to behave in ways that are contrary. As Christians, we realize shortly after we have been saved that there is a new inner ‘battle’ being waged within us—a battle between our old sin-lead nature and new Spirit-lead nature. The Apostle Paul described this inner struggle like this: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” [ Galatians 5:17 ].

Like Paul, a believer’s ‘heart desire’ is to please and obey God, but our ‘flesh’ is weak, making sin difficult to resist. Yet, it is in our continual struggle with sin and obedience to God that sanctification does its work.

The Christian life, therefore, is not only doing transformative things, but being a transformed people. The Apostle Paul explained it this way: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works” [ Titus 2:11-14 ]. The Bible refers to this as a “new nature.”

Our human nature, with all its wretched tendencies, is anything but divine. But the hope of the Gospel is clear: “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” [ 2 Peter 1:3-4 ].

Sanctification is not just ‘knowing’ about holiness and ‘doing’ holy things, it’s about ‘BEING’ and ‘BECOMING’ holy people. Illumination is both the means and the result of transformation, and obedience gives evidence to this transformation. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” [ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ]. Sanctification is an identity ‘change’, not just behavior ‘modification’.

Note that sanctification has nothing to do with living in sinless perfection—we will never be sinless in this life. In fact, the Bible warns against such false teachings: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [ 1 John 1:8 ]. Sanctification is not about trying to be sinless in order to ‘earn’ the favor of God. Rather, sanctification is for our own benefit. God commands us to pursue sanctification so that through it we may be blessed (Matthew 5:2-11).

An illustration might help clarify the concept I’m trying to express. A few years ago I was walking along the shores of Lake Huron, and noticed something sparkling in the water. After inspecting it a bit, I asked what it was. I was told that it was called “Sea Glass.” It is shards of glass, usually from a broken bottle or plate, that has been, over a period of years, shaped by the water by tumbling along the lake bottom and being tossed against the rocks—physically and chemically weathered smooth.

I was struck by how this is such a good ‘picture’ of what God is up to in our lives. When you became a Christian, you were ‘broken’ and you had sharp ‘edges’. But, over a period of time, you are ‘shaped’ by the Holy Spirit through rough waters (trials). He’s changing our outside from the inside—using “progressive sanctification”—theological terminology that conveys the idea that, over a period of time, we are transformed into our “new selves” ( Colossians 3:1-17 ).

The ‘water’ in my illustration is the Holy Spirit. He “works in you, both to will and to work” according to God’s purpose, enabling the believer to fulfill their new, godly desires (Philippians 2:12, 13), become increasingly Christlike, as the moral profile of Jesus—the “fruit of the Spirit”—is progressively formed in them (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 4:19; 5:22–25).

Sanctification is an ongoing process, dependent on the Holy Spirit’s continuing action in the believer, and consisting of the believer’s continuous struggle against sin. His method of sanctification is neither activism (self-reliant activity) nor apathy (God-reliant passivity), but human effort dependent on God (2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 3:10–14; Hebrew 12:14).

Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you” [ John 16:13-14 ]. We see, therefore, that sanctification is the motivation for obedience and is necessary for the fruitful application of Scripture. The work of the Holy Spirit assists the believer to achieve clarity in understanding the content of God’s Word (the Bible), and become like Jesus.

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S REFINING ‘FIRE’
Now, we have to understand that our becoming like Jesus is a life-long process. Although the Holy Spirit instantly begins to ‘stir’ within us, we’re still “us.” Getting saved doesn’t instantly remove all our bad habits and our “stinkin’ thinking.” We slowly change as we work with the Holy Spirit to change us.

So, the process of becoming sanctified is the process of more consistently and more fervently (note “from the heart,” Romans 6:17) obeying Jesus Christ. (See also 1 Peter 1:2 for another connection of sanctification and obedience). Another metaphor might help here.

In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is called a “refiner’s fire.” This is not merely a word of warning, but a tremendous word of hope. The ‘furnace’ of affliction, for one in the family of God, is always for refinement, and never for destruction. “You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver…but you brought us to a place of great abundance” [ Psalm 66:10, 12 ].

Just like the human “refiner’s fire” does not destroy indiscriminately like a forest fire does, or consume completely like the fire of an incinerator, it purifies, just like God does. It melts down a bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver or gold intact. “Therefore, the Lord Almighty says this: ‘See, I will melt them in a crucible of affliction. I will refine them and test them like metal’” [ Jeremiah 9:7 ].

The process of refining metals is used in the Bible as a metaphor for spiritual purification. In a sense, if you have something made of pure gold or pure silver, it is made of the ‘leftovers’. Gold, when extracted from the earth, does not look like the gold we see in a jewelry store. In fact, it is not always recognizable due to the impurities that mar its appearance. Yet, for the person searching for it, the ugliest lump of gold is of great value, and the potential for beauty and value is evident to them. We are similar to those ‘lumps’ of unrefined gold. God sees us not full of impurities, but full of potential!

To refine gold, heat must be applied to force the impurities to the surface. As the impurities rise, they are removed and more heat is applied. This process continues, over and over again, until the gold is pure. The refiner knows the gold is pure when he looks into the gold and sees his clear reflection.

God works a similar process in us. Our lives are a process of God applying ‘heat’ to us—exposing our weaknesses, faults, and impurities. This is definitely uncomfortable, but if we submit to it, we are, day by day, transformed into Jesus’ likeness. The process ends in Heaven, when we meet Jesus face to face, and He sees His clear ‘reflection’ in us!

However, when the ‘heat’ gets really hot, we all want to ‘run’ from it, or at least resist it. So, in our childish wisdom we ask God to change our circumstances: “God, this really hurts…please take it away!” But, in God’s wisdom, He doesn’t take it away instantaneously because adversity and painful circumstances fulfill His divine purpose in our lives—refining us to be like Jesus.

[ For more details about the concept of “refinement,” take a look a this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/concept-refinement-v209/ ]

‘THE’ PARADOX
Now, there’s a kind of ‘paradox’ with all this. God is responsible for supplying everything you need for life and godliness, but you are responsible for actively using that ‘power’ to grow in sanctification. The paradox is found in the believer being both FULLY RESPONSIBLE, and yet FULLY DEPENDENT. Hmmm.

The Apostle Paul says that we are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12b-13). God changes our desires, making us want to please Him, and then He empowers us to do so. Jesus earned our sanctification on the cross and, in essence, has become our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30) and the “perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The Holy Spirit is the primary ‘agent’ of our sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11).

It is also the Holy Spirit who works within us to develop greater holiness in our life. Peter speaks of the “sanctification of the Spirit” (1 Peter 1:2), and Paul speaks of “sanctification by the Spirit” (2 Thessalonians 2:13). It is also the Holy Spirit who produces in us the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23), the character traits of Jesus. So, if we grow in sanctification we “walk by the Spirit” and are “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-18; Romans 8:14). That is, we are more and more responsive to the desires and promptings of the Holy Spirit in our life and character.

So, the Apostle Paul clarifies this paradox: “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” [ Philippians 2:13 ]. God works, and we work. He gives us the very desires to grow in Christ, and we work to make it ’stick’.

In addition to that, our role in sanctification is both passive and active. Passively, we are to trust God to sanctify us, presenting our bodies to God (Romans 6:13; 12:1) and yielding to the Holy Spirit. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and God will have His way. Actively, we are responsible to choose to do what is right. “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable” [ 1 Thessalonians 4:4 ]. This involves putting to death the misdeeds of the body (Romans 8:13), striving for holiness (Hebrews 12:14), fleeing immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), cleansing ourselves from every defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1), and making every effort to supplement our faith (2 Peter 1:5-11).

Again, I’m thinking an illustration will be of some help here. A farmer plows his field, sows the seed, fertilizes, and cultivates—all the while knowing that in the final analysis, he is utterly dependent on ‘forces’ outside of himself. He knows he cannot cause the seed to germinate, nor can he produce the rain and sunshine for growing and harvesting the crop. For a successful harvest, he is dependent on these things from God.

Yet, the farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his ‘responsibilities’ to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate, he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season. In a sense, he is in ‘partnership’ with God, and he will reap its benefits only when he has fulfilled his own responsibilities.

Farming is a ‘joint venture’ between God and the farmer. The farmer cannot do what God must do, and God will not do what the farmer should do.

So, this is just like sanctification. It is a ‘joint venture’ between God and the believer. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God ‘working’ in their life, and one will only attain it by effort on their part. God has made it possible for the believer to ‘walk’ in holiness, but He has given to us the responsibility of doing the walking. He does not do that for us!

So, submission and effort are required… for our entire lives! Pastor and theologian, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, tells us how this is by divinely enabled toil and effort: “The New Testament calls upon us to take action; it does not tell us that the work of sanctification is going to be done for us… We are in the ‘good fight of faith’, and we have to do the fighting. But, thank God, we are enabled to do it; for the moment we believe, and are justified by faith, and are born again of the Spirit of God, we have the ability. So the New Testament method of sanctification is to remind us of that; and having reminded us of it, it says, ‘Now then, go and do it’.” So, when it comes to growth in holiness, reliance on God doesn’t put an end to zealous endeavor!

DOCTRINAL ‘STEPS’
Well then, HOW does sanctification specifically occur? How do we become Christlike? How do we become holy? By what ‘MEANS’ does this happen?”

The doctrinal ‘steps’ to grow in your relationship with Jesus is to PRAY, READ your Bible, go to a CHURCH with biblical teaching and good fellowship, and receive the SACRAMENTS (baptism and holy communion). If you want to be Christlike, you need to have ‘COMMUNION’ with Jesus—and if you want to communion with Him you need to do it on His ‘terms’ with the ‘channels’ of grace He has provided. That means the way to ‘extraordinary’ holiness is through just ‘ORDINARY’ MEANS!

Theologian J.I. Packer says that communion between God and man “is the end to which both creation and redemption are the means; it is the goal to which both theology and preaching must never point; it is the essence of true religion; it is indeed, the definition of Christianity.”

As you live your Christian life decreasing the frequency of sin and increasing the frequency of holiness, you are moving from your justification to your glorification. As the believer is being sanctified, the seductions of the world, the desires of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life are replaced by love for God, love for Christ, love for the Word of God, love for obedience, longing for holiness, and aspirations to give glory and honor only to Jesus. This is the mark of a true Christian.

Jesus—our ‘model’ for sanctification—gave us a simple ‘method’: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” [ John 14:15 ].

This is not necessarily about ‘duty’ or ‘discipline’, although it is a duty and there is a discipline associated with it—but this is ALL ABOUT LOVE. If you want to be more obedient, you must love Jesus more, and if you want to love Jesus more, you must know Jesus better—and that comes from praying, reading your Bible, having fellowship with other believers at church, and receiving holy communion.

Since Jesus is our ‘model’, how did He demonstrate His perfect virtue and perfect holiness? Well, just listen to His praying for His disciples (and for us, now): “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they themselves may also be sanctified in truth” [ John 17:19 ]. Essentially Jesus said, “I am living the example of perfected sanctification—follow My lead.”

Now, the reality of it here on earth is that sanctification is a ‘WARTIME’ word. A person being sanctified must have an unswerving commitment to holiness, and an uncompromising loyalty to the “Commander-in-Chief” and his comrades in arms. This was the goal of Paul’s mission strategy (“Armor of God” – Ephesians 6:10-20).

Such conflict is not viewed as either an unfortunate malfunction or the result of a lack of faith or spirituality. Rather, conflict is inherent in the very nature of what God has already done for us. The magnitude of His grace, when it impacts fallen humanity in a fallen world, inevitably produces conflict.

The Apostle Paul’s words again ring true: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” [ Galatians 5:17 ].

Christian writer and pastor Kevin DeYoung concurs with Paul: “The Christian life still entails obedience. it still involves a fight. but it’s a fight we will win. You have the Spirit of Christ in your corner, rubbing your shoulders, holding the bucket, putting his arm around you, and saying before the next round with sin, you’re going to knock them out kid. Sin may get some good jabs. It may clean your clock once in a while. It may bring you to your knees. But, if you are in Christ it will never knock you out. You are no longer a slave but free. Sin has no dominion over you. It can’t it won’t. A new king sits on the throne. You serve a different master. You salute a different Lord.”

THE ‘BATTLE’
Christian reformer, Martin Luther, spoke of a threefold ‘battle’ in the Christian life—the ‘world’, the ‘flesh’, and the Devil. All are formidable opponents, and don’t always ‘fight’ fairly—and it’s usually a gang attack. The world is the ‘enemy’ from without, the ‘flesh’ is the enemy within, and the Devil is the master of combining both!

In living to please a righteous God, we do constant battle with these enemies. Part of the process of sanctification is fighting with an increasingly overcoming these foes. Every ‘sensitive’ believer knows all too well how difficult it can be to win a victory against such formidable opposition.

The ‘world’ is a seducer—it seeks to attract our attention and our devotion. It remains close at hand, visible and enticing—and sometimes eclipses our view of Heaven. What is seen vies for our attention, and entices our eyes—preventing us from watching for a better ‘country’ whose builder is God. It pleases us and, much of the time, we live our lives to ‘please’ it. That is where the conflict ensues—for pleasing the ‘world’ seldom overlaps with pleasing God. Even though the Bible tells us specifically, “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2), the world ‘presses’ on us with the ultimate peer pressure!

So, for the Christian, they must resist the sedition of the world and go against the ‘tide’—willing to risk the loss of human approval to gain God’s approval. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.” [ Matthew 5:11-12 ]. We are to be “in the world, but not of the world” (John 15:19).

The conflict is the result of our now being ‘IN’ Christ and our new lifestyle is bound to be on a collision course with the lifestyle of this world. This is why Paul said to “insist… that [we] must no longer live as the Gentiles do” (Ephesians 4:17).

The Bible also talks about a “warfare” between the ‘flesh’ and the spirit. When the Bible uses the word “flesh” it means our physical nature—specifically our “fallen nature.” By this nature, we have a “fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18). Neither the mind nor the flesh is any less ‘fallen’ than the other—our sin infects every aspect of our existence, so they are both geared toward pleasing ourselves, and not pleasing God.

The ‘mind’ of the flesh is set against God—and doesn’t want God in its thoughts. This is the mind of a person who is not guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul warned us about this: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you’re led by the Spirit, you’re not under the law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” [ Galatians 5:16-25 ].

Now, we’re dealing with the very ‘essence’ of sanctification, the very ‘heart’ of the Christian life—and our responsibility in the Christian life is summed up by: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” [ Galatians 5:16 ].

So, there is a conflict between two ‘styles’ of living—the life of the flesh, which is controlled by the impulse of sin, and the life of the Spirit, which leads us into righteousness, and into pleasing God. The Spirit seeks to teach us self-control, harnessing our physical desires, and keeping them in check.

The flesh is allied with the world, and the world is allied with the Devil—seeking our destruction by leading the believer away from the Holy Spirit to surrender to the flesh.

Even though we live in a world where the flesh seems to rule human activity, the Holy Spirit is the believer’s ally. He is ever-present, enabling God’s people to please Him (Romans 8:11).

Now, of our spiritual enemies, the most formidable is the Devil. He is not merely an enemy, he’s our ‘archenemy’! He is the “wicked one” (1 John 5:18), the “father of lies” (John 8:44), the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10), and the “beguiling serpent” (2 Corinthians 11:3)—among many other ‘titles’.

The Apostle Paul warned us that our battle against the Devil and his ‘forces’ transcends the visible and tangible elements of this world: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” [ Ephesians 6:12 ]. That is, in our lives of trying to please a holy God, we are warring against not only our own petty desires, but also some very fearsome, terrifying ‘forces’!

[ For more details about the spiritual “warfare” we are subject to, and how to combat it, see this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post: https://markbesh.wordpress.com/ready-for-battle-v235/ ].

The Devil is far more sophisticated than his caricatures—a guy in a red ‘suit’, a pitchfork, cloven hooves, and pointy horns coming out of his head—he is the ‘highest’, most brilliant being that God had ever created—an “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). He is also very clever and has the ability to manifest himself “under the appearances of good.” He is subtle, beguiling, eloquent, and a counterfeit wearing a “cloak of light.” To underestimate the Devil is to suffer from the pride that goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Theologian John Calvin said that in connection with Job, the Devil seeks “to drive the saint to madness by despair.” However, to overestimate him is to grant him more honor and respect than he really deserves, because the Scriptures declare “Greater is He who is in you that he who is in the world” [ 1 John 4:4 ]. The Christian needs to seek ‘balance’ in all this.

Even though the Devil can oppress us, assault us, tempt us, slander us, and accuse us, the believer is indwelled with the Holy Spirit and cannot be ‘conquered’ by the Devil, because Jesus makes intercession for us (Romans 8:33-34).

We please God when we resist temptation and do not sin. Part of our growth in sanctification is becoming more conscious of the Devil’s tactics and our own desire to sin.

Throughout our sanctification here on earth, our increased awareness of sin is painful indeed, but also increases our disdain of it and continues to drive us into the ‘arms’ of our loving Father. We please Him when we don’t leave His ‘side’, as the Devil would like us to do. When the Devil ‘whispers’ into the believer’s ears, “You, with all your sin, can’t be pleasing to God,” the believer can confidently reply, “Ah, but God tells me I do please Him” (Psalm 147:11).

So, since the Devil is the believer’s main ‘enemy’ and has a ‘target’ on their back, what does the Bible say about how to defeat’ him? Well, it’s very clear: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” [ 1 Peter 5:8-9 ].

It just so happens that we all have a ‘warning system’ placed in our soul to prevent us from destroying ourselves spiritually—the ‘CONSCIENCE’. “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them” [ Romans 2:14-15 ].

However, the believer’s conscience has been ‘cleansed’ by the blood of Jesus, and ‘sanitized’ by the Holy Spirit. So, the believer can react to warnings from the Holy Spirit (that a non-believer cannot), and sin can be dealt with. (“let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” – Hebrews 10:22).

Even the pagan Greeks realized that there is an internal ‘agent’ that causes someone’s moral downfall. They called this goddess “Nemesis,” and she enacted retribution against those who succumbed to hubris and reckless transgressions. Even Lord Byron, whose life was ‘riddled’ with sin, realized the “nemesis” characteristic in all of us:

“And thou, who never yet of human wrong
Left the unbalanced scale, great Nemesis!
Here, where the ancient paid thee homage long—
Thou, who didst call the Furies from the abyss,
And round Orestes bade them howl and hiss.”

However, the great Christian hymn-writer, Charles Wesley, had a different ‘take’ on this with his “I Want a Principle Within” hymn:

“I want a principle within
of watchful, godly fear,
a sensibility of sin
a pain to feel it near.
Help me the first approach to feel
of pride or wrong desire,
to catch the wandering of my will
and quench the kindling fire.
From thee that I no more may stray
no more thy goodness grieve,
grant me the filial awe, I pray
the tender conscience give,
Quick is the apple of an eye
oh God my conscience make,
awake my soul when sin is nigh
and keep it still awake.”

The conscience has a ‘bully’ function in your life—being relentless and disturbing. It will be the ‘enemy’ of the sinning soul or, for the believer it should be, the truest ‘friend’ and comforter. It accuses or it excuses.

The 17th-century Puritan clergyman and author, John Flavel, wrote, “Conscience which should have been the sinner’s curb here on earth becomes the sinner’s whip that will lash his soul in hell. That which was the seat and center of all guilt now becomes the seat and center of all torment.” For the non-believer there will be no rest and no peace, just weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth…forever!

‘MORTIFICATION’ OF SIN
Now, just as “Christian” experienced in the allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” the believer must “mortify” sin, put off “fleshly desires,” and desire holiness. It is those who belong to the Kingdom of God as “Beatitude people” (Matthew 5:1-12) who are urged to deal rigorously with sin (Matthew 5:21-48), and to ‘crucify’ whatever is the source of any temptation (Colossians 3:5-11).

Since Christians have “put off the old man and put on the new man,” they should live accordingly (Colossians 3:9-10). It is those who have received God’s promises who should purify themselves “from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1), and “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

Without “mortification” of sin, there is no holiness. The 17th-century theologian, John Owen, writes graphically about this: “Let not that man think he makes any progress in true holiness who walks not over the bellies of his lusts.”

The truth of the matter is that the Christian must see themselves from two contrasting perspectives about their life: In themselves, there dwells no good thing because of their nature (Romans 7:18), and that in Christ they have been cleansed, sanctified, and justified (1 Corinthians 6:11).

So, while here on earth, we need to be “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” [ 1 Peter 1:14-16 ].

PRESS ON
As was mentioned previously, during your lifetime of becoming sanctified, there will be MANY ‘TRIALS’. But, as probably the preeminent Christian ever (save Jesus) who can speak ‘adroitly’ about ‘extreme’ trials, the Apostle Paul still said: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do, one thing: forgetting what lies behind, reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” [ Philippians 3:13 ]. He says that the ‘prize’ is at glorification, and in the meantime, he does do one thing: “I ‘PRESS ON’. I pursue that goal in this life. I’m going to be like Christ when I’m glorified; I pursue that now in my sanctification.”

The Apostle Paul also encouraged all of his readers then (and us now) to “anguish until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19b). This was a profound agony in Paul’s life—that believers, true Christians, be sanctified. That is, see the decreasing of sin and the increasing of righteousness in their lives.

Jesus also encouraged us to ‘press on’ when He prayed for His disciples (and us believers now): “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them[b] in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” [ John 17:15-19 ].

Jesus proved He was ‘serious’ about this by His substitutionary atonement for us “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” [ Hebrew 10:10 ], and so there is a sense in which all those who believe in Jesus have been sanctified: “By a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” [ Hebrews 10:14 ].

The 19th-century Bishop, J.C. Ryle said it well: “We must be holy, because this is one great end for which Christ came into the world.” Jesus is a ‘complete’ Savior. He doesn’t merely take away the guilt of a believer’s sin, He does much more—He breaks its ‘power’ (1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; and Hebrew 12:10).

WRAP UP
Sound IMPOSSIBLE? It is… on your own! But, as previously mentioned, God doesn’t leave us on our own, and He doesn’t expect us to do this all at once! He’s patient: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” [ 2 Peter 3:9 ]

So then, what does God ‘expect’ from us? Just ‘PROGRESS’ IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

One of the most important axioms about sanctification, is that it’s more important where you are ‘GOING’ than where you ‘ARE’. ‘Direction’ matters more that ‘position’. Your future progress speaks louder than your present placement. So, cheer up—if you are not as ‘holy’ as you want to be right now, God may still be pleased with you because you are headed in the right direction! But, be forewarned, if you are not as holy as you ‘used’ to be, then God will probably not be impressed with yesterday’s ‘triumphs’ when, for the past few months/years, you have done nothing but give up!

Now, for all of those who need to see ‘measurable’ progress all the time (like me), you need to look for progress over months and years, not by hours and minutes. As David Powlison (Executive Director of CCEF) likes to say, “Sanctification is like a man walking up the stairs with a yo-yo. there are a lot of ups and downs, but ultimate progress nonetheless!” So, don’t be so harsh on yourself, and more importantly, criticizing others about their spiritual progress without knowing how far they have come, and in which direction they are heading.

SO, holiness is the sum of a million LITTLE ‘THINGS’—like the avoidance of evils, foibles, worldliness, and indiscretions, while doing the hard work of self-denial, self-restraint, cultivating benevolence, and paying attention to simple ‘duties’. Just PROGRESS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION—growing by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Jesus! A very close disciple of Jesus, Matthew, said this: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” [ Matthew 6:33 ].

God is exceedingly interested in helping us forward on this way of sanctification. Through faith, He already counts the believer “holy” ‘IN’ Jesus, but now intends to make you holy ‘WITH’ Jesus. Our part is to want it, to acknowledge our need for it, and then to launch out in obedience to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, in faith that “He who began a good work in [us] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” [ Philippians 1:6 ]. As believers, we should not be content simply to be born again or regenerated. We need to pursue the sanctification of our soul!

As we become more sanctified, we will find it increasingly true that we do not “love the world or things in the world” (1 John 2:15), but that we, like our Savior, delight in doing God’s will. In ever-increasing measure, we will become “obedient from the heart” (Romans 6:17), and we will “put away” the negative emotions involved in “bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander” (Ephesians 4:31).

God is preparing His ‘children’ for His glory and the glory of Heaven to come. Puritan preacher and author, Thomas Watson, commented: “As you first cleanse the vessel, and then pour in the wine; so God first cleanses us by sanctification, and then pours in the wine of glory.”

When you say something like, “Lord Jesus, I want you to sanctify me. I want to walk a holy path. I want to be obedient to you. I want to walk in your way. I want holiness and righteousness and obedience to be the characteristics of my life. I want nothing in my life that doesn’t please you. I want people to meet me and meet Jesus in the process,” then you have the proper attitude for God to ‘transform’ you!

The good news is that as one is sanctified, there will be a decreasing frequency of sin. But the bad news is that there will be an increasing hatred of sin in your life, so you will feel even worse about it. This is when you will know for sure you are saved and being sanctified!

Jesus said that those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied” [ Matthew 5:6 ]. What He was saying was that for those who want to finally be rid of their sinful self the manifest beauty, the perfection, the love, and the wisdom of him is available. Sanctification helps us get a ‘taste’ of that here in this life.

So, make every effort to ‘saturate’ your mind with the loveliness of Jesus, disciplining yourselves to behold His glory (in the Bible), to seek His ‘face’ in prayer, to enjoy Him in fellowship with His ‘saints’, and to obey Him in the sure hope that all this will bring us into a deeper ‘communion’ with Him.

The 18th-century pastor, John Fawcett, summarized this well: “Jesus is the life of all the graces and comforts of a Christian. By the knowledge and contemplation of him, and of his death in our stead—faith lives, and is strengthened from day to day. All the springs of repentance are opened, and flow freely, when the heart is melted by views of a dying Savior. Love feels the attractive power of its glorious object, and is kindled into a holy flame. Sin is mortified. The world is subdued. The hope of future glory is supported, enlivened, and confirmed, so as to become sure and steadfast, like an anchor of the soul. But without him, whom having not seen we love, these graces would wither and die; or, to speak more properly, they would have no existence.”

God saved the believer to ‘SANCTIFY’ them! Just like Life Remodeled, God is in the “beautification” business, and He promises to work ‘IN’ you, while He ‘calls’ you to ‘WORK OUT’ the “beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

All believers are just like the “Durfee Innovation Society”—both are a ‘WORK-IN-PROGRESS’.

Are you being ‘TRANSFORMED’ and becoming more CHRISTLIKE? Are you being ‘SANCTIFIED’ so you can be glorified and ‘admitted’ into Heaven? I PRAY YOU ARE!

[ Excerpts from: Chris Lambert; Crain’s Detroit Business; Sherri Welch; Wayne Grudem; Nathan W. Bingham; John MacArthur; Josh McDowell; Jeremy Carr; Greg Outlaw; John Piper; Helen Simons; Sinclair Ferguson; Jon Payne; Charles Stanley; Brian Borgman; Matt Chandler; Jerry Bridges; Kevin DeYoung; Michael Riccardi; David Powlison; John Fawcett; Thomas Watson ]

[ Special Thanks To: Life Remodeled; Ingrid Kelly; Fox2 News; Adam Blanck (Wallside Windows); Gleaners Community Food Bank; Forgotten Harvest; Patronicity; MEDC; Fiat Chrysler Automobiles; Toarmina’s Pizza; “Race Remodeled”; Serve Foundation; Temple Israel ]

>>> SUMMARIZATION OF POST <<<

CONTINUALLY ‘TRANSFORMING’
Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based nonprofit, has been CONTINUALLY ‘TRANSFORMING’ the neighborhood surrounding Central High School—since 2017—‘repurposing’ the former Durfee Elementary-Middle school into a new “Innovation Society,” and instilling a new sense of hope into the community by bridging people across ‘divides’ that help transform each other’s lives.

However, even with these ‘measures’ instituted, 99% of their volunteers STILL SAID that they felt a greater sense of ‘connectedness’ with others during the project!

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmTEv3rz8gc

[ More specific details about the “Durfee/Central” project are on Life Remodeled’s website: https://liferemodeled.com/about-us/, and in my previous posts (v248, v236, and v223) ].

So, Life Remodeled’s leadership team ‘pivoted’ by planning a substantially less ‘intense’ “Six Day Project,” BUT then spending the substantial time and effort they would have expended in doing their ‘normal’ project focused on helping those in the Central neighborhood with socially-distanced community events like free food distribution (in conjunction with Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest), a community Super Bowl ‘party’, presenting medical experts to talk about the COVID-19 crisis, academic improvement partnerships, the creation of the “Race Remodeled” initiative, and offering free masks for anyone in the community.

DOCTRINAL ‘STEPS’
Well then, HOW does sanctification specifically occur? How do we become Christlike? How do we become holy? By what ‘MEANS’ does this happen?”

The ‘mind’ of the flesh is set against God—and doesn’t want God in its thoughts. This is the mind of a person who is not guided by the Holy Spirit.

So then, what does God ‘expect’ from us? Just ‘PROGRESS’ IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>>> END OF SUMMARIZATION <<<

RELATED POSTS:

“Still ‘Transforming’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/still-transforming-v248/

“Continued ‘Transformation’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/continued-transformation-v236/

“Ready For ‘Battle’?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/ready-for-battle-v235/

“‘Repurposing’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/repurposing-v223/

“A ‘Remodeled’ Life”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-remodeled-life-v211/

“Concept ‘Refinement’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/concept-refinement-v209/

“‘Remodeling’ Produces Hope”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/remodeling-produces-hope-v199/

“‘Hope’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/hope-v187/

“A ‘New Start’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-new-start-v172/

“Being ‘Remodeled’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/being-remodeled-v163/

“‘Remodeling’ Your Service”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/remodeling-your-service-v157/

“Life Remodeled”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/life-remodeled-v148/

‘PRAYER’ OF REPENTANCE
In the Bible, there is a parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the Temple. He notes that the tax collector didn’t even dare to lift his eyes toward Heaven as he prayed. Instead he “beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner’”—and Jesus said that the tax collector “went home justified,” he had been “born again” and ‘reconciled’ by God. (Luke 18:9-14).

If you are ‘sensing’ something like that right now, let me strongly encourage you to HUMBLE YOURSELF, CRY OUT to God, and PLEAD for Him to mercifully ‘SAVE’ YOU! None of us have a ‘claim’ on our salvation, nor do we have any ‘works’ that would cause us to deserve it or earn it—it is purely a gift of Divine grace—and all any of us can do is ask. So, CONFESS YOUR SINS and acknowledge to God that you have no hope for Heaven apart from what He provides through Jesus.

There is no ‘formula’ or certain words for this. So just talk to God, in your own words—He knows your ‘heart’. If you are genuinely sincere, and God does respond to your plea, one will usually have a sense of joy and peace.

Jesus said, “He that comes to Me, I will not cast out” [ John 6:37 ].

[ FYI: This is a great sermon on the “Call to Repentance” by John MacArthur from his book “The Gospel According to Jesus”: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-22/the-call-to-repentance
(Transcript: http://www.spiritedesign.com/TheCallToRepentance-JohnMacArthur(Jul-27-2019).pdf) ].

[ NOTE: If you have ‘tasted the kindness of the Lord’, please e-mail me—I would love to CELEBRATE with you, and help you get started on your ‘journey’ with Jesus! ].

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RESOURCES:

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“Life Remodeled” (2020)

The following links are for more information about the project Life Remodeled did in the Central High School neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan:

PROJECT DETAILS:
https://www.liferemodeled.com/projects/

SPECIAL STORIES:
http://liferemodeled.com/videos/

PHOTOS:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/liferemodeled2020/albums

IN THE MEDIA:
https://liferemodeled.com/news-and-media/

“OPPORTUNITY HUBS”:
https://liferemodeled.com/opportunity-hubs/

—————-

Watching the news can be a painful reminder of how divided our country truly is. Race, religion and educational background are just a few divides across which we struggle to cooperate. In addition, despite sometimes living only miles apart, Americans of ample means and those living in poverty dwell in drastically different worlds. Rarely do we put forth the effort necessary to overcome the challenges of communicating and understanding one another, which cripples society’s ability to find impactful solutions.

In Metropolitan Detroit, we have witnessed well-intentioned suburban individuals and groups attempt to alleviate Detroit’s poverty crisis. We have also seen residents of the inner city make attempts to share their wealth of knowledge regarding oppressive systems that go unaddressed. Yet both are apprehensive about making the sacrifices necessary to develop meaningful relationships with one another. While financial resources are critical to urban renewal, all parties must come with the mindset that they have something to give and receive. Therefore, a different model of charity must exist where all sides are inspired to do the hard work of relationship building.

This is where Life Remodeled comes in.

We exist to bridge people across divides to help transform each other’s lives – investing approximately $5 million in cash, labor and materials into one Detroit neighborhood each year. Projects are determined by the community’s needs and vision, and we assist in three areas: Remodeling a community asset, repairing owner-occupied homes, and mobilizing 10,000 volunteers to beautify 300 city blocks in six days. Throughout the process of unifying for a common mission, participants begin to realize how much they respect and need each other, which is a catalyst for long-term relationships and partnerships.

Life Remodeled Family Values

Community First
We prioritize the expertise, desires and needs of students and community residents in the neighborhoods where our projects are focused.

Always Find a Way
There is always a way to do what needs to be done, and we not only believe this, but make it happen.

Bold Humility
We believe in taking the form of servants who value others over ourselves. We do so with confidence and relentless determination.

Our Approach to Sustainability
[ At the bottom of this page: https://liferemodeled.com/projects/ ]

History of Life Remodeled
Life Remodeled started in 2010 with a handful of radically passionate friends who didn’t have the experience, money or even the social capital necessary to achieve their seemingly impossible goals for their first project. However, within one year of the conception of the idea, their seemingly insane ambition to “always find a way” rapidly magnetized 500 other like-minded individuals, most whom they’d never previously met, and they achieved every facet of their original vision in only twelve months. To read more about Life Remodeled’s original operating model and how to emulate it in your own organization, download the Life Remodeled playbook:

PLAYBOOK: https://liferemodeled.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Life-Remodeled-Playbook-2018-Version-1-Cover.pdf

2011-Present:
https://liferemodeled.com/about-us/

If you are also interested in more information, or supporting this great non-profit, contact me, or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website:
http://liferemodeled.com/

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“Opportunity Hubs”

Life Remodeled’s flagship project is to renovate and repurpose former Detroit Public School Community District buildings into hubs of opportunity for the surrounding community. Our opportunity hubs address a number of critical challenges these communities face while also creating efficiency and collaboration for our nonprofit and entrepreneurial tenants.

Durfee Innovation Society
The Durfee Innovation Society (DIS – https://www.durfeeis.org/), located in the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School, is Life Remodeled’s first opportunity hub. Instead of creating new programs ourselves, we created a dynamic environment for the best and brightest nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies to move in, share resources, and achieve greater collective impact.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvHAKzk8XB4

In partnership with students and community leaders, our tenants move the needle on educational outcomes and community revitalization. They provide innovative approaches to education, employment, support for entrepreneurs, and various human services. In order to be a tenant at the DIS, organizations must enrich the human spirit of Detroiters by achieving at least one of the following:

– Implementing real-world educational opportunities for youth and/or children
– Creating significant workforce development and employment opportunities for youth and/or adults
– Supporting and cultivating entrepreneurship
– Providing a nonprofit human service

The success of the DIS is measured through three key outcomes:

– Education
Our DIS tenants provide educational assistance to more than 5,000 Detroit youth and children annually. Being located next to Durfee Elementary-Middle School and Central High School, our goal is to help both become the most improved DPSCD schools bt 2025.

– Jobs
As a result of high quality workforce development programming at the DIS, each year more than 5,000 Detroiters will gain opportunities to acquire sustainable living wages through new employment.

– Human Services
Annually, more than 4,000 children, youth and adults will receive human services, including diapers and baby formula for families in need, health, and wellness services and programs for senior citizens.

What’s Next?
Life Remodeled is currently in the process of prospecting our next opportunity hub, which we expect to break ground on in the fall of 2022. The community we move to will be distinguished by their significant need and radical hope. Keep checking this page for updates.

Life Remodeled partnered with Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions to make some much needed upgrades to Detroit Central High School’s football field and bring some holiday cheer to the team:

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWdt-6HsQ5w

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“Durfee Innovation Society”

Mission
The Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) exists to create substantial and impactful opportunities for Detroit children, families and single adults, while advancing collaboration among the eight major sectors (arts, business, education, faith-based, government, human services, media and philanthropy) in both the city and its surrounding suburbs.

About
Life Remodeled has repurposed the former Durfee Elementary-Middle school building into the “Durfee Innovation Society,” which is a hub of opportunity for children, students and adults. Instead of creating new programs ourselves, we created a dynamic environment for the best and brightest nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies to move in, share resources and achieve greater collective impact. In partnership with students and community leaders, our new tenants move the needle on educational outcomes, workforce gaps, entrepreneurism and human services. In order to be a tenant inside the DIS, organizations must enrich the human spirit of Detroiters by achieving at least one of the following

MORE DETAILS (DIS Website): https://www.durfeeis.org/

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“Life Remodeled ‘Playbook’”

In December 2017, we received a generous gift from Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. Chip and Joanna are co-founders of the home and lifestyle brand Magnolia, and they made a donation to Life Remodeled through the Magnolia Foundation, which they established in 2016. The purpose of their gift was to enable us to create a Life Remodeled Playbook, and now we are able to pass on this gift to anyone who wants it… free of charge!

Life Remodeled’s long-term vision is to develop and share the most community driven, collaborative, impactful and sustainable models for urban neighborhood revitalization. While this Playbook is written as a guide to eventually help Life Remodeled launch several new Chapters in large US cities, we are making this resource available to anyone who desires to learn more about our culture, values, strategies and systems. We hope it inspires and further helps others transform lives in their own context.

FREE DOWNLOAD:
https://liferemodeled.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Life-Remodeled-Playbook-2018-Version-1-Cover.pdf

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“Life Remodeled > TOGETHER”
[ 2017 video ]

In Metropolitan Detroit, we have witnessed well-intentioned suburban individuals and groups attempt to alleviate Detroit’s poverty crisis by sending money, and many under-resourced people in the city are grateful for the assistance. Yet both are apprehensive about making the sacrifices necessary to develop meaningful relationships with one another. While financial resources are critical to urban renewal, those with resources and those without must forge lasting partnerships that include the sharing of knowledge, experience and networking to sustain neighborhood revitalization. Therefore, a different model of charity must exist where both sides are inspired to do the hard work of relationship building.

This is where Life Remodeled comes in.

We exist to remodel lives, one neighborhood at a time, investing approximately $5 million in cash, labor and materials into one Detroit neighborhood each year. Projects are determined by the community’s needs and vision, and we assist in three areas: Remodeling a community asset, repairing owner-occupied homes, and mobilizing 10,000 volunteers to beautify 300 city blocks in six days.

Our approach to neighborhood sustainability consists of five things: 1) Focusing on the community’s vision, rather than importing a new vision “from the outside”; 2) Engaging students and residents in planning and implementation; 3) Increasing the influence of key school and neighborhood leaders; 4) Modeling a replicable system of beautification, volunteer management and partnership; 5) Recruiting new stakeholders who make long-term commitments.

The scale of volunteerism required to plan and implement our projects provides catalytic opportunities for individuals to meet on level playing fields, where everyone has something to offer. While serving together in highly inspirational environments, the resourced and the under-resourced begin to let down their guards and engage in meaningful conversations that build rapport. Likewise, we create a culture where those who are Democrat or Republican, pro-life or pro-choice, faith-based or atheist, and so on, feel confident and inspired to work collaboratively and even share who or what motivates them.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M38yg1wTzk

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“Learning Unleashed: Re-Imagining and Re-Purposing Our Schools”
By: Evonne E. Rogers

Children enter the world curiously hard-wired for creativity and imagination. After a few short years of school, something drastically changes for them. Why? There is an unmistakable and deliberate attempt to control the learning of young people who find themselves sitting in our schools. The industrial model of schooling has taken its toll and victims without remorse. It programs curious young minds to become helpless, dependent, and compliant. It is manipulation and malpractice, but few seem to notice or care.

After years of observing and participating in some of these questionable practices herself, Evonne decided it was time to tell the truth about schools. With a credible and strong voice, Evonne tackles the “sacred school rituals” that are rarely questioned and widely accepted as normal. She transparently leads the reader through firmly-held and often faulty assumptions about schooling practices. She offers common sense solutions that challenge us to re-imagine how we do school in this country. With strong conviction, passion, and a call to action, she encourages us to hear and listen to the voices of our children who are crying out for the freedom to learn.

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“Pleasing God: Discovering the Meaning and Importance of Sanctification”
By: R.C. Sproul

Dr. R.C. Sproul is one of the most vital and renowned theologians of our time. For over 40 years Dr. Sproul has encouraged, educated, and enlightened millions through his books, teaching, and ministry.

How can imperfect people hope to please a perfect God? The answer is both simple and challenging: sanctification. Pleasing God takes an in-depth look at sanctification and its essential role in the life of every believer. Filled with Biblical insights, this release guides both new and seasoned Christians through God’s path for transforming His people.

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“The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness”
By: Kevin DeYoung

The hole in our holiness is that we don’t seem to care much about holiness. Or, at the very least, we don’t understand it. And we all have our reasons too: Maybe the pursuit of holiness seems legalistic. Maybe it feels like one more thing to worry about in your already overwhelming life. Maybe the emphasis on effort in the Christian life appears unspiritual. Or maybe you’ve been trying really hard to be holy and it’s just not working! Whatever the case, the problem is clear: too few Christians look like Christ and too many don’t seem all that concerned about it.

This is a book for those of us who are ready to take holiness seriously, ready to be more like Jesus, ready to live in light of the grace that produces godliness. This is a book about God’s power to help us grow in personal holiness and to enjoy the process of transformation.

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“Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots”
By: J.C. Ryle

“The twenty papers contained in this volume are a humble contribution to a cause which is exciting much interest in the present day—I mean the cause of scriptural holiness. It is a cause which everyone who loves Christ, and desires to advance His kingdom in the world, should endeavor to help forward. Everyone can do something, and I wish to add my mite.”— From the Introduction

“J. C. Ryle is an evangelical champion…one of the bravest and best of men.” — Charles Spurgeon

“Ryle, like his great masters, has no easy way to holiness to offer us, and no ‘patent’ method by which it can be attained; but he invariably produces that ‘hunger and thirst after righteousness’ which is the only indispensable condition to being ‘filled.’” — D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

(2017)

(2018)

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“Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots”
By: J.C. Ryle

Read the entire book online.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Sin
Sanctification
Holiness
The Fight!
The Cost!
Growth in Grace
Assurance
Moses—An Example
Lot—A Beacon
A Woman to Be Remembered
Christ’s Greatest Trophy
The Ruler of the Waves
The Church Which Christ Builds
Visible Churches Warned
Do You Love Me?
Without Christ
Thirst Relieved
Unsearchable Riches!
Needs of the Times
Christ is All!

(This volume is considered the best book on the Christian life that has EVER been written.)

https://www.gracegems.org/Ryle/holiness.htm

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“Sanctification: Christian’s Pursuit of God-Given Holiness”
By: Michael Riccardi

Christians cannot afford to be confused about the doctrine of sanctification. That is because it is where we all live.

All believers in Christ live in-between the time of our past justification and our future glorification—in the present pursuit of Christlikeness. If we are concerned to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27), if we desire to please the Lord in all aspects (Colossians 1:10), if it is our ambition to put the sanctifying power of Christ on display to the world, then we need to be clear on how we go about growing in holiness.

In this concise yet compelling book, Michael Riccardi helps believers navigate the question of how the Christian is to pursue God-give holiness. Focusing on key implications from the text of Scripture, Riccardi shows all of our efforts in sanctification must be shaped and driven by the glory of Jesus.

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“The Doctrine of Sanctification”
By: Arthur W. Pink

Spiritual sanctification can only be rightly apprehended from what God has been pleased to reveal thereon in His holy Word, and can only be experimentally known by the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit. We can arrive at no accurate conceptions of this blessed subject except as our thoughts are formed by the teaching of Scripture, and we can only experience the power of the same as the Inspirer of those Scriptures is pleased to write them upon our hearts. Nor can we obtain so much as a correct idea of the meaning of the term “sanctification” by limiting our attention to a few verses in which the word is found, or even to a whole class of passages of a similar nature: there must be a painstaking examination of every occurrence of the term and also of its cognates; only thus shall we be preserved from the entertaining of a one-sided, inadequate, and misleading view of its fullness and many-sidedness.

Even a superficial examination of the Scriptures will reveal that holiness is the opposite of sin, yet the realization of this at once conducts us into the realm of mystery, for how can persons be sinful and holy at one and the same time? It is this difficulty which so deeply exercises the true saints: they perceive in themselves so much carnality, filth, and vileness, that they find it almost impossible to believe that they are holy. Nor is the difficulty solved here, as it was in justification, by saying, Though we are completely unholy in ourselves, we are holy in Christ. We must not here anticipate the ground which we hope to cover, except to say, the Word of God clearly teaches that those who have been sanctified by God are holy in themselves. The Lord graciously prepare our hearts for what is to follow.

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“Devoted to God: Blueprints for Sanctification”
By: Sinclair B. Ferguson

Christians are transformed by the renewing of their minds. They understand that in large measure how they think about the gospel will determine how they will live for God’s glory. They learn to allow the word of God to do its own work, informing and influencing the way they think in order to shape the way they live.

In a series of Scripture-enriched chapters Sinclair B. Ferguson’s Devoted to God works out this principle in detail. It provides what he describes as ‘blueprints for sanctification’ an orderly exposition of central New Testament passages on holiness. Devoted to God thus builds a strong and reliable structural framework for practical Christian living. It stresses the foundational importance of fundamental issues such as union with Christ, the rhythms of spiritual growth, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the role of God’s law. Here is a fresh approach to an always relevant subject, and a working manual to which the Christian can turn again and again for biblical instruction and spiritual direction.

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“How Does Sanctification Work?”
By: David Powlison

The process of sanctification is personal and organic―not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Many popular views try to reduce the process of Christian growth to a single template. For example, remember past grace. Rehearse your identity in Christ. Avail yourself of the means of grace. Discipline yourself. But Scripture portrays the dynamics of sanctification in a rich variety of ways. No single factor, truth, or protocol can capture why and how a person is changed into the image of Christ.

Weaving together personal stories, biblical exposition, and theological reflection, David Powlison shows the personal and particular ways that God meets you where you are to produce change. He highlights the variety of factors that work together, helping us to avoid sweeping generalizations and pat answers in the search for a key to sanctification. This book is a go-to resource for understanding the multifaceted, lifelong, personal journey of sanctification.

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“The Pursuit of Holiness”
By: Jerry Bridges

“Be holy, for I am holy,” commands God. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian’s daily life. According to Navigator author Jerry Bridges, that’s because we’re not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do―and what we should take responsibility for ourselves. As you deepen your relationship with God, learn more about His character, and understand the Holy Spirit’s role in holiness, your spiritual growth will mature.

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“The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification”
By: Walter Marshall

The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification presents the culmination of Puritan thought on living the Christian life. Combining doctrinal precision and pastoral sensitivity, Walter Marshall shows how sanctification is essential to spiritual life, dependent on spiritual union with Jesus Christ, and inseparable though distinct from justification. He shows how holiness involves both the mind and the soul of the believer and that it is the aim of the Christian life. It is no wonder that this book has been reprinted many times throughout the years and received such high praise from leading ministers of the gospel.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Experiential/Progressive Sanctification | Monergism
https://www.monergism.com/topics/sanctification/experientialprogressive-sanctification

John Calvin on the Holiness of Life: 
https://www.ligonier.org/blog/john-calvin-holiness-life/

The Sanctifying Spirit 

The Sanctifying Spirit

The Grace that Saves Is the Grace that Leads Us Home 

The Grace that Saves Is the Grace that Leads Us Home

Definitive and Progressive Sanctification | Banner of Truth USA

Definitive and Progressive Sanctification

The Good News of progressive sanctification: 21 Encouragements – LigonDuncan.com

The Good News of progressive sanctification: 21 Encouragements

The Indicative and The Imperative A Reformation View of Sanctification | Monergism 
https://www.monergism.com/indicative-and-imperative-reformation-view-sanctification

Sanctification and Good Works | Monergism
https://www.monergism.com/sanctification-and-good-works

The Reformed View of Sanctification | Monergism
https://www.monergism.com/reformed-view-sanctification

Calvin On Sanctification As An Effect Of Justification | The Heidelblog 

Calvin On Sanctification As An Effect Of Justification

How to Mortify Sin 
https://www.ligonier.org/blog/how-mortify-sin/

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“THE SEARCH FOR MEANING” WEBSITE

This site presents discussions on the 12 most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.

The 12 discussions are accessed by the “tabs” at the bottom of the page. The tabs are numbered 1-12. Roll your mouse over them and you will see the question displayed at the right. Click on the number to select that question.

Within each question (i.e. tabs 1-12), there are subtopics (or dialogues) to select that appear as smaller tabs underneath the numbered tabs. Roll your mouse over them and the title of these topics is also displayed to the right. Click on the open rectangle to select that dialogue.

For each question (1-12), a link to related resources and an optional flowchart is provided. To access this material, click on the respective words, “Related Resources” or “Options Flowchart.”

To play a more detailed discussion of the subject, between two people, select the desired dialogue and click on “Play Audio Dialogue.”

In the upper right-hand corner of the page, there is an icon that looks like binoculars looking at a question mark. Click on this icon to return to the homepage.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Related Resources” page, there is an icon that looks like some books. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the resources for all of the questions. There also are additional “appendices” for most of the questions.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Flowchart” page, there is an icon that looks like an Org chart. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the flowcharts.

http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q1_d1_1of10.html

[ Content by: Bill Kraftson and Lamar Smith; Website by Mark Besh ]

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“FRUITS OF THE BEATITUDES” WEB SITE
(The ATTITUDES of Jesus that produce the CHARACTER of Jesus)

CLICK ON THE LINK to view:
http://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/

FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/FruitsOfTheBeatitudes/

[ Mark Besh ]

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[ P.S.: If you would like to investigate further about what it really means to “believe,” visit the following link:
http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q10_d1_1of10.html ].

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ARTICLES:

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“WALLSIDE CREWS INSTALL NEW WINDOWS FOR 15 DETROIT HOMES AT NO COST THROUGH LIFE REMODELED PROGRAM” (January 15, 2020)

M. Carolyn Singleton stood proudly atop her porch on the morning of Jan. 14, 2020 on Collingswood in Detroit. She welcomed visitors and media to see the brand new windows Wallside Windows installed through her participation with the Detroit-based non-profit Life Remodeled.

“This is the beginning of my dream to revamp my home,” she said. “(The installers) were so quick. We didn’t even feel the cold. They are so efficient.”

M. Carolyn Singleton shares her Life Remodeled story with the media on Tuesday.

Singleton’s home was one of 15 in the neighborhood to receive new windows this week. Wallside Windows has committed to donate about 75 windows per year to the project and those windows and installation come free of charge to the designated homeowners.

It often inspires more renovation for participating homeowners like Singleton – and their neighbors. The next project will be the two bedroom windows upstairs,” she said.

Wallside Windows and Life Remodeled made it possible for the Singletons to stay in their family home, which is being remodeled.
Wallside Windows and Life Remodeled made it possible for the Singletons to stay in their family home, which is being remodeled.

Singleton has been working to renovate her home since 2006. She also raised her three girls in the home.

“My girls were in high school,” she said. “I kept my children in their school. I stayed in the community. And I am glad I did.”

Life Remodeled is a non-profit dedicated to the revitalization of Detroit. The organization activates volunteers and community partners – including Wallside Windows – to help improve neighborhoods in Detroit that show two things – a significant need and radical hope.

Since 2017, Life Remodeled has focused on the neighborhood surrounding Durfee Elementary-Middle School, Central High School and the Durfee Innovation Society in Detroit. That’s Singleton’s neighborhood. And she’s proud of it. She said she wants to create a sense of community there and has long been working to do so.

Fifteen homes in Central Detroit were part of this year’s Wallside Windows and Life Remodeled partnership.
Fifteen homes in Central Detroit were part of this year’s Wallside Windows and Life Remodeled partnership.

It’s the sort of story that resonates with the Wallside Windows staff. The family-owned company was founded in Detroit and has been partnering with Life Remodeled for the past three years. In that time, Chief of Staff Adam Blanck said they have installed 350 windows for homeowners in the Durfee neighborhood.

“This is such a great example of how Chris Lambert and Life Remodeled plant their flag and work to improve a neighborhood,” said Adam Blanck, chief of staff of Wallside Windows. “We like giving back windows and making the neighborhood a little better.”

And that’s just what they’re doing – one window, one house, one street at a time, he noted.

“This house is 94 years old,” Singleton said. “It was built in 1926 the same year as my father. I like how (Wallside) works with the homeowner. I am not a contractor but I wanted to preserve the woodwork. So, they started from the outside. Already we can feel the difference.”

Homeowners who receive new Wallside windows feel a difference in the heat and efficiency of their homes. According to Rick Torri, home repair project manager for Life Remodeled, that also inspires them to make even more improvements.

“I feel blessed to be part of it,” said Torri. “My partner Tom and I go with Adam and the installers to measure the windows. We go into their homes, say prayers with folks. I really feel blessed to be a part of it.”

For Torri, a retired architect. It’s a worthy cause in a neighborhood he truly cares about.

“I grew up in Detroit,” he said. “I went to Cass Tech High School. It just feels good to pay it forward. You can see a difference in the neighborhood.”

Learn more about Life Remodeled, volunteer or donate to a project at http://liferemodeled.com.

Interested in new replacement windows? Contact at Wallside Windows for a free estimate today at https://wallsidewindows.com/estimate/ or call 1-800- 521-7800.

Article: https://wallsidewindows.com/blog/life-remodeled-wallside-windows-2020-detroit-homes

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“Update on AmeriCorps VISTA Member: Terri O’Neal”

Terri O’Neal came to Life Remodeled in August as our Community Engagement Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA. Since joining the team, Terri has accomplished a number of things, and we wanted to share an update on what she’s been up to!

Since joining the Life Remodeled team, Terri says she has enjoyed getting to know and working with community members. She organized the LRCAC Memorial Service, honoring community residents who have lost their lives to COVID-19, coordinated five on-site recruitment stations, attended numerous district/block club/community collaborative meetings, and engaged community members and volunteers during the annual Six-Day Project.

“I am proud to be helping so many people get the resources they need, especially during such a difficult time.” Said Terri. “I love meeting and collaborating with different people. I love learning from people with such interesting life stories. And I love empowering the people in my hometown with quality resources, transformative opportunities, and impactful solutions.”

In the coming weeks, Terri will continue engaging community members in safe and socially distanced community events, including a trick-or-treating at the Durfee Innovation Society on Halloween, and Gleaners food giveaways every other Tuesday from 2-4pm. See the flyer below for more details.

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[ GLEANERS FLYER ]

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
30 lbs o Nutritious Groceries

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY DURING URGENT TlES of NEED

Families and individuals in need of food are encouraged to attend an upcoming
drive-up distribution provided by Gleaners Community Food Bank.

– 30 pounds of groceries — Items like milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and other shelf-stable items.

– Drive-up or walk-up — Stay in your vehicle, and groceries will be placed into your trunk. Walk up guests without vehicles or those without a trunk are welcome to obtain groceries from a self-service table. If walking, please be prepared to carry the groceries or have a cart.

No appointment needed — You do not need to bring identification or proof of eligibility to receive food.

Increasing safety — If you wish to pick up for another household you may do so without their presence in the car.

Article: https://liferemodeled.com/update-on-americorps-vista-member-terri-mcneal/

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“Life Remodeled Moves Forward With Plans To Hold Annual 6-Day Project With Reduced Volunteer Capacity”

Southfield (CW50) – Life Remodeled was founded in 2010 by Chris Lambert and his friends with the goal to build new houses and large-scale neighborhoods in the Detroit area.

What started as a group of 500 volunteers building a house in 6 days for a family, has grown in to 10,000 volunteers building neighborhoods, cleaning streets, and renovating homes and schools during their 6-day project each year.

This year however, due to the ongoing pandemic, Life Remodeled is continuing their annual project but with a reduced volunteer capacity of 5,000 volunteers. This will help maintain required social distancing, as well as ensuring the health and safety of all volunteers.

Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, joins Lisa Germani on Community Connect to talk about this year’s 6-Day Project, and what’s different about it in 2020.

Article: https://cwdetroit.cbslocal.com/2020/07/29/life-remodeled-moves-forward-with-plans-to-hold-annual-6-day-project-with-reduced-volunteer-capacity/

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In response to COVID-19, we had to change the way we organized our 2020 Six Day Project.

This year, we were able to mobilize 2,021 awesome volunteers to remove blight on 71 blocks, make improvements to the Durfee Innovation Society and revitalize a broken-down playscape! 99% of our volunteers said our pandemic safety measures helped them feel safe from COVID-19 while volunteering. During a time in our country’s history when we are experiencing extreme polarization, 99% of our volunteers also said they felt a greater sense of connectedness with others during the project.

Health and Safety
Below are the measures we took to keep our volunteers safe and healthy during the Six Day Project:

– Volunteers were distanced at least 10 feet at all times.
– All tools were pre-sanitized before use.
– Volunteers drove their own vehicles to the project site.
– Each volunteer team worked on one block, and one block only. – Blocks were limited to 10-30 individuals per block, to keep volunteers spread apart.
– No tool swapping/sharing was permitted.
– Volunteers were required to bring their own masks, gloves and water.

In the past, Life Remodeled made only one year investments into neighborhoods. However, in 2017, we committed to investing three to five years per community as we move forward. We will remain focused exclusively on the Durfee/Central community until September 2021. After that, we will begin investing in another Detroit neighborhood, but we will continue to lead the Durfee Innovation Society indefinitely.

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“Life Remodeled – Six Day Project”

Our Six Day Project is designed to be SUPER SAFE, where all volunteers will be required to stay at least 10 feet away from others at all times, all tools will be pre-sanitized and all work will take place outside. Check out this short animation video that illustrates all the precautions we’re taking this year.

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/447326141

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“‘Six-Day Project’ Kicks Off”
Fox2 News – 5 OCT 20

“Non-profit Organization Strives to Better Detroit, by Cleaning Up Blight”

DETROIT – “I saw it last year, and I said I want to be a part of it this year,” said volunteer Ronald Merritt.

Merritt is one of 2,000 volunteers from across Metro Detroit on a mission to clean up and remove blight from a west side neighborhood, through Life Remodeled’s “Six-Day Project.”

“I instantly jumped on board to make a difference in my community,” Merritt said.

Many of the volunteers are from corporate America, like Fiat Chrysler and General Motors, but Merritt said he wants to motivate change in his own community.

“You’re only as strong as your community,” Merritt said.

“We’ve got volunteers with lawn mowers, weed removers, heavy machinery, removing debris, and putting it in dumpsters where it belongs,” said Chris Lambert with Life Remodeled.

The blight removal project kicked off Monday and will continue for 6 days.

In previous years, nearly 10,000 volunteers were on board, but with COVID-19 restrictions, that number was cut down to 2,000.

But the creator of the project was determined to keep his mission moving and he realized the pandemic took away necessary funding from the city’s budget to remove blight.

“So, the work of volunteers is really important to continue moving Detroit, safe, inspiring, and beautiful,” Lambert said.

Removing blight is not just a beautification project.

“So by lowering blight, we actually are reducing crime by a 40% reduction in homicides,” Lambert said.

In fact, volunteers are working on a playground for kids to go out and enjoy, because as crime and blight disappear, residents can reclaim their neighborhood.

NOTE: The “Six-Day” project runs from October 5th to October 10th, 2020, from 1pm-5pm daily. TO VOLUNTEER visit Life Remodeled’s website: https://liferemodeled.com/volunteer/

For more information about Life Remodeled and what it does, visit their website: https://liferemodeled.com/about-us/

[ Ingrid Kelly ]

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmTEv3rz8gc

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“What Makes Us All Radically Equal. It’s not our brains and it’s not our bodies.”

David Brooks
By David Brooks

PHOTO: Chris Lambert, left, and Desaree Cryor discussing plans for the Durfee Innovation Society, a community center in Detroit.
Stephen Smith/Bittersweet Monthly

Around New Year’s 2017, a community organizer named Chris Lambert leased a soon-to-be-empty school building for $1 in one of Detroit’s poorer African-American neighborhoods. The plan was to pour $5 million into remodeling the building, take on the $1-million-a-year operating expenses and turn the place into a vibrant hub for the surrounding community, with nonprofits, culinary training programs, after-school programs and artists.

Lambert did not communicate this well to the people who actually lived in the community.

When neighbors learned Lambert had acquired the building for a dollar, many wondered why a white outsider, not somebody from within the community, had gotten such a deal. They assumed that he was the cutting edge of gentrification, that he was going to pour money in and push the current folks out. This kind of outsider exploitation is the lived history for many Detroiters.

That month, Lambert hosted some community meetings to mollify fears. They did not go well. People called him a colonizer. They called his black colleagues Oreos. “This white guy is going to subject us to more slavery,” somebody declared.

Lambert wanted to argue back. But his black partner, Dwan Dandridge, advised him to just listen. It’s a hazing process, Dandridge told Lambert. You feel voiceless tonight. These people have felt voiceless their whole lives. Just listen.

This fullest account of the episode can be found in Bittersweet Monthly in an article written by Anne Snyder, my wife. I visited Lambert and Dandridge in Detroit a few weeks ago, a year and a half after the grand opening.

The building, now called the Durfee Innovation Society, has children teeming the halls, a pizzeria, training programs, yoga classes. Lambert is humbled by the mistakes he made, but his center is fantastic. Some of his angriest critics have now taken part in neighborhood festivities held in the building. There is still distrust, suspicion, rage at injustice coursing through the neighborhood. But there is also life together, happening every day.

I see these messy clash-ups across the country, wherever people are trying to do racial reconciliation. You realize that coming together across race is not a neat two-step process: truth and reconciliation. It’s an emotionally complex, thousand-step process, with moments of miscommunication, resentment and embrace. This is the hard process of trying to see each other across centuries of wrong.

The somewhat comforting truth is that it’s always been like this. When you read David Blight’s brilliant biography of Frederick Douglass, for example, you see that Douglass passed through exactly these many moods in dealing with his countrymen of another race — moments of fury and harmony, despair and hope.

Sometimes he was disgusted with America. “I have no love for America, as such,” he once said. Other times he was enraptured: “I am an American citizen. In birth, in sentiment, in ideas, in hopes, in aspirations and responsibilities.”

Douglass’s genius was his ability to balance his indignation at oppression with his underlying faith in the American project. In his speeches he would praise his white audiences in one movement and thunder condemnation in the next. In an 1876 speech about Abraham Lincoln, he both condemned and complimented the man who inspired and infuriated him: “Viewed from the genuine abolition ground, Mr. Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, dull and indifferent; but measuring him from the sentiment of his country … he was swift, zealous, radical and determined.”

Douglass could withstand all the ups and downs, all the ambivalences, because of an unchanging underlying belief: in the natural rights of all humankind.

He constantly returned to the core belief of America’s founding in 1776, that we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights. Slavery and racism were not just wrong — they betrayed the divine natural order of the universe. Douglass had an underlying faith in the providence. Justice would eventually triumph. The “laws which govern the moral universe,” he said, would make it so.

And here we get to the nub of what sustained Douglass and what sustains people today as they do this work. It is the belief that all humans have souls. It is the belief that all people of all races have a piece of themselves that has no size, weight, color or shape, but which gives them infinite value and dignity.

It is the belief that our souls make us all radically equal. Our brains and bodies are not equal, but our souls are. It is the belief that the person who is infuriating you most right now still has a soul and so is still, deep down, beautiful and redeemable. It is the belief that when all is said and done all souls have a common home together, a final resting place as pieces of a larger unity.

When people hold fast to their awareness of souls, then they have a fixed center among the messiness of racial reconciliation and they give each other grace. If they lose the concept of the soul, they’ve lost everything.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And here’s our email: letters@nytimes.com.

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David Brooks has been a columnist with The Times since 2003. He is the author of “The Road to Character” and, most recently, “The Second Mountain.” @nytdavidbrooks

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“Detroit Neighborhoods Remodel for Life”

A Tale of Two Cities
It looked like London Heathrow. Duty-free shops sparkled with Chanel and vintage Scotch. Departure and Arrival screens boasted nonstop flights to cosmopolitan destinations like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris and Sydney. The bathrooms gleamed, the stalls spacious and smelling like potpourri. This was the Detroit airport?

I got to the Enterprise car rental and confessed that this was my first visit to the storied city. The customer service agent, a tall black gentleman, was unphased, and expressed a gracious enthusiasm about what I would find. “You like pizza?” Yes. “Check out Buddy’s.” “Music?” Yes. “Cliff Bell’s your jam.”

Ten miles later, and the scene grew dappled. Dilapidation seemed a fancy word for the sheer gutting of house after house, block after block.

PHOTOS: A few examples of the advanced level of decay that plagues approximately 25 square miles of Detroit. With about 70,000 abandoned buildings, 31,000 empty houses, and 90,000 vacant lots, Detroit has become notorious for its urban blight. / Credit: Stephen Smith

Occasionally there’d be a reviving commercial street that resembled Waco in its early Fixer Upper phase—artisanal delis playing K-Love and host to white customers catching up on family pleasantries and “what the Lord was doing in Nairobi.”

That same Lord was invoked verbally in many of the black neighborhoods, though His fulfilling of promise seemed long in coming. “For we walk by faith, and not by sight,” read one church sign. I wondered how long faith could carry this city, if hope for a more visible equalizing would keep returning void. “How long, O Lord?” is what I would have found a more compelling sermon advertisement.

Since Detroit’s 2013 bankruptcy and ensuing rollercoaster, lore has it that the automotive has-been survives as a two-city dichotomy – 7.2 square miles of a redeveloped downtown, and 133 square miles of negligence.

But that oversimplifies. Detroit is at least two cities. But where the dichotomy holds is in the area of race: White lenses still wield disproportionate influence on seeing and thus initiating what’s needed inside Detroit. And this presumption, however well-intentioned, often only pours more salt on a long-festering wound of black distrust and disempowerment, repelling whites and blacks from a more productive solidarity.

PHOTOS: Elegance lives side-by-side with disparity, a stark contrast exists along the border of literally a single street. / Credit: Stephen Smith

One organization trying to overcome this dam is Life Remodeled. Founded in 2011 by Chris Lambert, its mission is to break down barriers and provide three distinct vehicles for bridge-building:

(1) Identify the key community asset in a given neighborhood and remodel it

(2) Repair owner-occupied homes throughout the neighborhood

(3) Mobilize 10,000 volunteers in an annual clean-up project that spans six days and 300 city blocks

VIDEO: Life Remodeled steps into a complex historical and cultural context and works side by side with residents and community leaders to empower and revitalize the community. (Steve Andres, Director): https://vimeo.com/307774051

Every phase targets the transformation of people, those served and those who are serving.

“This is not about saving Detroit,” Chris says firmly. “It’s about your life being remodeled no matter who you are and where you live. We all need to change in order to create a better community and world. No one should see themselves as the answer, but everyone should see themselves as a learner and with something to offer.”

Here’s how that mission is working itself out, one neighborhood dynamic – and historic dichotomy – at a time.

No one should see themselves as the answer, but everyone should see themselves as a learner and with something to offer.

An Open Ecosystem
When Chris founded Life Remodeled, he didn’t anticipate getting into the real estate business. This was a mission about people, about mind and heart transformation, with the renewal of infrastructures simply the frame. But seven years and dozens of projects in, it’s become clear that the marriage of people and place is indissoluble. Perhaps nowhere more than in Detroit.

PHOTO: Chris Lambert and Desaree Cryor – a committed volunteer, local resident, and army reservist – discuss future plans for the Durfee Innovation Society. / Credit: Stephen Smith

“It’s very hard to earn the respect of Detroiters,” says Chris, “even if you’re a Detroit-based organization.” The city is heavy with memory. Geographic coordinates speak volumes in a city riven by freeways and federal policies. “If you’re a white guy like me, who grew up in the suburbs…” he trails off. “This particular project has been the most complicated in terms of relationships and community engagement.”

The project he’s referring to is the repurposing of Durfee Elementary and Middle School, smack-dab in the middle of where Detroit’s 1967 race riots began. An impressive structure built in what was once the city’s preeminent Jewish neighborhood, legend has it that when combined with the high school next-door, Durfee became the first K-12 campus in the United States. But where the high school once housed 4,000 teenagers, last year only 400 attended.

PHOTOS: Central High School, the oldest public secondary school in Detroit, rests across the street from Durfee / Credit: Stephen Smith

So two shrunken bodies merged, and, instead of letting the emptied elementary & middle school lay fallow, the district leased it to Life Remodeled for $1 a year for up to 50 years.

“Which sounds like a really good idea,” says Chris, “until you look at the fact that it costs about a million dollars a year to operate it. And five million to renovate it.”

Life Remodeled is now knee-deep in the overhaul. The vision is to create a community innovation center for artists, social entrepreneurs, faith-based organizations, youth training programs, culinary teams and more, all while revitalizing a neighborhood that has historic significance for Detroit, and, from his vantage point, a need for an outside catalyst.

“We’re not a community development corporation,” Chris says firmly, “though those are great organizations. We’re not going to stay in the neighborhood for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years, and plant roots and start programs. Instead, we’re more like a community quarterback, where we’re going to execute high caliber projects that are the vision of the community. And in the process, help people play well with each other, together, from all the eight major sectors: business, faith-based organizations, government, human services, education, philanthropy, arts and entertainment, media … Moving the needle educationally and economically will be through a collective effort.”

PHOTOS: Though still a work in progress, the Innovation Center will be home to a neighborhood marketplace, renovated gymnasium, library multi-purpose space, and tech center. (Stephen Smith, Photographer)

The dream is to catalyze a whole new ecosystem, enshrined both within the walls of this old school, and rippling outward to the hosting neighborhood.

Fifteen youth who went to school in this very building have renamed the facility The Durfee Innovation Society. Each tenant that hopes for shelter at this Society has to be committed to revitalizing the community through their work. So far, the organization has landed Orion’s Quest, a non-profit bringing space study into the classroom; Toarmina’s pizza, a local business that will hire high school students and teach and mentor them about running a business; Beyond Basics, a child-focused literacy program that offers tutoring and enrichment programs for kids; New Electric, an electrical company that offers pre-apprenticeships for youth interested in becoming licensed electricians; Think Detroit, an incubator for local social entrepreneurs; and Shift-Up, a local startup that offers affordable digital skills training. The building will also house community resources like a hip hop studio, movie theater, WeWork space, and library operating on an honor code of lending and return.

Talent is evenly distributed around the world, but opportunity is not.

“We’re not creating programs,” Chris says. “Instead, what we’re recruiting are the best and brightest non-profits and for-profits to move in. And to move in here, you either have to create real-world educational opportunities for kids, or you’re creating jobs for Detroiters, or you’re a non-profit.” He vets by ethos and personality, understanding that when all is said and done, the community will be the content. “The vision is to turn this building into an opportunity center for kids and for adults. Talent is evenly distributed around the world, but opportunity is not. We need to be in the business of creating opportunity.”

PHOTOS: Grassroots outreach is constant as volunteers seek out new partners and contact neighbors. Many residents do not have online capabilities, so old school methods are often still the best way to connect. (Stephen Smith)

However, it’s been harder than he thought. There’s a trend nationwide of repurposing many a warehouse and even dying church these last few years, reflecting a renewed appreciation for localism and the middle ring social net that makers commons can spark. But Detroit is a unique animal. Its fraught history of urban revival see-sawing with human displacement makes something like the Durfee Innovation Society immediately suspect to long-time Detroiters: Will this be yet one more gentrification lab?

PHOTOS: Residents like Labaron Smith and his mother, Patricia, have lived in the neighborhood for decades. (Stephen Smith) | Alvis Brown is a long-time resident, now retired after many years in a career at Detroit Edison. (Stephen Smith) | As a girl, Patricia Smith used to watch Aretha Franklin and other Motown artists rehearse in nearby practice spaces. She kindly shares her program from Aretha’s memorial service. (Stephen Smith)

“Out of all the neighborhoods we’ve ever worked in,” says Chris, “this by far has the most potential for development to happen in the very near future, which is really exciting for developers, but scary as hell for African-American residents.”

What’s in tension is that in building an ecosystem, one that will eventually defer to the character and creativity of its tenants, there is inherently an ethos of openness, of keeping a loose hold on the reins. Chris doesn’t even think of himself as the owner of this space – simply the gardener, sowing the conditions for other owners to take root. But when push comes to shove, how open can this kind of ecosystem really be? How straightforward is community ownership when the catalyst for reviving the soil is coming from a representative of historic powers on the outside?

Not very straightforward, it turns out.

A Reckoning
“Superficially, Detroit had all the tools to re-issue the urban blueprint: urban farms, activist citizenry, repurposed buildings, chastened political leadership, and even culinary entrepreneurs—all potential building blocks for what a re-imagined city could look like. Except the most important element for a truly transformative epoch was missing: a real reckoning regarding race.”

So wrote Tunde Wey in the Pacific Standard in November of last year. It’s a powerful insight, one that’s haunted and propelled the Durfee Innovation Society’s development from nuanced intentions to a much tougher school of character.

Garland Hardeman is a black Detroiter who grew up a mile from Durfee. A retired police officer who served with the Los Angeles Police Department before returning to Detroit as a community college professor and real estate agent, he’s no stranger to political machinery, maneuvering, and machismo.

PHOTO: Garland pursued a criminal justice career and served in L.A. during the Rodney King riots (Stephen Smith)

“We’ve been ripped off so bad here in Detroit that you can’t even really talk about it without passion,” Garland says. He references decades of federal policies that segregated the city by way of freeways, walls, and deed restrictions and the months after the 2013 bankruptcy when river front properties, Cobo Center, and other Detroit jewels were handed over to public control. This is the history that Garland and so many other Detroiters have seen: a consistent pattern of outsiders coming in and repurposing fragile territory at the cost of its inhabitants. “There’s a long and ugly history in Detroit of white people – and outsiders – thinking that it’s black people’s fault that Detroit has been mismanaged,” says Garland. “We’ve heard for years that ‘Well, you guys had the city for 40 years. You did nothing with it. You don’t seem to care, neither as residents of Detroit, nor as parents of the children in Detroit school districts.’”

“Let me tell you,” Garland says, voice laced with fury, “That’s a damn lie. We had depleting resources. We had people that were leaving the city, leaving Michigan. The state lost over one million people from the 2000 census to the 2010 census, so we lost a seat in Congress. And over 40 years, Detroit itself lost a million people.”

PHOTO: Retired law enforcement officer Garland Hardeman is the Community Advisory Council member for Area 2 (Stephen Smith)

Into this spiral of losses stepped Chris, and even with the bridge-building reputation of Life Remodeled gaining respect throughout the city, he couldn’t – still can’t – easily dismiss what his face has come to mean. “We had some blacks early on who did not like the fact that there was a white guy that was running this organization,” says Garland. “They didn’t trust Chris.”

“Life Remodeled is about bringing people together, helping them learn about one another, breaking down barriers and restructuring the social fabric,” explains Chris. An inspirational ideal. Messy to execute.

PHOTO: Chris Lambert greets volunteers before they head out to help clean up the neighborhood. (Stephen Smith)

Garland first paid Durfee a visit on the advertisement of an elderly lady in the community who’d told him, “He [Chris] has come on over and taken Durfee for a dollar. This white guy is going to subject us to more slavery.”

Garland recalls entering the library with a desire to hear what this endeavor was all about. Instead, he found himself watching as two individuals took over the meeting, one shouting and creating an outburst, refusing to let anyone else speak. After watching from the grand stands, Garland finally stood up, seething. “These two women were just totally performing… And I listened to them, I listened…and finally, I was fed up. The law enforcement side of me came out, and I said, ‘Hold on, wait a minute!’ I didn’t come here to hear the two of you commandeer this meeting. I came here to find out what was going on, but meanwhile you’re spouting your complaints, and you’re saying it over and over. We heard it. And now, the other 50 people in this room want to move forward with what their agenda is for Life Remodeled in this community, and you should not continue to obstruct that. You should allow us to hear what they have to say.”

PHOTO: Dwan Dandridge, Project and Community Relations Director, Life Remodeled (Stephen Smith)

Not long after that smaller group meeting that introduced Garland to Life Remodeled and the tension the organization would have to navigate, Chris invited the entire surrounding community to come hear about the project, to get their input and to begin the process of making this a community-owned endeavor. This meeting drew 225 attendees from the neighborhood.

“I’d decided to stay in the back of the room,” says Chris, “and not talk until I was invited until the end, to let Dominique and Dwan [my colleagues] lead the meeting.” But as he recalls, “Man, I got my teeth knocked in.”

“The most angry woman got up on stage: ‘Where’s the white guy at?’ I’d known her for two years, and she was about to say things I’d never heard from her directly before. ‘Well, where’s he at?’ And she’s looking all around the room. ‘Yeah, he’s in the back of the room. You’re all being hoodwinked here. He is a colonizer. He is going to come in here, take over this building and raise the rates. You’re all going to be priced out. The white people are going to come after him and move into the community. They’re going to take your houses. They’re going to kick you out and take over our neighborhood.’ People were clapping and Amen-ing.”

“Then they called my colleagues Dwan and Dominique ‘Oreos.’ Let me tell you, they are the furthest thing from that. They were born and raised in Detroit, have lived in Detroit their whole lives. They’re anything but ‘Oreos.’”

“We Detroiters, we aren’t very trusting and there is a reason why… history has taught us not to be.” — Dwan Dandridge

The two women eventually quieted, but the damage had been done. By the time the next meeting came around, the negative take had traveled faster than the all-in hope Chris had envisioned sparking. “Before I got even halfway through sharing our vision the second time, these same women started screaming,” Chris remembers. “Professional activists who’d been planted started interrupting. And then this one woman came up and tried to take the mic out of my hand. And I just didn’t move it. I just held it right there. And then someone yelled out, ‘You’re abusing her. You didn’t give the mic to her. You’re abusive.’ And then some woman started crying.”

He sucks in his breath, remembering the spin-out of generations of self-preservation. “I think I turned white as a ghost. I had my first doubt where I thought to myself, ‘This might fail. How are we possibly going to recover from this?’”

Their voices don’t get heard. Their plans get interrupted all the time. Their dreams get shot down daily.

Thankfully, Chris had a true brother in Dwan Dandridge, who’d already taken a bullet from his own. Dwan took Chris aside afterward and told him, “Chris, this is a hazing process. Everybody has to go through this at some point.” Chris thought, “Well, that’s good news. I’ve been in a fraternity. I can do hazing. At least there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

And then Dwan shared something profound, “What you felt tonight is just a glimpse of what many people feel every day of their lives. Their voices don’t get heard. Their plans get interrupted all the time. Their dreams get shot down daily.” Chris still marvels remembering this new level of felt solidarity.

“So I got to experience for a night what it was like to not have my voice heard,” Chris says. “Dwan helped me realize that people were testing us, and testing me to see what I would do: Would I become defensive? Would I become angry? Would I start throwing stones?”

An Open Hand
That first meeting was a harsh awakening, but also a jolt into letting the neighborhood become teacher, Chris the student. Only in this case, it was a neighborhood that had long been politically torn. How to inject a collaborative work and play space into a community that itself was divided, that had no clear pulse of authority?

“Some of us from the neighborhood started meeting on an informal basis,” says Garland. “First at the traffic jam, then maybe one or two other places, with a group of people that had either graduated from the middle school or Central high. We’re all black, and we were discussing how Chris could be successful in getting past this issue of not being able to take possession of the building. We knew he needed our help.”

PHOTOS: Garland Hardeman (left), Terrence Willis (center) and Korey Batey (right) are among the local residents who sit on the Community Advisory Board for Life Remodeled’s Durfee Innovation Society. (Stephen Smith, Photographer)

So this small group started helping negotiate past various obstacles, one of which was securing the building key from a squirrelly superintendent. It was a big win, and Garland advised Chris to formalize his allies into an advisory group that could bring a holistic community perspective to Life Remodeled.

At first, Chris was hesitant. “He wasn’t for that,” says Garland. “At that point, he hadn’t identified, totally, ideologically with us. He was like ‘Father knows best’ [a television show from the 1950s] – a posture that felt in control, and simply needed community members’ help to get past a few hurdles.”

“We Christians – especially white Christians – are good at sharing resources,” explains Dwan, “but not so good at sharing power. And unfortunately, we don’t have a blueprint to follow.” Eventually, Chris agreed to adopt his core helpers as a more formal advisory group, 14-strong. But it’s been a long school of humbling, and according to Garland, it’s a continued journey of learning.

“We Christians – especially white Christians – are good at sharing resources, but not so good at sharing power.”

“I spent 15 hours drafting bylaws for this advisory group,” says Garland, “to bring it to the people at the meeting informally for over a year. Chris found out about [my local diplomacy], and was not in favor of what I’d done. In his mind, he has an attorney that he talks to. I did this as a volunteer.”

This moment was one of many watershed occasions, where the hard question has to be asked, “who do you trust?” Garland’s conversation with Chris was not an easy one. “If you really wanted an advisory group, and you wanted it formally structured,” says Garland, “you could call your attorney and say, draft some bylaws. But look, I’ve been on lots of boards. I come to an organization like this where I see there’s mistrust, and I see that you are reluctant to receive us in a way that shows a level of respect and admiration for who we are as a people. But I know that you do have love in your heart for what you do, but you’ve not seen the total light. And I want to help share that with you. If the light comes on, we’re good. If the light doesn’t come on, we have an issue.”

Garland wants Life Remodeled to not just use the assets that various people in the community have to share, but to respect them, defer to them.

“We blacks know Detroit’s whole history,” says Garland. He points out that wanting to do good things with large amounts of resources in a neighborhood is not always enough. “You could run into problems with people like me who understand that you’re an asset, and you make one heck of a contribution to communities like ours, but you can’t do it independent of your own ideology. You can’t seem to see with the people’s ideology in the community that you want to serve.”

Chris and the organization have learned a lot about what it really means to empower a community. Well beyond giving resources, it means actually handing over power. This requires a deep amount of trust on both sides, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable spaces.

A Human Bridge
There’s a lot of talk today of refurbishing places and spaces, but ultimately for a city to flourish, it must be peopled. And as soon as you start talking about people, you’re talking about relationships. And as soon as you’re talking about relationships, at least on this earth, you’re talking about power.

“Black and whites could work together, but could never live together,” said many Detroiters during my visit. Might the Durfee Innovation Society prove a new day?
Partners like Dwan Dandridge may be the unheralded key to Durfee succeeding. A natural bridge-builder, he sees deeply yet can speak the language of most factions. He defends Chris even as he educates the go-getter about the vantage point that has defined his own life. And he can rib Garland – and many of the other local constituents trying to figure Chris and Life Remodeled’s most ambitious effort yet – with cousin humor and vested trust. He’s a peacemaker, a translator, the quiet saint who is ambassador to all and beholden to God.

Dwan explains a central component to the vision that he believes could make it work elsewhere too. “When I think of Chris going and trying to start this in another place,” says Dwan, “I think that he’s learned some valuable lessons that it’s rare to find in a white man. And I often find that [even] when somebody learns those lessons they think that they understand a lot more than they do. Chris is not that way.”

“I’m really thankful to have gotten this far,” says Chris, “and I really do enjoy learning all these things. Because it gives me a much better understanding of what we want to be in and what we don’t want to be in, and how it gets done. And this has convinced me that this is the model today at this time I still want to continue to build with, where we are managing real estate. Because again, it causes us to go much deeper than anything we’ve done.”

That depth may be the realization that you can’t necessarily scale human virtue like this, or, rather, the process of virtue formation – virtue honed specifically in the friction between people with pasts. You can provide the space, and some guiding principles for relating to those unlike you, to those who have deep ownership in places of pain and neglect. But beyond that, Life Remodeled’s goal of human transformation is like any other: it’s personalist. Each human ultimately gets humbled and changed by relating to another infinitely unique human being – however encased in structural histories and demographic realities they may be. Each person has to have a reckoning. Garland with Chris, Dwan with his accusers. With each one’s limitations. With one’s pride. With one’s blind spots. With one’s desire for control.

The question is, can catalysts prompt covenants? Can an ecosystem create a new narrative for those needing to atone for and forgive old ones?

PHOTOS: Nature has reclaimed dormant alleyways, and coyotes have taken up residence. Cutting back foliage and boarding up abandoned properties reduces squatting, drug use, and other criminal activity. (Stephen Smith, Photographer)

What began as a one-year project template has evolved to reflect the collective concerns and desires of the community. Durfee has already expanded from a one-year to a two-year to a three-year and now four-year commitment. Why? Because this is what the community wants, and needs. And it may be that what’s actually best for this ecosystem-making, neighborhood-revitalizing, character-transforming effort is to perfect a playbook for the model.

Each year, Life Remodeled mobilizes 10,000 volunteers for its six-day neighborhood clean-up project. Volunteers and long-time residents work side by side, learning from one another and exchanging histories. Massive amounts of resources are pooled to create safe community spaces and foster economic opportunity. But renovating physical structures is only the outer layer of the work being done. Meeting the tangible need is important, but not the solution.

PHOTOS: Residents like Dione McPherson (top) join the cleanup. He regularly cares for three properties and is grateful for the added support. Officer Pryor (lower left) lives nearby and checks in on his family. He is thrilled to see so many people pitching in to help improve the block. Izraayl (lower right), a relative newcomer to the neighborhood, has been a professional beekeeper for more than 20 years. (Stephen Smith)

At its heart, Life Remodeled is about more than remodeling a building or cleaning up a neighborhood – it is about social transformation. The truly unique work happening in the Durfee neighborhood is something far more messy than construction or clean-up, but with great potential for healing and meaningful change. What happens when people with resources and other gifts willing to relinquish their hold on the reins? When long-time residents like Garland are given a voice, bridge-builders like Dwan are given leadership, and the local community is given power? Life Remodeled is trying to find out.

Editor’s Note
Life Remodeled has tackled a massive problem, leveraged an impressive amount of resources and mobilized a substantial volunteer base. But what makes the organization unique is its willingness to step into a space rife with tensions and historical disappointments, to respond to community needs with a willingness to listen and learn. Empowerment cannot be exported — instead, it must rise from within. Life Remodeled seeks out local community caretakers, voices of truth, visionaries of hope, and works alongside them. Together, they navigate the messy waters of race, class, and history to pursue lasting and meaningful change. This is a hard, but courageous endeavor — one that deserves our deepest respect and support.

To our creative team — I would like to express my sincerest gratitude. This story could not have happened without your dedication and talent! Anne, your writing is honest, insightful and meaningful — not a combination that is easy to come by. Stephen, your photography is striking, your attention to detail unmatched and your perspective as a native Detroiter invaluable. Steve, Brandon and Emily, your film captures the history and human story in a simultaneously powerful and personal way — one that reflects the coexistence of hardship and hope.

To the Life Remodeled team — Thank you for your openness, your honesty and your trust. We do not hold this lightly and so appreciate you allowing us a glimpse into your world. It a privilege to share your story, and may your courage be an inspiration to us all.

[ Amanda Lahr, Editor, Bittersweet Monthly ]

Article: https://bittersweetmonthly.com/stories/life-remodeled

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“Life Remodeled’s one-stop Durfee center adds tenants, nears full occupancy”

– With three new tenants set to move in this fall, center is up to 27 organizations
– Ballmer Group has granted $600,000 in unrestricted funding to support, measure impact
– Goal is to take community center model to another Detroit neighborhood in 2021

PHOTO: Life Remodeled has repurposed a former school building into a community center, with public use of gym and auditorium spaces and services.

Life Remodeled has made a name for its ability to mobilize 10,000 volunteers each of the past three years for its six-day cleanup of central Detroit.

But its largest impact in the neighborhood could be yet to come.

The nonprofit has secured lease commitments from three new organizations for the repurposed former Detroit Public Schools Community District school building it’s converted into a community center, with public use of gym and auditorium spaces and services to help lift people in the neighborhood out of poverty.

Those leases will bring it to 27 business, government and nonprofit service provider tenants in the Durfee Innovation Society center, and depending on final agreements, could bring occupancy up to 89 percent, founder and CEO Chris Lambert said. He’s looking to bring the 143,000-square-foot center to full occupancy by year’s end.

Last week, Life Remodeled secured a $600,000 unrestricted grant from the Ballmer Group to fund, among other things, measurement of the impact the services offered at the center are having in the community.

“This project is the most important one we’ll ever do,” Lambert said.

“It’s a one-stop shop of opportunity,” providing opportunities for children, youth and adults by moving the best and brightest organizations into one building, he said.

“Those organizations are better together just by association and also by proximity and very intentional steps we’re going to take to create that ecosystem.”

Life Remodeled’s annual six-day neighborhood cleanup project, which takes place this week, will focus on clearing the blighted alleyways within four square miles of the New Center district.

It’s happening while efforts continue to complete renovations at the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School at 2470 Collingwood St., between Linwood Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard.

Life Remodeled is working to raise the last $1.3 million of the $4.8 million budgeted to complete the renovations of the historic building, Lambert said. At the same time, it’s continuing to fill out the services offered from the building.

“We’re selective on who we let into our building. (Tenants) have to be involved in improving education, in workforce development, entrepreneurism (and) human services,” he said.

Three new tenants are expected to move into Durfee this fall:

– Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland & Macomb Counties, will launch its first Wayne County club in September.

– JVS Human Services is bringing a Detroit at Work workforce development intake site to the center in October, in partnership with ResCare Workforce Services to provide services including: career coaching, career technical training and job seeking skill workshops.

– Methodist Children’s Home Society, which launched new child-abuse-prevention and substance-abuse services at the center early this year, plans to expand its space at the center to house new substance abuse, foster care and senior programs it recently took on with its acquisition of Community Social Services of Wayne County.

As opposed to growing on its own, Methodist Children’s Home Society saw at Durfee the opportunity to team with like-minded organizations to better serve and strengthen the community, President and CEO Kevin Roach said in an emailed statement.

Durfee “is a perfect fit for this career center considering there are over 30 other human service organizations in the building offering literacy services, career training, family services, youth recreational services, financial education and advocacy,” said James Willis, vice president, workforce development and rehabilitation at JVS.

Services at the center now include job mentoring, training and/or placement in areas like coding, marketing, retail, construction and the electrician field, basic social services, behavioral health, business support, literacy programs, foster care and adoption services, senior services and violence prevention programs.

PHOTO: Life Remodeled is working to raise the last $1.3 million of the $4.8 million needed to renovate the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School at 2470 Collingwood St., between Linwood Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard.

Just more than a year ago, U.S. Housing Secretary Ben Carson designated Durfee as the first of a series of “EnVision Centers” or neighborhood service hubs across the country, after backtracking on an earlier announcement that a Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan facility in Detroit would be the first.

The public-private collaborations that make up the federally designated centers are aimed at accelerating economic mobility for low-income households in communities that include HUD-assisted housing.

It’s the center’s tenants that will drive impact in the neighborhood; Life Remodeled’s role is to help them be better together, Lambert said.

With the Ballmer Group funding, the nonprofit hired two of three new employees, bringing it to a staff of 11. It will also use the funding to market the services to youth and adults in the community, coordinate with the Durfee and Central High schools next door and to contract with Gingras Global, a tenant at Durfee, to help it measure the impact of programs, Lambert said. A data collection system and set of dashboards will enable collection and analysis of simple and streamlined information to inform funding, marketing and programming strategies.

“Gingras Global will work with our tenants to assist in specific and intentional data collection which will not only help them grow and open them to new opportunities in terms of partnerships and funding, but also hold them accountable to the outcomes set forth to be accomplished by tenants,” he said.

With the tenants and services offered at Durfee, Life Remodeled is looking to:

– Make high-quality, effective human services programs available to central Detroit residents

– Improve scores for K-8 students across Durfee Elementary-Middle School (now housed in the Central High School building), which scored in the bottom 1 percent of state scores on math and reading last year, Lambert said, to improve education outcomes at Central where 76 percent of students were chronically absent last year

– To connect residents and other Detroiters with thousands of sustainable job opportunities each year

– To reduce crime in the neighborhood

“When you increase job … and educational opportunities, crime has no choice but to decrease,” Lambert said. “Crime is directly tied to lack of opportunity, joblessness, lower education levels and illiteracy.”

The success of any neighborhood efforts will be directly tied to the ability of organizations to hear and put into action the voices of children, youth and adult residents, Lambert said. To that end, nine adult residents from the neighborhood serve on an advisory council to Life Remodeled to provide input and feedback from the community, and a youth advisory council will launch this fall, he said.

Life Remodeled staff will work to foster communication and interaction among Durfee tenants to identify ways to share resources and referrals and collaborate in other ways, Lambert said.

Rooting programs and services aimed at helping lift people out of poverty in the community is something the Ballmer Group supports, Executive Director Kylee Mitchell Wells said in an email.

“The Durfee Innovation Society is an example of public, private and philanthropic partners working together to fill a gap in the community by offering a variety of resources that have a dynamic approach for helping kids and their families increase their chances of economic mobility,” Mitchell said.

Corporate support for Life Remodeled’s operations has grown by leaps and bounds since it launched Durfee center, Lambert said, with newly awarded grants of $50,000 or more from companies including BASF SE, L&L Products, Masco Corp., Sun Communities and White Pine Investment Co.

More than 160 companies have contributed $1,000 or more this year, he said. Life Remodeled is operating on a cash budget of just more than $3 million and an in-kind, donated goods and services budget of $2.2 million.

The continued support in its work “gives us confidence that we can and will eventually multiply this model throughout the city of Detroit, with the hope of expanding to additional large U.S. cities over the next 10 years,” Lambert said.

Life Remodeled plans to begin work in another Detroit neighborhood in the fall of 2021, he said. It will continue to run the Durfee Innovation Society for the full 50 years of the lease but move to another Detroit neighborhood at that point to create another one-stop service center and also do annual neighborhood cleanups and blight removal, Lambert said.

It will look for a neighborhood with high levels of crime and blight, academic challenges and workforce shortages, he said. And it will look for another building that’s embedded in the community and walkable, like a school building, he said.

Currently, Life Remodeled is considering the Brightmoor, Jefferson-Chalmers and lower east side neighborhoods, Lambert said.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/nonprofit/life-remodeleds-one-stop-durfee-center-adds-tenants-nears-full-occupancy

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“2020 Life Remodeled E-mail Blasts”

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JANUARY 7, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

As we kick-off a new year, some of us are excited about the upcoming Clemson vs LSU national championship game. Others are more amped to experience the 54th Super Bowl on February 2nd.

That said, we’ve decided to host a Super Bowl party at the Durfee Innovation Society…Life Remodeled style. Of course there will be FREE PIZZA, SNACKS AND DRINKS, and you can watch the game on a 17 foot, HD screen with surround sound.

But before the game, we want to host a lively, informative and interactive discussion on Colin Kaepernick and the realities of racial barriers that continue to exist today, right here in Metro Detroit. Life Remodeled is well aware of the extreme controversy surrounding the act of kneeling during the US national anthem. Therefore, we will have the opportunity to hear different perspectives on the subject matter, and you are welcome to engage in the conversation if you feel led to do so. Hear from:

– Eric Thomas – Author of “Why I Hate Detroit” and the recent article in the Free Press, “Why we need to preserve black spaces in Detroit”
– Bob Dutko – Radio Host of Michigan’s most popular Christian Radio Show
– Ayodele Uhuru – Cass Tech Student
– Michael Rafferty – CEO of New Detroit
– Dwan Dandridge – Vice President of Life Remodeled and Founder of Black Leaders Detroit Fund
– Another Special Guest – TBD

Topics for discussion include:
– Kaepernick
– Why isn’t he on a team?
– What does kneeling during the anthem mean to me/you?
– What the flag means to me.
– What the anthem means to me.
– Should players be made to stand?
– Taking a stand against someone taking a stance.
– Why we need more than a sport to be the bridge to connect us.
– What I would like people that don’t agree with my position to know.

The race discussion will begin promptly at 4:30pm and game kickoff is at 6:30pm. You MUST RSVP here to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/superbowl-at-the-durfee-innovation-society-tickets-86695359153

We are capping attendance at 275 and expect a full house.

Hope to see you there!

https://mailchi.mp/6a3c2ae16acd/big-news-110243?e=2e3b528b39

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JANUARY 21, 2020

Hello Life Remodeled Family,

First, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU for all the passion, dedication, and loyalty you showed Life Remodeled in 2019. Whether you volunteered on our Six Day Project, made a donation, or contributed in some other way, your support of our organization means more than you may know!

Next, I want to notify you of a few events Life Remodeled has coming up. These events are open exclusively to our 313 Club members. Corporate partners who make donations of $1,000 or more are automatically part of this giving circle.

Spring Mixer
On March 5 from 4-6 p.m., we will have our 313 Club Spring Mixer at the Durfee Innovation Society. Come and meet new club members, network with legacy members, and find out what is in store for Life Remodeled in 2020! We’ll also have a conversation around corporate social responsibility and some of the best practices voiced by your fellow members.

313 Club Breakfast
Our annual 313 Club Breakfast is on June 16 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Durfee Innovation Society. Not only will you hear a vision-cast from me, but you’ll also hear a dynamic keynote from a fellow 313 Club member. This is one of my favorite events of the year– a time when all our corporate partners come together to share a meal as well as their passion for our mission and vision.

Again, these events are exclusively for our corporate partners who have made a gift of at least $1,000 to Life Remodeled. If your business would like to become a member of our 313 Club, or you know someone else who is interested, please contact Jocelyn Milshteyn at jocelyn@liferemodeled.com.

We’re excited to have you share in all Life Remodeled will be doing this year and look forward to your continued partnership in 2020!

https://mailchi.mp/f5db85d0967a/big-news-110259?e=2e3b528b39

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JANUARY 28, 2020

Hello Life Remodeled Family,

This year marks 10 YEARS of Life Remodeled! We started as a group of radically passionate individuals determined to do what no one thought we could and build a new home for a single mother and her children in Westland, MI. Now, we operate the 143,000 square foot Durfee Innovation Society: home to 36 nonprofit and for-profit organizations who provide education, workforce development, human services, and entrepreneurship services.

We are so thankful for the hard-working team of supporters who continue to hold us accountable and believe in our mission as much as we do.

As we celebrate 10 years, we want to hear your Life Remodeled story. How has working with us remodeled your own life? What’s your favorite memory from the Six Day Project? Did you work with us before our Durfee days? Please fill out this Google Form to share your memories with us!

We plan to share your stories on our social media channels throughout the year, culminating in a final presentation at our 10 year anniversary celebration in December!

If our first ten years gives us any idea of what the next ten years has in store, we’re in for another exciting decade! I look forward to seeing what we can continue to achieve together!

https://mailchi.mp/4ab5775a8372/big-news-110263?e=2e3b528b39

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FEBRUARY 4, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Last week I had to make a last minute decision regarding what to wear to our Life Remodeled-style Super Bowl Party, and as you can see my overnight shipping order from Amazon proved to be the wise choice.

While I thought the game was entertaining, our pre-game discussion on Colin Kaepernick and racial barriers was absolutely AMAZING!!! With more than 160 people in attendance, we had the opportunity to listen to six very impressive panelists, moderated by Dwan Dandridge (Life Remodeled VP). Three of the panelists are against the act of kneeling during the national anthem as an appropriate form of protest, and three are for it. Panelists included:

– Bob Dutko – Detroit Christian Talk Radio Host of The Bob Dutko Show
– Kristina Karamo – Social and Political Commentator
– Andreea Raetchi – Life Remodeled Supporter and Volunteer
– Michael Rafferty – CEO of New Detroit
– Eric Thomas – Chief Storyteller for the City of Detroit
– Ayodele Uhuru – Cass Tech High School Student

I founded the organization Life Remodeled 10 years ago, and here’s why: I’m convinced the main reason urban poverty continues to exist in America is because we haven’t yet learned to play well with one another across race and socioeconomic differences. Our Six Day Project is one of the most effective ways to bring people together I’ve ever seen. However, Dwan and I have decided to create year round opportunities to go much further into real possibilities of healing deep racial divides here in Metro Detroit.

The Super Bowl Party was our first official event designed around discussions that can help increase love across divisions of race, and I am very pleased with how it went! Although we had a diverse group of panelists with very different views on the subject, I was grateful for the level of respect we all showed one another. We may have disagreed, but we weren’t disagreeable.

72% of attendees said that as a result of the discussion, they are better equipped to engage in conversations about race with people who have opposing views.

It was a great start to this conversation around what divides us, and we are excited to bring you more opportunities like this SOON! Stay tuned!

Also, please save the date for our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on December 3 from 6pm to 9pm.

https://mailchi.mp/30ca2181afa7/big-news-110267?e=2e3b528b39

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FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

I’m about to share with you two of the three things your parents may have warned you never to talk about in public: politics and religion. But at least I’m not going to ask you for money… not today anyway!

An important caveat: I truly hope you DO NOT read this email in any way as “bashing President Trump.” I have no interest in pouring contempt upon any US President. That would merely tear us further apart.

Yesterday I attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. If you’ve ever been, you know there’s not a whole lot of prayer, and I’m not sure I’d call the single, miniature and lukewarm slice of quiche “breakfast.” However, with more than 3,000 attendees, delegates from 140+ countries, a few religious leaders from the world’s largest faiths, and the invitation of Democrats and Republicans, there is a very intentional and impressive ethos guiding the organizers to unite people across dividing lines.

This year’s co-hosts of the breakfast, Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), immediately set the desired tone of the event with humorous and genuine expressions of affection for one another, and they boldly acknowledged the deep divisiveness that persists in both parties.

The keynote speaker, Arthur Brooks, who is a Harvard professor and prominent conservative thinker, delivered a truly remarkable speech. Brooks identified himself as a Catholic follower of Jesus, and he based his entire 10-minute message on the radical teachings and the demonstrated life of Jesus to love every single person on the planet, including our worst enemies. Brooks was quite transparent about the hatred so many Republicans and Democrats today spew upon one another, and he pleaded that we make drastic changes in our lives in order to love each other across political perspectives. “Contempt is ripping our country apart,” he passionately proclaimed. “We’re like a couple on the rocks in this country… Ask God to take political contempt from your heart.”

While the crowd was diverse, the majority of attendees were Christians who identify as Republicans, and at the conclusion of Arthur’s moving speech, nearly every individual in the room sprang to their feet loudly with what I believe was heartfelt conviction and unanimous affirmation.

Then President Trump took the stage, and his first words were, “Arthur, I don’t know if I agree with you.” Turning to the crowd, “I don’t know if Arthur is going to like what I’m going to say.”

Over the next few minutes, despite the President’s multiple attacks on specific individuals and entire groups of people, no one challenged him for completely contradicting Arthur’s beautiful words that nearly everyone had stood and cheered for moments ago. Instead, President Trump received standing ovations and even louder cheers numerous times through his message.

As a radically passionate follower of Jesus, I felt as if the majority of the crowd was shouting, “Crucify that message of sacrificial love for our enemies… and give us more polarization!”

All that said, I certainly believe President Trump and his administration have accomplished a significant number of truly impressive milestones. Although I’m neither Republican nor Democrat, it definitely bothers me when Democrats and Republicans refuse to acknowledge when the “opposing” side achieves real victories. Also, while I thoroughly disapprove of President Trump’s refusal to strive toward the radical and uncommonly practiced teaching of “love your enemies,” I respect the fact that he has the guts to say exactly what he believes. I’d rather him do that than pay lip service.

I agree with Arthur Brooks that rising political contempt is one of our country’s most significant failures and threats, and the fickle and contradictory shifting of emotions by men and women whom I hold deep respect for at the National Prayer Breakfast was yet another sober reminder of the battle Life Remodeled must fight with LOVE day-in and day-out.

On one hand, some of us may love the concept, and we might say, “Yes, I want to love my enemies too! Sign me up for that!” And then someone we don’t like says or does something to make us angry. Personally, I frequently fail to live up to this standard. Remodeling other people’s lives often sounds like so much fun! Less exciting, but more important, is recognizing my own fault lines, busted pipes, and mold behind my drywall.

I hope you know that whatever your political and religious beliefs may be, I am committed to loving you more today than I did yesterday. Love is more than a feeling. It’s sacrifice. I’m committed to serve you… to try to think more highly of you than myself… and to strive to help all of us love one another. I also ask you do the same for me, because I’ll be the first to admit I need my life remodeled.

https://mailchi.mp/bda2cac6cb32/big-news-110275?e=2e3b528b39

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FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Last week I sent an email discussing two highly controversial subjects: politics and religion. Given that our organization’s mission is “bridging people across divides to help transform each other’s lives,” I believed this message would help advance our cause.

In case you missed my email from last week, click here to read it.

To date, as a result of that email, nearly 100 different people took the time to send me a response, which I found remarkable! That is more responses to an email than ever before in our Life Remodeled history! A total of 90 out of 98 people affirmed the message I shared. Eight people expressed significant frustration with my email.

I truly enjoyed reading each and every perspective, even those who shared strong criticisms. In the words of Life Remodeled’s Vice President, Dwan Dandridge, “All of us are experts in our own experiences.” It’s amazing that we can all witness the exact same event, but we may each look at it from very different lenses shaped by our life experiences. I learned a little bit more about each person who shared their personal perspective on the matter, and today I want to highlight a few comments that inspired me most:

– “Thank YOU! I will print the last two paragraphs and keep them at my desk to read everyday. What a great way to start the day!”

– “My hope in sending you this email is that you would be encouraged and strengthened in the awesome work y’all are doing and, even more so, in the risky but loving writing you are sending about our political times… Keep fighting evil with good, fear with hope, and hate with love. This is truly the good fight. Thank you for your service to the people of Detroit and the sacrifices you’ve made to follow the calling God has clearly put on your life.”

– “This election year is a great time to commit to loving across party, politics and ideology. And to actively respect and find the good in others.”

– “I just wanted to say thank you for what you have shared—and for putting yourself out there—in this email. Thanks for the reminder that just because we live in a terribly polarized world right now does not mean that we can’t personally continue to do our very best to live in love rather than succumbing to hate. I really needed to hear that, and I’m sure other people did too. Thanks for the encouragement to keep trying.”

– “Not sure this will get to you but thank you for your thoughtful email…I loved your last paragraph and am printing it out to be my personal mantra.”

And this one is my personal favorite!:

– “I must admit that for the last two years I have typically deleted the majority of your previous emails without reading them. Never again. This was beautifully written and in my opinion, one of the most compelling entrances into a conversation about the life changing (or remodeling in this case) power of the love of Christ. The irony as well is that though you didn’t speak about/ask for money, this wonderfully written email made me want to give to y’all.”

Grateful to be on the journey with all 15,000 of you, TOGETHER!

https://mailchi.mp/546b41e59910/big-news-110283?e=2e3b528b39

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MARCH 19, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

Yesterday a mentor reminded me of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s 5 stages of grief and loss:

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

It’s important to note that people who are grieving do not necessarily go through the stages in the same order or experience all of them. That said, I am convinced we all need to prepare for an entirely “new normal.” Life during/post COVID-19 will be significantly different than life before. Many of the Detroit children, families and seniors we and our partners serve will continue to reach unprecedented heights of vulnerability.

To that end, Life Remodeled is currently in the process of radically reassessing our organization’s greatest assets, as we not only navigate a rapidly changing environment, but also as we predict and help shape the future of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. As a man of deep faith, I take great courage in knowing “God has prepared us for such a time as this.” I’m convinced He was shaping us throughout many years, not only for what we are facing today, but for what is to come. As someone committed to making a real difference on this planet before I leave it, I consider this calling a great honor!

In review of our organization’s assets, it’s clear that our greatest strength is “us,” TOGETHER! Being that our mission is “bridging people across divides to help transform each other’s lives,” we have built a truly remarkable community of widely-diverse individuals and groups who have discovered how much we need each other and how much better we are together.

I thank God for our strong bonds with Durfee and Central community residents and student leaders as they inform us what’s happening around them. I’m grateful for the influencers in many industries who are providing us with critical information. I’m thankful for our donors who have been calling and sending generous and much needed financial support. The Durfee Innovation Society alone is home to 37 outstanding nonprofits and entrepreneurs, and through various forms of digital communication, we are already innovating together to co-create a future which does not yet exist.

The reason I’ve delayed emailing you until today is because we’ve been spending many hours listening to our community, trying to come up with real solutions and new ways to continue serving some of the most vulnerable people to this virus. Social isolation impacts some families harder than others (i.e. public transportation, accessibility to food, people who have to work to keep the lights on, attempting to teach kids when they’re not in school, etc.).

On Tuesday we are launching a new form of communication for Life Remodeled. Dwan Dandridge and I will be interviewing at least one student and one senior battling food security challenges, and joining us will be Forgotten Harvest CEO, Kirk Mayes, and Metro Detroit Youth Clubs CEO, Brett Tillander.

These will be live interviews where you can ask questions via Facebook, and our first session will take place on Tuesday, March 24 at 4 p.m. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/LifeRemodeled/

This is the first of multiple sessions to follow, as we want everyone to have a solid grasp on what life with COVID-19 means for ALL OF US, especially the most vulnerable. We are in this TOGETHER and YOU mean a lot to me and our mission. Let’s be transparent about the challenges we are facing and ask people to help us create a stronger community than ever before!

I would love to hear YOUR story: encouraging news and challenging news.

https://mailchi.mp/f98d9d84e4ff/big-news-110311?e=2e3b528b39

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MARCH 24, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

I wanted to send a quick reminder to everyone that Life Remodeled will be hosting a Facebook Live session TODAY at 4pm to discuss food insecurity challenges many Detroiters are facing right now, and what YOU can do to help. You can watch directly on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/LifeRemodeled.

We will be joined by Brett Tillander, CEO of Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, Kirk Mayes, CEO of Forgotten Harvest, and two Durfee-Central community members, Theresa Clarington and Blaise Armstead.

Join us at https://www.facebook.com/LifeRemodeled/ to ask your questions and get an update on the situation as it evolves.

This is the first of multiple sessions to follow, as we want everyone to have a solid grasp on what life with COVID-19 means for ALL OF US, especially the most vulnerable.

Please continue to share your stories with us as we all work together to come up with solutions to the challenges we face!

https://mailchi.mp/aab9d8ae3a48/big-news-110312?e=2e3b528b39

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MARCH 26, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

Yesterday these words from Mother Teresa spoke to me:

“Today, if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other—that man, that woman, that child is my brother or my sister.” – Mother Teresa

I’ve lived-in or at least traveled to every continent except Antarctica (and I have no desire to go there, ever!). Based on my personal experiences (and several research studies) it was clear that prior to COVID-19 an unexpectedly large number of Americans battled loneliness, anxiety, depression and deep feelings of meaninglessness.

Over the past several days, I’ve been experiencing something new stirring in our region. People I never would’ve expected are calling and messaging me, just to see how I’m doing… and they actually mean it. People who may lose their jobs and retirement plans are making even greater sacrifices with their resources than prior to the pandemic. People are giving more to others who are in greater need, even in the midst of having less.

We all remember the saying, “Sometimes you don’t know what you have until you lose it.”

Mother Teresa was right, we do belong to each other: all of us. I believe that’s the way we were created, but not being able to physically be there for one another is waking many of us up to a whole new level of consciousness.

This week I lost a friend to COVID-19, Marlowe Stoudamire. Marlowe and I had some really great times trying to move the needle together in Detroit. MAN that guy was talented, brilliant and likable!! Truly one of the most influential social transformation leaders in our region. Every moment I spent with him felt like we were super-tight, and I know he made so many people feel that same way. Losing Marlowe is a big, big… BIG loss for Detroit, and therefore the world.

In the words of another friend, Eric Thomas:

“Marlowe Stoudamire was the type of man that could see you before you saw yourself. If you could catch just a glimpse of yourself reflected in his eyes it could change the very trajectory of your life. And he made sure that if you couldn’t see it, he’d describe it to you in a way that was so verbose, dramatic, and real that you’d leave him feeling deconstructed and rebuilt anew.

For some reason, I was one of those people that Marlowe saw. I don’t know what he saw to make him risk so much for me. He saved me more times than he knows from struggles he didn’t know I was having just by being the type of man I wanted to be.”

Whether you knew Marlowe or not, he was yours and you were his.

COVID-19 is literally killing people I love. If you know someone who is not taking social distancing seriously, can I be lovingly-bold enough right now to say “please get them in gear!” We belong to each other, and people matter more than the economy.

My prayer is that we will come out of COVID-19 TOGETHER. Not just together physically. But relationally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Together-Together.

It’s already happening, and please know how grateful I am to belong to YOU,

https://mailchi.mp/672396f00080/big-news-110316?e=2e3b528b39

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MARCH 30, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

I hope this email finds you all safe and healthy!

As the situation continues to evolve with COVID-19, Life Remodeled is dedicated to bringing you candid conversations about how this pandemic is affecting all of us. We are hosting two more Facebook Live sessions this week to gain more perspective.

TOMORROW at 4 p.m. we’ll talk with with a young couple who both are believed to have COVID-19. Joseph and Kimberly Ratcliff are lifelong Detroiters and are due to have their first child in June. Kimberly has tested positive, and Joseph is displaying the same symptoms, yet, hasn’t been able to be tested. Joseph is a 5th grade teacher in the Grosse Pointe Public School System, and Kimberly is Co-Founder at KR Social Media Consulting. The couple will discuss their experiences in dealing with the virus, their point of view on the response of their fellow Detroiters, and how they are feeling about having a baby during these uncertain times. Join us live tomorrow at 4 p.m. at https://www.facebook.com/LifeRemodeled/ to hear from them and ask your questions.

This Thursday, April 2, join us as we host a second Facebook Live at 3 p.m.,with Abdul El-Sayed, MD, DPhil, Physician, Epidemiologist, and Former Health Director of the Detroit Health Department. Abdul will discuss why Detroit is being hit especially hard by the pandemic, and the systematic changes needed to take place to address issues contributing to Detroit’s significantly more tragic and traumatic circumstances as a result of this pandemic.

Join both live conversations here: https://www.facebook.com/LifeRemodeled/ to listen in and ask questions.

We are keeping you and your families in our prayers! Please continue to take care of one another!

https://mailchi.mp/bd87c086ce9a/big-news-110320?e=2e3b528b39

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APRIL 3, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

I continue to pray that you and your families will be safe, healthy, provided for and filled with hope, love, belief, passion and purpose as we stand strong TOGETHER.

For those of you who planned to serve with us in August, I want to make sure you have a heads up that we are making major changes to our organization’s strategies. Many people in our region know Life Remodeled for our annual Six Day Project, where we mobilize 10,000 volunteers to beautify four square miles over six days. In response to COVID-19, we have spent hours listening to the needs of the Durfee/Central community as well as our volunteer groups. Things are changing every day, and we will continue to listen attentively to ALL of our partners as we work together to best serve this amazing community!

We know the physical revitalization efforts of Life Remodeled’s volunteers will be needed in the Durfee/Central community more this year than any other time in our 10 year history. However, based on the information and feedback we have received, the project will not take place in August, as previously planned, but later in 2020 (dates TBD). We will purposefully and intentionally engage far less than 10,000 volunteers. Additionally, we are exploring multiple scenarios in order to ensure an extremely safe and healthy project environment for all engaged community members and volunteers.

In the short-term, we are partnering with community leaders, Gleaners Food Bank, Forgotten Harvest, Brilliant Detroit and more to help provide for immediate needs. Additionally, we are assisting several Durfee-Central families with young children by covering one month’s rent for their places of residence.

In the long-term, expect a smarter, stronger and more impactful Life Remodeled as we continue to serve this community! I am grateful for your faith in our mission and patience in the process. Please stay tuned for more updates.

Committed to Coming Out of COVID-19 Better TOGETHER,

https://mailchi.mp/33d9e1f3d41c/big-news-110324?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
APRIL 7, 2020

Hello Team Remodeled,

All of us are experiencing many “firsts.” With Good Friday and Easter Sunday coming this weekend, pastors are about to experience their church’s first Easter without gathering.

Because Life Remodeled partners with more than 70 churches in the region, I will be interviewing three local pastors on “When Two or Three (or Less) Can Gather: A Pastor’s Perspective on COVID-19” on Facebook Live today at 4pm. Click here and join us at 4pm!

Here are the questions I plan to ask:

– How are people in your church suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic?
– Jesus talked a lot about our calling to serve “the least of these,” and he walked the talk. Who are “the least of these” in our region right now, and how is your church serving their needs?
– Other than the obvious national news stories we’ve all seen, what are some of the mistakes you’ve seen pastors make during the pandemic?
– What is one of the most inspirational things you’ve seen or heard during this time?
– What do you say to Christians who don’t take social distancing seriously because they are “protected by Jesus”?
– What guidance do you give to help people grieve loved ones who pass from COVID-19 when social distancing completely changes so much of our normal process?
– In 30 seconds or less, what is the message of hope you want people to hear?

Also, I want to give you an update on Kimberly & Joseph Ratcliff, whom we interviewed last week as they battle COVID-19 and prepare for the birth of their first child. Kimberly was admitted into the hospital shortly after our interview, and tests revealed she has pneumonia. Currently, she is trending in the right direction and will likely be discharged any day. Kim and Joesph tell us “Baby Nugget” has been bringing comfort along the way by responding with a “holy dance” whenever they sing songs of praise. Please continue to pray for them as the roller coaster of events coupled with physical distance between them is difficult to manage at times. Salute to all of you who have joined them on this journey.

Lastly, in case you missed my interview with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, here is a chance to see our discussion on the topic: “Why is Detroit seeing such high rates of COVID-19 as compared to the rest of the US?”

Hope to see you at 4pm today!

Committed to Coming Out of COVID-19 Better TOGETHER,

https://mailchi.mp/c5dffe30814d/big-news-110328?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
APRIL 14, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Over the last several weeks, Dwan Dandridge and I have had the privilege of interviewing Detroit residents and nonprofit leaders battling food insecurity, a public health expert and political contributor to CNN, a husband and wife battling COVID-19 while expecting their first child, and pastors of some of our region’s largest and most impactful churches.

Today I’m excited to interview three of Metro Detroit’s most influential leaders in our local Jewish community, including Rabbi Paul Yedwab of the largest Jewish Temple in the United States, Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.

This discussion will dive into what each organization is doing to best serve their respective communities during this time of need, the effect the pandemic could have on future workforce development and volunteerism, and the message of hope each panelist wishes to share with all of us!

Join me on Facebook Live TODAY at 4pm on the Life Remodeled Facebook page.

https://mailchi.mp/2c97eaf35a3a/big-news-110332?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
APRIL 21, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

I continue to pray for each of you, that we will continually become an even stronger community (physically/emotionally/relationally/spiritually) with deeper understandings of our meaning and purpose than ever before!

Today I want to give you a brief update on the work you and Life Remodeled have been doing lately, and what’s next.

Gleaners Food Distribution
In collaboration with Gleaners and Brilliant Detroit, we are distributing groceries for 300 families from the Durfee Innovation Society parking lot on alternating Saturdays. An hour before our last distribution began, there were more than 40 cars already lined up.

Gift Card Giveaway
Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Woodside Bible Church, we purchased $35 gift certificates from three black-owned, Detroit restaurants and distributed them to 286 families in only 1 hour and 20 minutes. Although essential food items provided by Gleaners are imperative to many, a gift card allows families to skip cooking one night to order carry-out. Not only is this a special treat during this stressful time, but we were also able to support local restaurants that truly needed the assistance. This opportunity was only for residents of the Durfee/Central community and students who attend Durfee/Central schools. Check out the news story here.

Rental Assistance
We are assisting 10 Durfee/Central families (with a total of 41 children living in these homes) by covering one month’s rent. All 13 parents are dedicated and hard-working people who have lost their employment as a result of COVID-19, including a single father with 8 children. Please lift up all of them in your prayers.

The short term relief efforts that nonprofits are providing in Detroit with your help are essential. However, the long-term debilitating effects of this pandemic on Detroit neighborhoods will require far more support, and that is what we are preparing for right now.

Long-term Effects
Effective April 1, our staff took a 10% pay deferral. We are considering making additional staffing changes, while attempting to fill several leadership roles with passionate volunteers. We hope we’re wrong, but we believe the economic impact of COVID-19 on Metro Detroit will be dramatic for at least the next year, and probably longer. However, we are also making changes to our strategies and programs, because the needs of Detroit families have changed significantly.

Mayor Duggan already announced the city is pushing “pause” on their blight removal efforts. Beyond blight remediation, we expect the amount of public and private investment into revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods to decline substantially. That said, our partners in our Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) will provide thousands of jobs for the unemployed, increased academic assistance for hundreds of students who were already struggling before COVID-19, and human services for thousands of senior citizens and families in the surrounding community.

The DIS just became 5-10 times more relevant than ever before, and we are taking important steps to ensure its success and sustainability. This includes preparing to reopen the DIS on May 1 for some of the programs, with abundant precautions and extra measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission and our community.

https://mailchi.mp/b62a90f241d9/big-news-110336?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
APRIL 27, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

I want to tell you something I did last week that was truly awful, and then I’ll tell you why I’ve decided to become more vulnerable with you.

First, a little backstory for context: Most of you know I’m a very driven person, and that’s probably an understatement. I am relentless! In truth, I’m grateful for this, because it fuels me to passionately pursue and produce much good in the world… but there is a dark side to my ambition that I hate. I’m addicted to doing more-and-more, which means I’m often at war with being fully-present in the moment. Although I’m turning 40 next month, this is a war I’ve only been aware of for the last 10+ years. The reason I’m conscious of the timing is because it took a major life crisis to become aware of the severity of my issues. Three weeks before my first son was born (August 2009), I experienced my first anxiety attack, followed by six years of one-horrendous-attack-after-another. During this time I was able to hear from God how messed-up my perceptions of my identity were, and I began the healing (remodeling) process. I was defining myself by what I could do, rather than who God says I am.

Last week: I was sitting next to my first-born son while he was attempting to read aloud from a book. Levi has been diagnosed with ADHD, really struggles with focusing on all forms of school work and has battled major issues with reading. We’ve spent thousands of dollars testing our amazing son whom we love dearly, so I’m pretty aware of his situation, and I’ve been coached on how to work well with him. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop me last week from slamming my fist on our wooden dining room table and shouting at him, “FOCUS SON!!!!”

To top it off, it wasn’t until the following morning I woke up and realized what an evil thing I had done, then spent some time with God in prayer and the Scriptures. I was reminded how truly remarkable my son is as a human being, got a fresh perspective on my own identity and then received a game plan how to best apologize, reconcile, speak words of life over my son and move into a more loving future together.

Why am I telling you this? Because one the many things COVID-19 has done is place a magnifying glass, microscope, telescope and a heavy weight on our underlying issues, cracks and fault lines as individuals, as a community and as the human race. I’ve also learned that I always overcome my inner battles more quickly and effectively when I am vulnerable to share my struggles with others. I want you to know the stupid and damaging things I’m prone to do under stress, so that I will continually be remodeled into the man I am created to be. I also want to encourage you to be vulnerable and transparent with people you can trust, during a time when some of the ugliest monsters in ours closets are refusing the rules of social distancing.

As appalling as this pandemic is, I genuinely consider it a great honor to experience it, and here is why: By faith I believe God knows every detail about the future. I also believe He was preparing each of us our entire lives for COVID-19 and its aftermath. Therefore, I’m convinced it is a tremendous privilege to be able to love, serve and lead during one of the most important and pivotal times in human history. We are all suffering, and some of us far more than others.

We are in a war, and this war is NOT against flesh and blood. This war has clearly revealed how much we need to fully-overcome the ridiculous barriers that divide us so that we as human beings who have infinite worth and value can co-create the beautiful and just world that God intended us to create with him, where all people not only have opportunities to survive, but to THRIVE! In a time of social distancing, we must discover new opportunities to become increasingly vulnerable with one another in order to build lasting bridges of love. If you don’t have someone in your life right now that you can trust, I would be honored to be a listening ear.

Committed to Work Together with YOU to Make Today Better than Yesterday,

https://mailchi.mp/67714a98b925/big-news-110340?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
MAY 4, 2020

Hello Life Remodeled Family,

I have experienced significant loss over the last 30 days, and I know you have too. That said, I have an important question to ask you: Are you grieving well?

Personally, I suck at grieving and I know it. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross was first to formally introduce our world to the Five Stages of Grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. David Kessler, who co-authored two books with Kübler-Ross, eventually added the sixth stage of finding “meaning.”

As a highly-driven social-entrepreneur, whenever I face intense crises my default response is usually to immediately assign meaning and then enter into problem solving mode. I constantly struggle to short-circuit the incredibly important process of sitting-in-and-with brokenness (including my own brokenness).

I’m guessing some (or more likely many) can relate to what I’m saying? Have you had a good cry in the last 30 days? Truthfully, I have NOT… but I need at least one!! Here are just a few intense things I’ve experienced lately:

Four people I knew have left this earth because of COVID-19. Two were under the age of 50. I worked closely with Marlowe Stoudamire on several important projects for children and families in Detroit, and I served as Ralph Weber’s pastor for four years.

Our work at the DIS to help thousands of unemployed adults find jobs, improve the academic outcomes of Detroit students, serve various needs of children and families, repair homes and remove blight just became at least 5 times more important than ever. However, I’m faced with the reality we must do far more work with far less money. Life Remodeled anticipates a minimum $750,000 revenue loss (28% of our budget) in 2020.

I’ve had to make decisions to transition two incredible people off our nonprofit’s payroll and cut salaries. As Founder and CEO, I will take the largest cut of all.

My wife and I have two sons, both who are ADHD and hate homework. You can fill in the blanks how well homeschooling is going.

Some of my close friends are battling major challenges, and I’m trying to be there “with” them.
Bottom line, I believe I need the help of grief experts to guide me during these unprecedented times, and I think some of you do too. At minimum, all of us are at least experiencing the loss of day-to-day life as we once knew it. Tomorrow, I’m hosting a Facebook Live interview with two friends who happen to be professionals in this arena:
Rev. Dr. Sabrina Black – Clinical Director of Abundant Life Counseling Center in Detroit. Has served on several video-based training projects, including topics on race and reconciliation, grief and loss and domestic violence. President of the National Biblical Counselors Association and has authored more than 10 books and workbooks including Live Right Now.

Dr. Tim Hogan – Author, speaker, psychologist and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist who co-authored How to Find the Help You Need, a guide to psychotherapy and spiritual direction. Recently released an album of guided meditations, Awakening Your Heart (iTunes). Teaches at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and works in private practice in Plymouth, MI.
Maybe I’ll see you on Life Remodeled’s Facebook Live tomorrow at 4 p.m.?

Grieve well my friends… because our futures depend on it,

https://mailchi.mp/80d05ee13b24/big-news-110344?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
MAY 11, 2020

Hello Life Remodeled Family,

I hope this message finds you and your family well!

As you may know, my 40th birthday is coming up soon (May 18th). As the Founder/CEO of Life Remodeled, I was planning to host a massive birthday party to raise significant support for our mission, but clearly that’s not gonna happen. However, I still want to celebrate this milestone with the people who mean so much to me and our mission, which is why I’m reaching out to you.

In support of my 40th bday, Life Remodeled is hosting an online fundraiser starting today through May 20th to help us continue to fulfill our mission during this economically challenging time. Donations will ensure our Durfee Innovation Society is able to assist hundreds of students who need academic support, help thousands of unemployed Detroiters get jobs, and provide resources for seniors, children and families in need so they can survive and thrive.

Donations can be made here. Please be sure to comment when you’ve made a donation and share with your friends!

There is also the option to give on our website if you prefer to go that route. Please share this email if you know of others who may be interested!

Have you ever wanted to see me without the blond highlights? Now’s your chance! Anyone who donates during this fundraiser will be given the opportunity to vote for me to” keep ‘em or cut ‘em.”

I so appreciate your friendship and support as we all struggle to serve others under these strenuous circumstances. I’m confident we can make it out of this stronger than ever, as long as we do it together!

Committed to Detroit Children and Families,

https://mailchi.mp/0747f462b31c/big-news-110348?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
MAY 15, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Have you ever read the story of Samson in the Bible? You know, that unstoppable force whose hair was critical to his super natural strength? Then along came Delilah… If that rings a bell, then you will understand the seriousness of the threat Life Remodeled is facing: They want to CHOP OFF MY BLOND LOCKS!

In case you missed it, my 40th birthday is May 18th. We’ve already begun celebrating this milestone with the people who mean so much to me and our mission by launching an online fundraiser that runs through May 20th.

One of our donors reached out and playfully said he’d donate $500 for me to consider cutting out the blond from my hair. In response to his offer, we’ve decided that anyone who donates during this fundraiser will be given the opportunity to vote for me to keep my mystical blond halo that may actually be an essential source of power… or find out what happens when the highlights disappear.

As of right now, the anti-highlighters are winning, and 61% want to put my bleached tips to the test. You know I’ll do whatever it takes to remodel lives if I’m willing to go this far! Your donation and wise vote today could potentially rescue the future of Life Remodeled from the fate of a potentially powerless CEO. However, since our mission is “bridging people across divides to help transform each other’s lives,” I will love you no matter how you vote ;-)

All kidding aside, I’m excited by the generosity of our supporters and your passion to create equitable opportunities for Detroit children and families. We are making some BIG changes within our organization to make sure we serve Detroit with excellence during these rapidly changing times. Will you join me on my birthday (May 18th at 4pm) on Facebook Live? I’m going to share ways our organization is significantly pivoting to become stronger than ever, and I’ll answer any questions you may have.

Don’t forget to donate and vote!

See you Monday,

https://mailchi.mp/c0f5d8bef4d9/big-news-110356?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
MAY 18, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Today is my 40th birthday, and it’s also the 10 year anniversary of Life Remodeled! As its founder, I’m excited to share what’s happening and what’s about to happen through Life Remodeled with you today on Facebook Live at 4pm.

https://mailchi.mp/f0cf1b7f5746/big-news-110360?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
MAY 22, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

On Monday, May 18 (my 40th bday), I shared what’s happened and what’s happening next with Life Remodeled on Facebook Live. Here’s the YouTube video of that broadcast.

For those who missed it, here are the highlights of the pivots we’ve made since COVID-19 hit Michigan:

– Closed the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) building March 18 with plans to reopen on May 28

– Increased communication with Durfee/Central students, community leaders and our DIS tenants

– Began meeting short term-needs: Distributing 700 boxes of fresh, locally grown produce every week with Eastern Market and groceries for 300 families every other week with Gleaners, distributing restaurant gift cards and providing residential rent assistance

– Provided an opportunity for 2 months of rent deferment for our DIS tenants

– Began hosting weekly Facebook Live sessions on timely, relevant topics

– Reviewed our organization’s greatest strengths and re-imagined our strategies, programs and positions

– Began preparing for a potentially greater depression than the Great Depression of the 1930s by doing the following:
– Let go of some positions and began working to fill several roles with competent/committed volunteers
– Pausing non-critical building renovations
– Boosting in-kind labor: ITDRC installed free WiFi in the DIS parking lot and outside the building; HandyPro, Stark – – Enterprises, ABC/SEMCA and affiliated contractors providing in-kind construction on our building; 24G is helping to tell the PPP construction giveback story; Seeds Marketing + Design is undertaking a complete rebranding of the DIS; CatalystXL is creating a Life Remodeled app; Visualization Technology Services is creating a virtual tour of our building and programming that we can utilize over the next year to provide virtual tours to prospective donors.

– Providing free masks and emotional support for children and families in the local community

– Enhanced our Six Day Project plan to include social distancing: Dates are tentatively set for October 5 – 10, and all volunteers will be at least 10 feet apart

– Increasing collaborative offerings at the DIS such as shared staffing and services

– Adding new partnerships to achieve academic improvement goals: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Temple Israel tutoring, fitness/nutrition and youth sports

– Pressing pause on Life Remodeled’s expansion to our next neighborhood and next city

Regarding our fundraising efforts tied to my 40th bday, we raised $10,745 on our Facebook page and $12,365 through our LR website for a total of $23,110!

Lastly, 63% of you said you wanna see me without the blond halo… so here you go!

That’s all for now, and thank you for YOUR passion for Detroit children and families!

Better Together,

https://mailchi.mp/a52081c1b46c/big-news-110364?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
JUNE 1, 2020

Good Morning Team Life Remodeled,

Last week I wrote a piece called “Stop Hating Black Men, America.” Your responses were overwhelmingly positive. All but a handful of the more than 100 people who emailed or called me deeply resonated with the experiences I shared.

Before I hit “send” on that letter, I counted the cost, realizing we would possibly lose the support of a small number of donors. In fact, a few supporters did make it very clear they were upset by what I wrote, but I still don’t think they’ll pull back from our mission. Actually, I have tremendous respect for those who took the time to read the email and tell me exactly how they felt.

I prayed to God before writing and sending the letter, and I strongly sensed the cost of not sending that message was higher than the potential financial cost of some lost funding.

I’ve lived in or traveled to every continent in the world (except Antarctica), and I’ve chosen to live in America. Make no mistake about it, I LOVE AMERICA… but at the same time I wish America was as good to black men, women and children as America has been to me.

This is why I’m committed to being a white ally.

I’ve spent several hours with some of my closest black friends over the past week, and I cannot overstate the emotional and spiritual pain many are experiencing. No, it’s not because they were shocked Amy Cooper made a weaponizing phone call or that George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery are dead. These types of atrocities have been happening in America literally for centuries, but for white people who continue to deny the black experience of racism in America, the cell phone recordings have given us all front row seats to see it for ourselves. I sense that one of the reasons many black Americans are deeply hurt is because of the many white Americans who have seen the undeniable footage and merely moved on with their lives without taking action.

Are you someone who is interested in learning more about what it means to be a white ally? If so, will you join Dwan Dandridge and me tomorrow at 4pm on Facebook Live?

https://mailchi.mp/a6cb2d5d3e7e/big-news-110372?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
JUNE 5, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Our mission of bridging people across divides to help transform each other’s lives is driving significant impact during these dramatically divisive days. The two recent emails I wrote, Stop Hating Black Men, America and Making America Great for Everyone have received overwhelmingly positive responses and reactions that have increased bridge building. This week’s Facebook Live conversation I had with Dwan Dandridge about being a white ally has already received more than 2.7k views, and it’s a must see video. If you prefer to watch it on YouTube click here.

If you are seeking immediate ways to continue learning on this journey with Life Remodeled, we have two more trainings coming up soon:

The Civility Project with Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley Wednesday, June 10 from 4-5 p.m.
Americans are at their best when they can talk with one another, disagree, even argue, but agree to keep the dialogue going. Unfortunately, too many people feel today like they can’t do that, and they have to avoid even speaking to people with whom they disagree. Learn how to engage in civil conversation in this session. Register here.

Deep Dive w/ Dwan Dandridge: Being Brave Enough to Be Yourself in Spaces Where You’re Not Sure You’re Welcome
Tuesday, June 16 from 3-5 p.m.
White Americans need to learn to create spaces welcoming to black Americans. Learn how to do so, and more, in this session with Dwan Dandridge, VP of Projects & Community Engagement at Life Remodeled. Register here.

I’m inspired and encouraged by the significant support we’ve received as a result of using our platform for continuing the conversation and taking meaningful actions towards equity, and I’m confident we can continue with this momentum we have as a community, nation and world. Together we can do so much!

Embracing Change,

https://mailchi.mp/5dbdb6318313/big-news-110376?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
JUNE 10, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

In the spirit of “bridging people across divides to help transform each other’s lives,” I’m writing to provide more clarity as to why I’ve been using the phrase, “Stop Hating Black Men, America.”

Several friends have called, emailed and texted to tell me how furious they are. Some say I’m using divisive language that drives the wedges of division deeper and wider, and some have said I’m speaking the same inflammatory words Satan would want me to use during a time like this. Several loathed the idea of having any personal identification with our country’s history of slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, the racist language of the GI Bill, the War on Drugs, or the inequitable distribution of educational funding and support because they didn’t personally own slaves, or participate in any of these activities, etc.

I’ve shared the following analogy with several friends, which seemed to bring more understanding as to what I’m truly attempting to say:

I’m a Detroit Lions fan. When the Lions win (which isn’t as often as I’d like), I say “We won!” When the Lions lose, I say “We lost.” Everyone knows I’ve never played for the Lions. I’m not even a season ticket holder… but they are still “my team.”

We are all on Team America. America’s past, present and future successes and failures are our successes and failures. My country’s history is part of my history. However, it’s also very important to understand that even during times of “peak American financial prosperity,” when many Americans might say, “We’re doing GREAT as a country”… many people of color do not benefit equitably, and the opportunity gap can actually widen during these times.

Personally, I believe every person on the planet has racial prejudices. However, I think I can understand why no one wants to be considered racist in any way, shape or form, because I’ve come to learn being called “racist” in America is almost perceived as being labeled a member of the KKK. Obviously no one part of Team Life Remodeled wants to be one of those people… therefore we say things like, “Yea there are a few bad (racist) apples out there.”

I’m at a place in my life where I want to know myself fully, and be fully known by God and others, no matter how much darkness lies within. I’ve come to discover I have prejudiced and racist ideas that still run through my mind to this very day, but I purposefully and actively overcome those false beliefs by the power of God’s love, by submitting myself to friends of color who show me how to grow and by taking action to change.

Additionally, if I’m truly being honest with myself, I believe that statistically speaking if I would’ve been born in the South in the early 1800’s, I likely would’ve become someone who “owned” slaves.

Or, perhaps could I have possibly become an abolitionist? If by chance I were an abolitionist, would I have truly embraced full integration of black Americans into the full benefits of white society? Would I have used all of my influence to combat slavery despite the likelihood of losing my career, friendships, and even my life and the lives of my family?

I believe it’s also important to understand there are different definitions of racism. I use the words racism and prejudice interchangeably, but maybe I shouldn’t? One of my favorite authors, Robin DiAngelo uses them this way:

“Prejudice is pre-judgment about another person based on the social groups to which that person belongs…. Discrimination is action based on prejudice… When a racial group’s collective prejudice is backed by the power of legal authority and institutional control, it is transformed into racism, a far-reaching system that functions independently from the intentions or self-images of individual actors.”

You may be a white person reading this who loves all people of color. However, Team America is latent with racist systems, structures and policies that need to change, and Life Remodeled is committed to not only helping all of us learn from one another, but we are also continuing to create significant, equitable opportunities for Detroit children and families of color at the Durfee Innovation Society. This is our way of contributing to the change that America so desperately needs.

Thank you for supporting our mission and committing to learning along the journey. Will you join Dwan Dandridge and me on Tuesday, June 16 from 3pm-5pm as we discuss how white Americans can learn how to create spaces welcoming to black Americans? I hope so!

https://mailchi.mp/3d26ee023385/big-news-110380?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
JUNE 17, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

We’re getting really close to releasing the details of our 2020 Six Day Project, and I’m super excited about it!

On top of that, something new is happening in our region at a level I haven’t seen before. Many more people are showing interest in increasing their volunteer commitments for greater impact.

Maybe COVID-19 gave us time to rethink and reprioritize our values? Maybe the current climate of passionate attempts to bring about sweeping social change has motivated individuals to consider strategically investing more of their time in causes where they can experience moving the needle?

Whatever your reason may be, we’re excited to provide you with meaningful volunteer roles to help create life-changing opportunities for children, youth and families in Detroit! Below is a list of leadership roles we are looking to fill right now. You can click on any of these roles to see the job descriptions:

– Youth Sports Assistant
– Fitness Coordinator
– Nutrition Program Coordinator
– Math Enrichment Coordinator
– DIS Recruitment Coordinator

In addition to the leadership roles listed above, we are currently developing a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to ensure every student at Durfee Elementary-Middle School who wants a mentor can have one! We’re passionate about increasing the number of caring, consistent adults in the lives of children, and you can expect more info on this opportunity by August.

Lastly, prior to COVID-19, only 1.2% of all 3rd – 8th grade students at Durfee were performing at grade level in reading and math. When the new school year begins this fall, we expect the need for increased academic support to be greater than ever. Stay tuned for more info on tutoring opportunities (delete comma) because we’re going to need lots of dedicated volunteers.

If you want more information about any opportunities listed above, please contact our Director of Youth & Volunteer Engagement, Sharnese Marshall, at Sharnese@LifeRemodeled.com.
Confident We Are Better Together,

https://mailchi.mp/e841f449ac51/big-news-110384?e=2e3b528b39

———————-
JUNE 25, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

We are ramping up for our next Six Day Project, which is confirmed for October 5-10, 2020! This year’s Project will look VERY different from past years, so please read this ENTIRE email to figure out how you can get involved.

SHIFT HOURS: 1pm – 5pm

SOCIAL DISTANCING: Volunteers will be distanced at least 10 feet at all times. All tools will be pre-sanitized before use.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER WITH US

We are prepared to mobilize a maximum of 5,000 volunteers over six days. However, in addition to community residents who are volunteering with us, we are only accepting volunteers from organizations who are mobilizing groups of at least 5 volunteers. There is no maximum number of volunteers your organization can send, because we will spread them out among several projects, while always maintaining social distancing of at least 10 feet. At this time, we are only accepting group registrations from organizations who intend to join our 313 Club this year. Learn more about the 313 Club here.

WHY OUR SIX DAY PROJECT IS IMPORTANT

Detroit once housed more than 1.8 million people. However, now with only 650,000 residents, we have a lot of vacant land—thousands of acres of overgrown brush and weeds making certain areas not only visually depressing but also more dangerous.

The City of Detroit’s blight removal program is second to none, however COVID-19 has brought about significant budget cuts. That said, it’s just not possible for vacant properties to be maintained weekly at this time in our city’s history, and we need the help of volunteers like you to continue investing in the neighborhoods surrounding the one stop shop of opportunity that we’ve created together–the Durfee Innovation Society.

Additionally, given the division and polarization we’re facing in our country, we need Six Day Projects where people from all walks of life can work together–now more than ever.

DETAILS

Volunteers will remove blight from the front yards of vacant properties: removing debris and cutting down overgrown grass, weeds and brush. Each block will be treated as a separate project, and we will organize 10 – 30 volunteers maximum per project.

You and your team will be provided the address of your assigned block (project) one week in advance. You will drive your own vehicles to the project site and park on the side of the street. Two community leaders will be present on site to oversee the work and answer questions. Once you have finished your task on your block (project), you will place your tool in the designated area, get in your vehicle and drive home.

Each volunteer team will work on one block, and one block only. No tool swapping/sharing will take place. Whichever tool you use that day (lawn mower, weed wacker, loppers, rake or shovel) will be used by you and you only. All handles on all tools will be pre-sanitized before use.

Volunteers are required to bring their own masks, gloves and water. There will be additional masks, gloves and plenty of water available.

If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Youth & Volunteer Engagement, Sharnese Marshall, at Sharnese@LifeRemodeled.com.

Looking Forward to Serving With You,

https://mailchi.mp/4a279c5bfb92/big-news-110388?e=2e3b528b39

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JULY 17, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Will you consider becoming a big brother or big sister for a student at Durfee Elementary-Middle school?

Prior to COVID-19, only 1.2% of all 3rd through 8th grade students at Durfee were performing at grade level in reading and math. During the shutdown, less than 10% of students were able to participate in distance learning. This fall, we’ll have lots of opportunities for our volunteers to tutor both Durfee and Central students; however, that’s not what I’m asking you to consider today.

In the words of Magic Johnson, “All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.” Do you remember that one person (coach, teacher, mentor, older friend, faith-leader, relative, etc.) who had a significant impact on your life as a child, because s/he invested significant time encouraging and listening to you? All kids need caring, consistent adults in their lives– the more the merrier!

Would you consider becoming one of these caring, consistent adults for a student at Durfee?

Life Remodeled is proud to lock-arms with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit, who is partnering with Durfee Elementary-Middle School to launch a mentoring program with Durfee students this fall, and we want you to become a mentor.

Each adult mentor will be matched with one student for 12 months. “Matches” will meet weekly at a time that works with your schedule. At first, volunteering will be done entirely virtual, but then transition to face-to-face when appropriate.

During meetings, matches will engage in conversation and activities that will encourage strong relationships, positive youth development and help students build 21st Century Skills.

Expectations:

– Commit for one year
– Attend an orientation via virtual platform
– Complete an application, participate in an interview and provide references
– Complete a background check
– Communicate with parent/caregiver
– Communicate with Big Brothers Big Sisters monthly about the match relationship

Want to learn more? Join us on Zoom, Friday, August 7 from 12pm – 12:45 pm.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3139493261

Please RSVP to Sharnese@LifeRemodeled.com if you plan to attend.

https://mailchi.mp/1b4d3b99a0ed/big-news-110392?e=2e3b528b39

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JULY 23, 2020

Dear Life Remodeled family,

We need YOUR help! The playground located between the Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) and Durfee Elementary-Middle School is in need of some major repairs. We’ve partnered with Patronicity and the MEDC to participate in the Public Spaces Community Places program to raise funds for repairs.

The playground will cost a little more than $20,000, but the MEDC is matching funds dollar for dollar. So, we just need YOU to help us get to $10k! Would you consider making a donation?

Outdoor recreation spaces are an important part of growing up, and, especially during the global pandemic, an outdoor space allowing for social distancing is even more valuable. We’re excited to restore the decaying playground equipment, clean off the graffiti and stabilize the ground underneath these structures. Some of the playground fixtures in need of repairs include slides, swings, beanstalk climber, duck and chipmunk with coil springs and rumble seat. Pictures of what these structures will look like brand new can be found below.

This play space is used not only by students who attend Durfee and youth in the community, but also the children who attend after-school programming at the DIS. It will be available to the public Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Durfee Elementary-Middle School students will use the play structure during school hours. The name of the newly renovated park is currently being deliberated by our Community Advisory Council, made up of Durfee-Central community members.

Please consider donating to our Patronicity campaign to give kids in this community some good news during a time that feels overwhelmingly bad. We can’t wait to hear the laughter and see the joy on the faces of the neighborhood children who will use this playground! Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Doing “DIS” Together,

https://mailchi.mp/056ddf029c86/big-news-110396?e=2e3b528b39

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AUGUST 23, 2020

Hello Life Remodeled Family,

I am so proud and happy to announce that we’ve EXCEEDED our goal of raising $10,000 for the playground at the Durfee Innovation Society! Because of all of YOU, we raised over $10,000 in less than 24 hours, and overall raised $11,061 in just over 2 days!! I am so thankful for all who quickly jumped in to show support, and for our Life Remodeled family who continues to show their immense generosity time and time again!

One partner I am especially thankful for is Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), who not only donated to the campaign, but is providing skilled volunteers to help with the project management and implementation of playground renovations. Starting in September 2020, these volunteers will restore the decaying playground equipment, clean off the graffiti and re-paint the playscape, and stabilize the ground underneath these structures. Every year, FCA brings nearly 1,000 volunteers to our Six Day Project, so I am excited to continue partnering with this fantastic organization in a way that directly impacts the community.

Finally, after much deliberation, our Life Remodeled Community Advisory Council has decided to name the park John R. Lewis Playscape! The name will honor the late civil rights leader and Congressman and will highlight his tireless and lifelong work of fighting for the rights of African Americans. Through this dedication, Congressman Lewis’ legacy will live on and inspire the many children who will play in this park for years to come!

Thank you again for your continued support of the youth in our community and of our organization as a whole. I know the kids in this community will be so excited to have a fun, free and safe outdoor activity to take part in once the school year starts up again. Keep an eye out for pictures of the renovated park in the near future!

Doing “DIS” Together,

https://mailchi.mp/f210c5f2c36d/big-news-110400?e=2e3b528b39

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AUGUST 7, 2020

Dear Life Remodeled Family,

Had our 2020 plans not been flipped upside-down by a global pandemic, today would have been day five of our Six Day Project week.

I wish I could be with all of you today–hugging, laughing, sweating, and working TOGETHER as we have been doing every year for the last decade! I wish I could shake your hands, smile at passing crews and sit down for lunch with you during the most important and highly anticipated week for Life Remodeled each year.

Typically, my favorite day of project week is Friday. It’s our biggest volunteer day where more than 2,500 people gather to enjoy a beautiful summer day working together to achieve a common goal. While I’m saddened this isn’t happening at this very moment, I have much hope!

Our staff, partners and dedicated team of volunteers at Life Remodeled have invested considerable effort to prepare a SAFE & Socially Distanced 2020 Six Day Project (October 5 – 10), going above and beyond the minimum CDC guidelines. We’ve shortened the shift hours, cut out all forms of gathering in crowds, acquired the necessary PPE, and limited the number of volunteers we are mobilizing to ensure everyone is safe and socially distanced 10 feet at minimum at all times.

This project is important to so many, both to residents of our community and all volunteers. The impact the Six Day Project will provide this year is even more important than before. We’re happy we can still do a variation of it, even if it doesn’t look exactly the same, because our community and the city of Detroit need as many wins as we can get these days.

We’re grateful for the support we’re receiving from so many of you! Thank you for sticking with us and for continuing to show your support. Thank you for your generosity which has enabled us to distribute nearly $300,000 in much needed food and other essential resources during COVID-19. Thank you for the grace you’ve shown as we paused and pivoted our plans this year. Thank you for continuing in your commitment to our mission and believing in the work we do.

Nobody knows what next year, next month, or even next week will look like, but all I ask is that you continue to stick with us. Here’s to hoping this time next year we will gather again as 10,000 friends, in-person, pulling weeds and cutting lawns–TOGETHER!

Grateful for Today and Hopeful for the Future,

https://mailchi.mp/447ce0f7bd67/big-news-110404?e=2e3b528b39

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AUGUST 13, 2020

Dear Life Remodeled family,

If there’s one thing COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn has shown us, it’s that there is a shortage of resources to address the disparities many lower-income communities face. As social change agents, Life Remodeled, like many nonprofits, has the responsibility to collaborate and share our resources to most efficiently address these challenges.

That is precisely why we partnered with community members to create the Durfee Innovation Society in the first place. The DIS is home to 33 tenants who provide equitable opportunities for families, youth and individuals in the Durfee-Central community, and since the start of the project, we’ve been committed to being more than just a landlord to these organizations. We regularly seek out opportunities to support our tenants and increasingly add value as a result of their presence at the DIS.

Just in the past few months…

– We were selected by the Co.act Detroit Collaboration Pilot, which will allow our tenants to more effectively collaborate within the DIS by sharing critical services such as grant writing and a global marketing strategy.

– We’ve implemented a data collection system for all tenants to help us better track key metrics such as how many adults/youth our tenants serve each month, how many residents are acquiring jobs and how many women and BIPOC are employed within the building, etc. This will allow us to more accurately illustrate collective impact and help inform the work we do to better serve the community.

– We’ve partnered with AmeriCorps VISTA to have two individuals join our team who are dedicated to increasing collaboration among tenants and spreading the word about DIS programming to the community. They will work closely with the DIS tenants to help foster collaboration and also share information about tenant offerings with community members. (Below is a picture of Terri, our newest VISTA!)

As we near the end of the building renovation, we are increasing our investment and commitment to creating sustainability and scalability of our opportunity hub model. We are proud to provide our tenants a space where they can focus less on operational inefficiencies and more on fulfilling their missions of providing opportunities to Detroiters in this community. When our tenants succeed, we all succeed, ultimately allowing us to take on even more opportunity hub projects throughout the city of Detroit in the years to come.

Doing “DIS” Together,

https://mailchi.mp/aac5d62ed9e8/big-news-110408?e=2e3b528b39

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AUGUST 19, 2020

Dear Life Remodeled Family,

Thanks to two recent, very large gifts from Masco and an anonymous family foundation, I’m excited to announce we’re down to the last 4% of our capital campaign for the Durfee Innovation Society! We only need to raise $148,852. Will you help us cross the finish line by donating to our “home stretch” fundraiser?

As you can see from the images below, the DIS has come a long way since Life Remodeled first moved in back in 2017. Through the generosity of dedicated volunteers, donors, and the Durfee-Central community, we’ve invested $4.2M to date and have restored this beautiful building in only three years!

While we are nearing the completion of renovations, Life Remodeled will continue to manage and guide the Durfee Innovation Society for decades in order to ensure it consistently achieves its mission. Once Life Remodeled begins to invest in our next community, our Community Advisory Council and the DIS tenants, with the help of a DIS operations team, will continue their important work of serving the community and utilizing the DIS as a space where community members can gather, propose solutions to challenges and continue to provide equitable opportunity to all.

Not only does the building look amazing, but we’re at 93% occupancy and our incredibly talented tenants have the capacity to ensure we can collectively achieve these goals:

The remaining renovations we’re fundraising for include roof repairs, LED lighting, minor electrical and exterior improvements. Additionally, we are renovating the old pool into a practice space for the Detroit Youth Choir. This area will also be used for youth programming, specifically for tutoring and after-school enrichment for the students at the neighboring Durfee Elementary-Middle School and Central High School. Many of these resilient students have struggled academically (especially during the pandemic) and will benefit from additional intensive academic support once coursework resumes.

In order to help bring this campaign to a speedy conclusion, Thrivent Financial has committed a matching grant of $35,000! Please consider donating to our campaign to help us get 100% to our goal!

Always Thankful For Your Partnership,

https://mailchi.mp/74276481df40/big-news-110412?e=2e3b528b39

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AUGUST 27, 2020

Dear Team Life Remodeled,

Life Remodeled has been rolling up our sleeves and addressing issues of race and equity in Detroit for years. Our mission is to bridge people across divides to help transform each other’s lives, and we have actively bought together people of various races, religions, socioeconomic statuses and political perspectives since we started 10 years ago. On Super Bowl Sunday (February 2nd, 2020), we kicked off a new Life Remodeled program that has further strengthened our mission: Race Remodeled.

Two hours before the big game, we hosted a panel discussion featuring six individuals–half who believed kneeling during the National Anthem is an appropriate form of protest and half who did not. With 160+ people in attendance (and a near even mix of BIPOC and white attendees) we had the opportunity to take a deep dive into the discussion which also included a lively question and answer session.

Click above to watch a quick trailer from the discussion at the Super Bowl event, or you can watch the full 11 minute recap here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jN220u90NE

Race Remodeled will host events throughout the year and provide content that will help shape the regional narrative around race, equity and Detroit revitalization. This initiative is led by our Vice President of Projects and Community Engagement, Dwan Dandridge. Throughout his time at Life Remodeled, Dwan has identified blind spots within our organization and helped me navigate the waters of racial inequity in order to create relationships built on trust with the residents Life Remodeled is dedicated to serving in Detroit. Dwan continues to engage with community members, but through Race Remodeled he has been taking his work even further.

The philosophy behind Race Remodeled is this– racism and urban poverty do not have to exist, and we desperately need to work & play well together to eradicate both. By facilitating difficult and candid conversations (virtually until we can gather together again safely) Race Remodeled allows individuals of all backgrounds and races to learn from each other in brave spaces.

Our first event, WWJD: Racism in the Church, will take place on Wednesday, September 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and consist of a panel discussion with pastors of local churches addressing the Christian church’s past, and sometimes timid, approach to being anti-racist and advocating against racism. Speakers include three local Evangelical pastors: Sonny Smith of Detroit Church, Danny Cox of Kensington Church and Scott McKee of Ward Church. Register for this event here.

Future events include:

– October – Woke in the Workplace (Virtual): A panel discussion with business leaders to provide an opportunity to explain their reasons for an increased and recent focus on racial equity in America and strategies for creating welcoming spaces for BIPOC employees to feel comfortable being an authentic version of themselves.

– November – Race and Politics: A panel discussion illustrating the role race plays in political campaigns, messaging and strategy.

Get future notifications about these events and similar content by signing up for our Race Remodeled email list.
Thank you for your continued support of this important work. I’m looking forward to having these conversations, sharing what I have learned and learning from all of you.

Better Together,

https://mailchi.mp/96a666e30aa4/big-news-110416?e=2e3b528b39

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Our 2020 Six Day Project is fast approaching (October 5 – 10), and I’m making one last call for volunteers. Interested in participating with the other 1500 registered volunteers? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Our Six Day Project is designed to be SUPER SAFE, where all volunteers will be required to stay at least 10 feet away from others at all times, all tools will be pre-sanitized and all work will take place outside. Check out this short animation video that illustrates all the precautions we’re taking this year.

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/447326141

2. ALL organizations are invited to join us! Donations are not required to participate. However, we’re only accepting volunteers from organizations who are mobilizing groups of at least 5+ volunteers. There’s no maximum number of volunteers your organization can send, because we will spread them out among several outdoor project sites in the Durfee/Central Community.

3. Shift Hours: 1pm – 5pm

4. Register your group for the 2020 Six Day Project here!
If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer & Youth Engagement Director, Sharnese Marshall, at Sharnese@LifeRemodeled.com.

Hope to see you in October to help revitalize our neighborhood together!

Better Together,

https://mailchi.mp/4de2a9f7d8e0/big-news-110420?e=2e3b528b39

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Every solid nonprofit I know has made substantial organizational pivots in order to best serve their communities during this pandemic. Life Remodeled has made numerous changes in our strategy, including the fact that we’ve received and distributed a total of $446,846 in COVID-19 relief efforts thus far:

– 1,240 gift cards to black-owned restaurants in Detroit, which benefitted both the recipients and the restaurants (BIG thanks for Serve Foundation for financial support!)
– Fresh, locally grown produce distributed to 700 families each week
– Groceries distributed 300 families every other week
– 8,000 high-quality, washable, reusable masks still being distributed
– Rent paid for 11 families who live in the Durfee/Central Community
– Free WiFi access installed on exterior of DIS building for community use

In addition to the above, with school starting next week, Life Remodeled is making further strategic pivots. Prior to COVID-19, only 1.2% of all 3rd through 8th grade students at Durfee were performing at grade level in reading and math. During the stay-at-home order, less than 10% of students participated in distance learning.

As you’re probably aware, there are a number of wealthy American families taking measures to ensure their children receive the highest quality education money can buy during a pandemic, and this includes paying for private teachers. Bottom line, the educational opportunity gap in urban America will widen much worse than it already was before the pandemic.

I’m truly grateful that my family is in a position where my wife is able to homeschool our children this year. However, I know from experience during the stay-at-home order that our two rowdy sons will only stay engaged in online learning for about 13 seconds if my wife isn’t directly encouraging and keeping them accountable.

Personally, I believe that for many children who don’t have the luxury of a stay-at-home parent/guardian (or a private teacher/tutor) to monitor and facilitate their schoolwork, distance learning will equate to “no learning” for their entire 2020-2021 school year.

That said, Life Remodeled and a number of Durfee Innovation Society tenants (VIP Mentoring, Perfectus Consulting, Cleary University, The Lawn Academy, Repair the World, Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan and the Detroit Youth Choir) will be providing a Safe Center for Online Learning for students and Family Pods to have access to high-speed wifi, desks, technology, exercise and enrichment activities in a supervised environment with large spaces that allow for safe social engagement.

Several Life Remodeled partners (including Temple Israel) will also provide after-school tutoring, and so far 23 Life Remodeled volunteers have committed to become virtual Big Brothers or Big Sisters with a Durfee student for one year!

If you’d like to become more involved in any of the activities mentioned above, please let me know. It takes a village!
Grateful for YOUR Passion to Help Ensure Detroit Families have Access to Opportunities,

https://mailchi.mp/cc4f186ebdf5/big-news-110424?e=2e3b528b39

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

I come bearing fantastic news: Today I picked up the full Certificate of Occupancy for the Durfee Innovation Society! After 3 years of working on the most challenging and rewarding project I’ve ever been part of… WE did it TOGETHER!!!

I thank God for all the ways in which He inspired you to be part of this project! I’m convinced through the creation of opportunity hubs like the Durfee Innovation Society, our model will become Detroit’s most collaborative and impactful community revitalization strategy.

I want to give a special shout out to all the students and community leaders who collectively dreamed up and significantly helped implement the ideas for educational enrichment, jobs and human services that the DIS now delivers to more than 14,000 Detroit children, youth and adults annually.

And thank you to all 5,000+ donors who have invested $4.4M to date, including those who contributed as little as $10. It all adds up in the end!

The most important work lies ahead, but together we’ve built a rock solid foundation that deserves celebrating!

Speaking of celebration, I hope you’re saving the date for our virtual 10 Year Anniversary celebration, December 3 from 6-7 p.m. We’re going to celebrate 10 years of nearly unimaginable achievements, and I’m going to share some really big news about what’s next. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from Isaiah Thomas, Gabrielle Union, the Detroit Youth Choir and more.
Better TOGETHER!

https://mailchi.mp/88b88b5b6f9b/big-news-110428?e=2e3b528b39

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

I want to let you know our next Race Remodeled virtual discussion, Woke in the Workplace?, is happening this Thursday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m.

In this virtual panel discussion, our VP, Dwan Dandridge, and I will be joined by Lauren Hood, AfroUrbanist and Community Developer and Director of Programs at New Detroit, and Dominique Campbell, Hip-Hop Artist/Entrepreneur.

Both Lauren and Dominique will draw from their experiences to discuss equity in the corporate space, building diverse teams and strategies for creating a truly welcoming workplace where all individuals feel comfortable being their authentic selves.

Additionally, I’ll be sharing some of the biggest mistakes as well as some of the best decisions I’ve made.

We’ve now hosted 7 virtual sessions which have accumulated more than 22,000 views. It’s clear by our initial success in viewership that the content in these sessions has been very meaningful to those who have already joined in these candid conversations around race and equity; and, week after week, the news is a constant reminder of how divisive our country is becoming and why we need Race Remodeled more than ever.

See you there!

https://mailchi.mp/a431e92b69b2/big-news-110444?e=2e3b528b39

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OCTOBER 14, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

We’ve been organizing Six Day Projects for 10 straight years, and every single one has been unique and powerful. Last week was no exception: In the midst of a pandemic, we were able to mobilize 2,021 awesome volunteers to remove blight on 71 blocks, make improvements to the Durfee Innovation Society and revitalize a broken-down playscape! Thanks to our volunteer photographers, we have tons of photos from project week. Take a look and try to find yourself and your group!

99% of our volunteers said our pandemic safety measures helped them feel safe from COVID-19 while volunteering. During a time in our country’s history when we are experiencing extreme polarization, 99% of our volunteers also said they felt a greater sense of connectedness with others during the project.

Not only is blight psychologically damaging to children and families who have to look at it, but it plays a significant factor in crime rates. Because the city of Detroit had to make substantial budget cuts in 2020, the blight removal effort from our passionate and hard-working volunteers was much needed and much appreciated.

Thanks to Patronicity, the MEDC and the 43 donors who helped crowdfund this campaign, we raised $21,558 in less than 24 hours to purchase much needed equipment and supplies to bring this playscape to life again. A crew of amazing volunteers from FCA completed the renovation in only four days, and last Friday the Life Remodeled Community Advisory Council and students from Durfee Elementary dedicated it as the “John R. Lewis Playscape.”

A GIANT THANK YOU to ALL who supported these important efforts with your prayers, donations and sweat equity! I can hardly WAIT to celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary with you virtually on December 3rd (7pm – 8pm). Have you registered yet?

Better Together!

https://mailchi.mp/69b818b78fab/big-news-110456?e=2e3b528b39

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OCTOBER 19, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

Did you know 10 years ago Life Remodeled originally started as a reality TV show?!

Because our strategy has changed DRASTICALLY since when we first began, we pulled the pilot episode off the internet. However, since we’re celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year, we’re hosting a watch party on Tuesday, October 27 from 8-9 p.m.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJrxoviAtgI&feature=youtu.be

This will be an interactive watch party, and I’ll be answering questions and sharing some lesser known facts throughout the episode. Will you join us for this historic event? Register here and watch on our Facebook, YouTube, or LinkedIn channels at 8 p.m. on October 27. You can get a quick preview by watching the trailer for the full-length episode.

I was pastoring a church that my wife, a group of friends and I had launched in 2007. The church was called “Ekklesia,” which means “church” in the original language of the New Testament. In March 2010, I got this idea, which I felt like was from God… and it was similar to the then popular reality TV show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, but this idea was much more holistic.

However, we only had about $8,000 in the bank, less than 200 church members and none of us held any influential positions of leadership in society.

I remember the day I first shared with our team of pastors this vision to build a house in six days and give it to a low-income family for free, but also to set the family up with a free financial advisor, counseling to help process family dynamics, spiritual guidance… AND we could also beautify the surrounding neighborhood… oh, and just one more thing… I wanted to produce a reality TV show pilot in hopes it would become the next big show so we’d never have to raise money again… because the show would pay for everything!

Fast forward 10 years later and TOGETHER we’ve accomplished far more than I’d ever imagined!

Grateful for YOU… whether you’ve been with us 10 years or 10 minutes, we love you!

Better Together,

https://mailchi.mp/166e513d0e61/big-news-110460?e=2e3b528b39

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OCTOBER 27, 2020

Hello Team Life Remodeled,

As you have hopefully been able to tell from my emails, I’m VERY excited to be celebrating Life Remodeled’s 10 Year Anniversary this year!

We’re hosting a virtual 10 Year Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, December 3 from 7 – 8 p.m., and we’d love for every community member, volunteer, donor and all other members of the Life Remodeled family to join us at the party. We’ll be streaming it live on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, and you can tune in from the comfort of your own home.

Will you RSVP today and let us know you’re tuning in on Dec. 3?

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-remodeleds-10-year-anniversary-celebration-tickets-122414582311

From building a brand new single-family home in Westland in only six days to repurposing a 143,000 sq ft building in Detroit into an opportunity hub at 97% capacity, we’ve grown so much these past 10 years, and we want to celebrate each and every milestone with YOU. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from Isiah Thomas, Gabrielle Union, the Detroit Youth Choir and more. We’re going to celebrate 10 years of nearly unimaginable achievements, and I’ll share some awesome news about what’s next.

We could never have achieved such significant impact without each and every person who has believed in our mission and projects enough to invest in our work. And now, we need you more than ever as we focus on our future and our largest project YET— which we can’t wait to tell you about on December 3!

A decade’s worth of gratitude,

Chris Lambert

P.S. To get the celebration started early, tune into our live watch party tonight at 8 p.m. to see where it all began! We’ll be watching the pilot episode of “Life Remodeled” which chronicles our very first project ever!

“A Case for Reusing Old School Buildings”

As the experts say, “the greenest building is one that already exists.” However, when considering adaptive reuse projects in towns and cities across America, many developers overlook one of the most obvious green buildings in the area: the local school.

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End of Life Remodeled’s E-mail ‘Blasts’

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FYI: I (Mark Besh) put together a fundraising concert for Life Remodeled on March 16, 2012 that showed portions of the Reality TV Show ‘pilot’ (of the first Life Remodeled project in Westland, MI)I was a part of producing. I had the Christian parody band ApologetiX preform the concert:

Fundraiser Website: https://liferemodeledfundraiser.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/video-clips-of-apologetix-performing/

Fundraiser Preview of ApologetiX:

[ NOTE: To see longer clips of all of these songs, view this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7RISA5oyQ ].

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“A Case for Reusing Old School Buildings”

Over the years as educational needs have changed, the trend has been for smaller, historic urban schools to relocate to larger, suburban areas. Though these abandoned urban schools have largely been dismissed by the communities surrounding them, developers are increasingly realizing that the beautiful and sturdy old school buildings of yesteryear are perfect for adaptive reuse projects today.

Why Schools Abandon Older Buildings

One of the main reasons developers may overlook school buildings for adaptive reuse projects is because these structures have often been abandoned for so long they’ve become nearly invisible. Older, long-term neighborhood residents may avoid talking about the facility because they still grieve the loss of a building that played so prominently in their memories. Younger residents may view the fenced-off school with its surrounding acreage merely as an obstacle between them and their intended destination. To this group, the school is simply a dead lot, similar to the weed-covered, chain-link-fenced square of land they pass every day.

Though the buildings are impressive and often lovely, districts close down these schools because they see the building as “nostalgic.” Sure, it’s nice to look at, local board members say, but it’s unable to meet our changing educational needs.

The top reasons school districts decide to close historic schools are:

Size: Perhaps they need more land for athletic fields or perhaps the growing local student population has made the building’s classrooms, as well as its cafeteria and gym, too small or too unsafe for modern educational purposes and mandates.
Regulations: The cost of bringing a building up to code or meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements may also be too high for schools, especially once districts start considering the myriad of other updates they need for the facilities.
Access: Districts may also have troubles bussing students in and out due to traffic congestion issues at key times in the day. Teachers, parents, and students may also be frustrated by limited parking options when the school is located on a relatively small lot.
Unfortunately, the fact that a school district abandoned a building often leads developers to overlook the property as well. This is a mistake, because educational needs are typically extremely specific and don’t translate into other industries. Developers looking to invest in a historic school building don’t face the same restrictions as their local school district.

The Benefits of Historic School Buildings for Adaptive Reuse

Ask any group of people about their K-12 experience and you’ll hear a wide variety of responses. Some people hated school. Others loved their school-age years and look back fondly at the teachers and communities they grew up in. Still others won’t be able to remember much about their school experience because it had so little to do with who they are today.

Regardless, most people will agree that their school buildings made an impression on them.

Whether large or small, school buildings (especially pre-war structures) were built to be both inspiring and solid. The structures were built to last and were often also built to be the focal point of their communities. Because of this, schools of years past featured a level of detail, craftsmanship, and materials we rarely see today.

But the appeal of historic school buildings goes far beyond architectural aesthetics. These buildings are also:

Located in walkable / bikeable areas that attract young couples
More sustainable, with naturally built-in LEED certification measures
Often more affordable than new construction, especially when demolition is considered
A community rallying point that can garner astonishing project support
Frequently subsidized by federal and state tax credits
Best of all, historic school buildings are also often more effective for mixed-use adaptive reuse projects than other similar alternatives because of their wide range of existing amenities such as kitchens, gyms, spacious hallways, airy classrooms, and high ceilings.

Rural Schools Also Present Opportunities

The trend toward recycling school buildings isn’t just a metro-area phenomenon – abandoned schools are a growing investment prospect in rural areas too.

Many rural communities at the edges of urban areas have recently been experiencing fast growth for the same reason that older urban areas started growing a decade ago: housing costs.

As older, less desirable areas in the cities have been upgraded to reflect the needs and interests of millennials, the costs in these areas have also been upgraded. New families often must now rent or purchase just outside the city in nearby rural areas. The resulting population boom in these communities means they need to close their older, smaller, rural schools and build new, larger facilities at the edges of town.

Unlike historic urban school buildings, recently abandoned rural schools often contain essential modern amenities already, such as broadband and updated HVAC systems.

Since growing rural communities typically lack adequate rental opportunities, healthcare facilities, and entertainment activities, rural schools that lend themselves to these types of adaptive reuse projects stand to profit handsomely.

The Value of a Good Education Building

As we all understand in this industry, historic buildings don’t simply “wear out.” On the contrary, although older structures may require updates to windows, roofs, doors, and mechanical systems in order to serve a new purpose, the buildings themselves can last indefinitely.

Since repurposing the built environment has been shown to be significantly less expensive than demolishing and rebuilding, and also creates significantly less landfill waste and a lower carbon footprint, the practice of repurposing abandoned historic school buildings in both urban and rural landscapes may prove to be the next great development deal of the century.

[ Milrose Consultants ]

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“Repurposing a Vacant School into City Hall”

You don’t have to look far to find an empty school building in the state of Michigan. Many communities are dealing with empty buildings that have been vacated by school districts because of shrinking enrollment, growing operation costs, and other concerns. While those buildings can be a detriment to a community, attracting squatters and vandalism, they don’t have to be.

There was a lot of community involvement in the building updates and rehabilitation, including council member Rebecca Hopp painting the exterior and employees from the Ottawa Conservation District planting a butterfly garden.
The city of Ferrysburg turned an empty school into a community asset by transforming it into city hall and a satellite police office. “Ferrysburg Elementary was part of Grand Haven Public Schools and it was closed due to declining enrollment,” Craig Bessinger, Ferrysburg City Manager said. The school was situated in a central location in Ferrysburg, making it an attractive spot for city hall. “A few years back, there was an economic development task force that put together a strategic plan,” Bessinger said. “One of the items in that plan was to possibly buy the 13-acre parcel of the school if it were ever to come up for sale.”

In its old city hall location, a former church, Ferrysburg was running out of room to efficiently take care of city business. “We were short on space, it wasn’t centrally located, and it couldn’t be easily located by our residents,” said Mayor Dan Ruiter. The Ferrysburg Elementary location was so attractive because it offered loads of space and was centrally located, helping to join the city’s two business districts. “When it became available, we bought it pretty quickly,” Ruiter said. The city purchased the school for $900,000.

Redeveloping the school into a new city hall wasn’t necessarily the plan right from the start. There was talk of demolishing the school and building a new city hall. “It was up for debate,” said Jeffery Stilles, the former mayor. “We had a company come in and give us the rundown of cost using different scenarios, from building new to just giving the building a facelift.” The process was all taking place when the country’s stimulus plan was at its strongest, and there was hope that a completely new facility would be a possibility. “There were some on the council in favor of leveling the place, and others that wanted to preserve its history,” said Mayor Ruitor. “With the stimulus plan, the federal government was looking for shovel-ready projects, but the costs were still too high even with some federal funding.”

Costs to tear down the school and construct a new city hall on the site were estimated at $3.5 million. By choosing instead to repurpose the existing building, the city was able to renovate at a cost of $92,153.

Large Rock
Rock five, a large rock from the former city hall building, was moved to the new location. A number of residents asked for this “landmark” to be relocated. Dick’s Towing in Grand Haven donated their time and equipment to move the rock.
Prior to starting the project, councilmembers and city officials visited the city of Norton Shores, where a school was successfully redeveloped into city hall. “It was good for us to see the Norton Shores project and how the city was able to modify a school building for its uses,” said Stilles. “I think it is definitely something other communities should consider. School buildings are typically well built and this wasn’t a huge undertaking for us. It has worked out very well.”

The changes to the building weren’t drastic—classrooms were transformed into offices, conference rooms, and city council chambers. The building basically received a facelift with new carpet, paint, windows, ceiling tiles, air conditioning units, and audio video equipment.

Grand Haven Public Schools had kept the school in tip-top condition and had already installed new computer lines, so that saved us a lot on cost,” Bessinger said. Built in the 1950s, there are some drawbacks to the facility, including an aging boiler, but all in all Bessinger said the move has been an economically smart one for the city.

In the future, if the opportunity presents itself, the city will build a new city hall on the front of the building, while maintaining some of the assets of the current building, such as the gym. “There’s still a lot of value in the building, and we have found the gym to be a great place for social events. It is a space we can rent out and use ourselves, too,” Stilles said.

In fact, Ferrysburg has been able to rent out much of the space it doesn’t use for city business, bringing in approximately $75,000 in rental income per year. The redeveloped school offers Ferrysburg 32,000 square feet, with 10,000 of that being leased to Ottawa County Community Mental Health. Other tenants include a preschool and daycare, and a basketball clinic. Also a bonus, the old city hall location has been leased out to a local dance studio, so that building isn’t sitting empty either.

“I find it enjoyable to hear our residents reminiscence about the time they spent here as students, when they come in to take care of business,” said Bessinger.

[ Rene Rosencrantz Wheaton ]

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“Ring the Bell: New Life for Old School Buildings”

The ebb and flow of communities, schooling trends and demand – or lack thereof – for public education space across the country have yielded hundreds of empty school buildings ripe for redevelopment. So what can be done with buildings designed to house students, not tenants?

Two developers have just launched the redevelopment of a shuttered junior high school on Washington, D.C.’s, famed Capitol Hill, reshaping the building as a 162-unit apartment building and making space for 60,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, plus a 163,000 square-foot office building, says the Washington Post.

In Pittsburgh, a high school that sat empty for 20 years has been reincarnated into a 106-unit retirement residence, and a 1930s Darlington, Wisconsin, middle school was converted into multifunctional facility that now houses city hall, police headquarters, senior citizen and daycare centers, and county offices.

Pew Charitable Trusts, in their report “Shuttered Public Schools: The Struggle to Bring Old Buildings New Life,” details unique ways of repurposing old schools to both maximize their real estate potential and establish them as a revenue source. More importantly, the report cites how real estate developers can turn vacant space into financial gain and secure citizen and community buy-in along the way.

The report says that in Detroit, a developer bought a closed public school, leased it to two different charter schools over the past decade and used the revenue to help redevelop three other closed school buildings into housing, offices, a movie theater, and, most recently, recording studios and practice rooms for local musicians.

The Pew report says public engagement is key. The degree to which school districts engage neighbors in determining what to do with the buildings varies from place to place, with most reporting no formal structure or process for collecting input. While public opinion alone cannot make a desired project financially viable, Pew says strong opposition can stop a development from happening.

In Atlanta, a district convened a “repurposing committee” made up of school and city officials and community representatives to lead the conversation of the future of closed schools. Pew reports that potential lessees or buyers present plans to the groups, which vote on the option they prefer, although the vote is not binding on the school board.

In Kansas City, the district organizes site tours, public meetings, and other efforts to ensure that prospective developers interact with the public. Officials there said that getting residents to think about, and sometimes propose, future uses for a former school has garnered community support for specific projects. Developers have incorporated public feedback into their projects, in one case adding a health clinic to a planned senior housing facility at the request of neighbors.

Have you or your company engaged in any adaptive reuse of schools? Sound off in the comments and share your successes.

[ Kathryn Hamilton ]

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“Repurposing School Resources to Meet Students Where They Are”

Every day, educators are going above and beyond to support their students in this time of uncertainty and crisis. While we always place tremendous value on the good work done by teachers, the BELE Network wants to extend extra gratitude as Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off nationwide. Many educators are quite literally on the front lines serving during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those at Renaissance West STEAM School in Charlotte North Carolina:

“I have been delivering the work packets to one of my homeless students and in addition to the work I’ve included some fun activities like a puzzle, cards, art supplies, snacks and a pair of binoculars. He’s been cooped up and bored inside a hotel room all day. It gave me a chance to lay eyes on him and say hello. It made me feel really good to hear his mom say, “Thank you for making this fun for us. He misses you.” — Stephanie Logan, 2nd Grade Teacher

“Covid-19 provided me an opportunity to go through full circle with raising money for local, Charlotte, food banks in August and then this March I was honored to volunteer with my school and immediate family passing out food to the families we serve. Talk about heartwarming and joy producing work!” — Cynthia L Dey, STEAM Facilitator, Grades K-5

“I have delivered hotspots and chromebooks to several students’ residents. Before I leave I ensure that our students can connect to the internet, log into their chromebook, and access their school work. Immersing myself into giving back to my students during this pandemic is one of my top priorities.” — Tawander Whittington, CTE Business Education Teacher, Grades 6 & 7

Let’s hear it for our teachers — this and every week.

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All across the United States, schools and districts are navigating a bumpy transition to distance learning in response to COVID-19. The move from classrooms to remote-learning environments has exposed countless inequities in our society. As educators and policymakers race to provide students with the tools they need to continue learning, flexibility, speed and creativity have never been needed more in the education environment.

These aspects are especially critical to bridging the gap for students of color and low-income students. Many students were already overcoming insurmountable hurdles, and without flexibility, speed and creativity we risk leaving a generation of young people further behind — academically, socially, and emotionally. Due to COVID-19 closures of schools, libraries, and other support systems, there is a major gap in filling basic needs so students have the opportunity to learn.
Fortunately, we are seeing schools and districts leveraging age-old assets to solve unprecedented problems. Who knew school buses could be converted into literal bridges (on wheels) to help ensure students still have access to the basics — even during social distancing.

As districts navigate school closures and the adjustment to distance learning, many for the rest of the school year, some districts are deploying school buses to deliver support to students in need. Given an estimated 12 million children do not have broadband internet access at home, districts such as those in Austin, Texas and across South Carolina are equipping school bus fleets with Wi-Fi routers and parking them in underserved communities so students can access their online classes and curriculum. This is just one example of how districts can rethink and reconfigure the tools at their disposal to equitably address students’ needs.
Additionally, districts like those in Minnesota and Oregon are rallying their staff and infrastructure to prepare anywhere from hundreds to thousands of meals a day to be delivered to students and their families along existing school bus routes. One example comes from McGregor High School in rural Minnesota, where each week paraprofessionals deliver five breakfasts and lunches to over 250 students along bus routes.

Cheryl Meld, the school’s student support grants administrator, says that in addition to ensuring every student gets a meal, there have been other pervasive difficulties. “Internet connectivity has been a challenge. Coverage can be spotty,” Meld added. “We’ve loaned out all available school hot spots and additional ones have been provided by a local non-profit and a tribal agency. Yet even with enough units for each household, there is not always connectivity in remote areas.”

Never before have schools been forced to adapt so quickly by bringing the education to the students, instead of vice versa. Fortunately, this approach has had a positive ripple effect that extends beyond academic success and into the overall wellbeing of families in their community.

While we draw inspiration from those boldly and innovatively taking action to fill the gaps in our education system exacerbated by COVID-19, it’s important to remember that these gaps are far broader than academic curriculum alone can address. If we are to truly support our students, we must support them intentionally and holistically — or risk widening the equity gap even further. However, in this time of urgent and immediate need, we applaud the creative problem solving that is making a concrete, positive difference in the lives of students across the country. We hope that more and more districts continue to adopt measures like these to utilize existing infrastructure and bring support to their students.

[ The BELE Network ]

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“Remnant Schools: Faculty Are Repurposing the Legacy of Jim Crow Across Louisiana”

Throughout the south of the United States, hundreds of mid-century “equalization schools”—public schools built in the 1950s following Brown vs. Board of Education in a desperate effort to maintain segregated “separate but equal” schools in southern states—sit empty, abandoned, and crumbling.

Faculty at the Tulane School of Architecture, Laura Blokker, interim director and lecturer of preservation studies, and Andrew Liles, AIA adjunct assistant professor of architecture, were awarded the biennial Richard L. Blinder Award in August, given through the Trustees of the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, to document equalization schools in Louisiana and provide innovative adaptive reuse strategies for the building type. A knee jerk reaction to this project is frequently, “Why should an effort be made to preserve buildings that were created for the express purpose of upholding segregation? Wouldn’t that honor the legacy of Jim Crow in the United States?” No, not exactly.

Sabine High School (SHS) in Many, Louisiana, is one such equalization school that alumni are fighting to preserve and revitalize. In 2019, Sandra Garner-Coleman, Connie Levo-Howard, Mae Mallard-Moore, Syporia Garner-Turner, Patsy Garner, and other alumni joined forces with the 12th District #3 Association, a collective of 17 churches in Sabine Parish who regained control of the SHS campus in 2002, to create the Sabine High School Revitalization Project. Founded in 1928 as an eight teacher Rosenwald school called Sabine Parish Training School, Sabine High School served students grades 1 through 12 and provided a holistic, community-based education for African American students until desegregation began in 1970.

“SHS was and is a significant part of my life. It was a major part of my foundation that has shaped my life to this day,” said alumna Mae Mallard-Moore. “The educators, cafeteria staff, custodians, and bus drivers made me feel included and special…it along with the church was the center of the African American community.” The dedication of educators like T.A. Maxie, Principal of Sabine High School, provided students with support, inspiration, and opportunities, despite the harsh realities of the segregation-era South.

While equalization schools are representative of a difficult history, Blokker affirms that this project is contingent on the desires of community stakeholders. “What is important is what [the school] represents to the community and its alumni,” said Blokker. “If alumni of these schools wanted them torn down and destroyed, then I would think that’s what should happen, even though I’m a preservationist… but it’s quite contrary to the feelings many alumni shared with me…. they were nurtured in the very close communities created by these schools… these were cherished places in the Black community and to see so many of these schools locked up and ignored is very painful to many alumni.”

Blokker has worked with many Louisiana equalization school alumni groups, such as John S. Dawson High School in St. Francisville, Arcadia Colored High School – later Crawford High School – in Arcadia, and Sabine High School in Many, to list their school buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Even though Rosenwald Schools have inspired a great deal of historic preservation research and advocacy, their mid-century successors have nearly been forgotten. Blokker and Liles’ survey of equalization schools, coupled with the production of handbooks for preservation and new design, will be instrumental in reclaiming these buildings for their communities.

Save this picture!Sabine High School homecoming queens ride in the annual homecoming parade. Image Courtesy of SHS Revitalization ProjectSabine High School homecoming queens ride in the annual homecoming parade. Image Courtesy of SHS Revitalization Project
Syporia Garner-Turner was a student at Sabine High School during the construction of the new building. “I received my education in the Rosenwald building until my senior year. The new building was constructed between my junior and senior year. The spirit of excellence displayed by everybody, in every area, every day was transferred from the old building to the new one.” The mid-century Sabine High School buildings represented a tradition of excellence forged in spite of insurmountable obstacles.

Ultimately SHS building was converted into Many Junior High School, which remained open until 2001 when the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Unfortunately, the hostile environment during desegregation nearly erased the legacy of Sabine High School, as the school’s identity was entirely absorbed into Many High School. Only four SHS teachers were hired to assist students in the transition; the rest of the SHS faculty and staff had to search for employment elsewhere. “Every time I see the building, my heart bleeds,” said Garner-Turner. “It once was a stately building that was the pride of the community, is now a blighted, worn, broken structure.”

The abandonment of equalization schools by state and local governments displays a flagrant lack of recognition for the culture and communities that thrived in these schools. “The schools that served African American children in the State of Louisiana were abandoned and left in ruins. Laura and Andrews’ work will shine light on what actually happened during desegregation in 1970,” said Sandra Garner-Coleman, Chairperson for the Sabine High School Revitalization Project Exploratory Committee.

I don’t think society knows the impact it made on African American students. Was it an attempt to wipe out the identity of African American students? Our school’s name and mascot were dissolved— it was like an attempt had been made to stamp us out like we did not exist.

Community created the cultural importance of equalization schools, fostered the impetus for the preservation of these mid-century buildings and is central to the rehabilitation and revitalization case studies to be performed by Blokker and Liles. Through thoughtful documentation, research, and adaptive reuse the ethos of many African American equalization schools can be reclaimed and revitalized for alumni and their communities.

We are acutely aware that this is a listening project,” said Liles. “It’s a service role. We will be presenting communities with the tools to reuse these spaces as they see fit through the case studies in our project.” The public benefit of thorough documentation is that more alumni will be made aware of the condition of their old schools and can consider rallying support to revitalize the buildings. “I frequently get outreach from alumni asking how they can raise money for a project at their former school. The idea is to provide a resource that is readily available to answer a lot of these questions people have when they begin a project,” said Blokker. “Sometimes it’s hard for the alumni spearheading a project to convince their communities of the promise of a rehabilitation project. Using Andrew’s skills to render possible visions for old equalization schools is something that people can look at and see why the building is significant and the amazing things you can do with it.”

The Sabine High School Revitalization Project hopes to create a community space with programs and services that will sustain the Sabine Parish. “This should be a collaborative effort with community partnerships and joint ventures involving churches, businesses, schools, parents and the children in the Town of Many and surrounding townships in Sabine Parish,” said Connie Levo-Howard. “This kind of leadership will increase visibility to the area, attract more cultured retirees, provide a sustainable workforce, create new jobs, and bring economic prosperity back to our community.”

This article was originally published on The Architect’s Newspaper.

If you are alumni of a southern equalization school and would like offer information or learn more about the project, please contact Laura Blokker, Interim Director of the Master of Preservation Studies Program, or Andrew Liles, AIA Adjunct Professor in Architecture

For more information on the Sabine High School Revitalization Project and to make a donation or purchase a membership, please click here. If you would like to donate pro bono services—including architecture, design, construction, or research assistance—please email Sandra Garner-Coleman, Chairperson for the Sabine High School Revitalization Project Exploratory Committee.

[ Anna Marcum ]

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“Pennsylvania cities find creative new uses for old school buildings’

Shifting demographics, diminishing resources, and the costs of maintaining large and aging facilities have all contributed to the steady stream of school closures. Some have been saved and repurposed.

School communities throughout the state have gone through painful changes in recent years, as long-established school buildings have been closed and students sent to new locations. Shifting demographics, diminishing resources, and the costs of maintaining large and aging facilities have all contributed to the steady stream of school closures — even when those buildings had historic backgrounds and architectural importance.

Preservationists battled but failed to save William Penn High School, a nine-acre modernist complex in North Philadelphia designed by renowned architect Romaldo Giurgola. It was demolished in 2015 and replaced with a new Temple University athletic complex that opened last summer.

But another landmark, the Gothic-styled West Philadelphia High, built in 1912 by the city’s chief school architect, Henry deCourcy Richards, has escaped the wrecking ball. It is currently being rehabilitated as a 300-unit apartment building at a cost of $24 million.

Conversion into residential space is the most common fate of old school buildings in Pennsylvania, explained Patrick Grossi, advocacy director at the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. “It makes sense if you think about how schools are laid out and the floor plan. If it had a gym or auditorium, it can become an amenity space for tenants. It’s a sensible path in making a project work.”

On the other hand, the wide halls and open stairways of older school buildings can be hurdles for developers, noted Mindy Crawford, executive director of Preservation Pennsylvania, the statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting historic resources.

Preservation Pennsylvania began fighting the rising tide of vacant historic schools in 1998, when it was much easier for developers to find financial backing for new construction than it was for rehabilitation. “Our goal was to keep school buildings as schools, or at least avoid demolishing them,” Crawford said.

A few years later, the organization supported the concept of community-centered schools, which referred to keeping them in the neighborhoods where children could walk or bike to school. “But not every school was going to be saved or kept in the same location. Many were left vacant or demolished,” she said.

So the policy of Preservation Pennsylvania evolved. If the buildings could not remain as schools, then find a new use for them.

Most of the repurposed school buildings in the state were converted into housing, often for senior citizens, or professional offices. Schools were usually well built, Crawford said, and remained intact after they were closed.

Some developers have taken creative approaches to rehabbing schools, keeping aspects that define the character of the original building, and sometimes knocking down walls between classroom to make larger, more practical spaces. “In some of these cases, you still have a sense of the school,” Crawford said.

In Philadelphia, developers turned a parochial school into artists’ studios and a technical school into a commercial space with a rooftop garden bar. “Retrofitting these spaces into more contemporary uses is not insurmountable,” said Grossi of the Preservation Alliance.

Communities in other parts of Pennsylvania have come up with other successful ways to keep and transform beloved school buildings.

Seminary becomes a museum

In Gettysburg, a city with a great reverence for history, a former school has been repurposed as a museum that utilizes modern technology while preserving the building’s historic character.

The Lutheran Theological Seminary was founded in 1826 and its main building was constructed in Gettysburg in 1832. The south-central Pennsylvania city was chosen by the Lutheran movement for many of the same reasons the decisive Civil War battle was waged there: its location at the intersection of 10 roadways and its proximity to the Mason-Dixon Line. Seminary students were drawn from both the North and the South.

The original seminary building housed classrooms, offices, dormitories and a library during its first 60 years. In the fateful summer of 1863, the seminary building served as a strategic lookout and then as a field hospital for 700 casualties of the Battle of Gettysburg.

In the 1890s, the seminary added an administrative building, and the original building underwent a significant renovation into dorms. In the 1950s, new safety code regulations meant it would be cheaper to build a new dormitory than to update the old building. But when the seminary board voted to tear down the structure, the Lutheran community, preservationists and battle historians protested. The seminary made a deal to lease the property for $1 a year to the Adams County Historical Society for use as its headquarters.

Major renovations toward making the historic building into a museum were made in 2012 and 2013. The $13 million project was funded through grants, private donations and historic tax credits, explained Peter Miele, director of education at the Seminary Ridge Museum.

“The cool thing about the museum is that when they were doing the renovation they kept a lot of the old woodwork and original features. When you walk through the building, you’re walking on the uneven, creaking floors that were laid in the 1830s. The doorways from 1895 are slanted in some spots from the building’s settling. They had to cut the doors to fit the frames. It was a real headache for the contractors. There’s not a straight edge in the building anymore.”

But those reminders of the building’s age “really add to the experience,” Miele said. “You’re learning what was going on in the building as a seminary, a field hospital, and an important place during the first days of the battle.”

More than 17,500 people visit the museum each year, where they hear “the very personal and intimate story that we share,” Miele said. The Seminary Ridge Museum explores social and cultural elements of the war, including how religion was used to both oppose and defend slavery; the African -American experience in south central Pennsylvania in the 19th century; and the medical side of the battle, as doctors learned about cleanliness and the causes of disease.

The renovations to the original building also made it possible for visitors to enter its cupola, from which Brigadier General John Buford watched advancing Confederate troops and determined the Union’s defensive strategy.

The rehabilitation of the180-year-old building included the installation of heating and cooling and lighting systems to protect the historic artifacts. The modern ductwork is hidden in the closets of the old dorm rooms in order “to maintain the integrity of the building,” Miele explained. A state-of-the-art sound system was added to provide the narrative as guests explored the exhibits.

“That’s my favorite part of this museum,” Miele said. “It has the modern aspects, including the multi-media presence you expect from a museum now, but you can still hear the floors creaking and see the antique wainscoting. It’s the best of both worlds.”

“Quite a bit going on”

The town of Spring Mills, Centre County, saved what had been ruled an unneeded school building and transformed it into a bustling, multi-purpose community center.

In the 1920s, a two-story Georgian home in Gregg Township was converted into a schoolhouse. A gymnasium was built on an adjacent lot, and the two buildings were eventually joined. The last renovations to the school property were made in 1995.

In 2006, the school district determined that with declining enrollment, and the existence of newer facilities, it would close the Old Gregg School. Its 100 students were sent to neighboring elementary schools.

The Old Gregg School was transferred to the township, with the provision that if the district ever needed it, the property would revert back to the district. The parents of the displaced students, while upset about the redistricting, were instrumental in convincing the township to accept the property and turn the school building into a community hub.

A variety of non-profits now use the 26,000-square-foot Old Gregg School Community and Recreation Center, including an organization that collects food from supermarkets and local farmers for distribution to needy families. A thrift shop in the former school building directs its proceeds to animal rescue groups.

The for-profit tenants include an insurance company, a holistic health studio, a yoga studio, and a dance studio. Pennsylvania Certified Organic has 20 employees who train and certify farmers to produce crops using natural methods.

The township owns and operates the fitness center at the Old Gregg School, and converted the old locker room into the weights and fitness machine room. The school district still uses the building for basketball and volleyball practice because it doesn’t have enough of those facilities elsewhere.

The community playground at the Old Gregg School was rebuilt last summer, and the county Little League teams make use of the fields.

The school building is also used often by the Penns Valley Community Church, a model railroad club, a baton group, and a tax preparer. Craft fairs are held twice a year.

Gregg Township has its municipal office at the school, and the community room is used for meetings of the local water and sewer authority.

“There’s quite a bit going on,” building manager Douglas Bierly said.

An advisory board keeps the township supervisors apprised of what’s needed for the building and helps determine any changes in policy about how the facilities are used.

But it was the parents of the Old Gregg students who brought the school back to life. “It just takes a group of interested people,” Bierly said. “That’s really what drove it.”

Funding threat

Many of the conversions from historic school to housing, museum or community center have relied on federal and state historic tax credits.

“Tax credits make these projects happen,” Crawford, of Preservation Pennsylvania, said. “We end up getting new uses for the buildings and saving the historic fabric.”

But these tax incentives, which make financing possible for many developers, are on the chopping block by legislators looking for reductions in government subsidies. To save the tax programs, Crawford believes, supporters should promote them for their role in economic development.

“Rehab means work for local craftsmen and lots of local jobs. The development of one project can serve as a catalyst for other buildings in the neighborhood,” she said. “We need to talk about economics, not just preservation.”

[ Alan Jaffe ]

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“WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLOSED SCHOOL BUILDINGS?”

Faced with declining enrollment and a shrinking tax base, school closures and consolidation have become commonplace in many jurisdictions across Atlantic Canada. While previous research from AIMS has delved into how future school closures might be averted through alternative cost-saving measures, this piece will focus on communities whose schools have already closed. After all, school closures are not merely a symptom of the region’s economic downturn. In fact, school closures may entail unintended, adverse economic consequences for the surrounding community. One such consequence involves what is left behind once schools close: unused buildings.

After a school closure, school boards, municipalities, and provincial governments find themselves left with a large asset that may prove difficult to sell—especially if local economic stagnation and a decreasing population contributed to a school closing in the first place. As a result, school boards and governments may be forced to spend money to maintain these unoccupied buildings or to have the buildings torn down. Alternatively, buildings that fail to attract buyers might simply be abandoned and left to become blights on the local landscape. Decayed, unused school buildings and vacant lots can further deter investment and may pose health and safety hazards. Indeed, the longer one wait to sell a school building, it appears, the more costly the unoccupied building becomes.

Nonetheless, what seems destined to become a blight on Atlantic Canada’s landscape can be transformed into an economic asset. Communities across Canada and abroad have seen their former school buildings become the sites of new opportunities through adaptive reuse, which refers to the process of retrofitting an old structure for a new purpose. An old church could become a community centre, or an office building in disrepair could become an apartment complex, for example. Admittedly, the fact that schools were built for a specialized purpose can make school buildings more difficult to retrofit for new uses than, say, the blank canvas offered by the wide open spaces of a warehouse. Yet, a number of successful projects could serve as models for the adaptive reuse of school buildings in Atlantic Canada.

For instance, two former elementary schools in Michigan became home to business incubators. As I wrote in a previous AIMS On Campus op-ed, business incubators have a growing presence in Atlantic Canada and could play key roles in assisting prospective entrepreneurs. Moreover, former school buildings could be repurposed to bolster Atlantic Canada’s heritage tourism industry and support historical research efforts, as with a closed Chicago school that became an Irish-American heritage centre. Further inspiration can be found in Tennessee’s North Oakwood Elementary, which became a senior living facility. This model is especially relevant to developers in Atlantic Canada, given the region’s ageing population. Meanwhile, in Toronto, a decommissioned school became Artscape Youngplace, a cultural hub which leases space to local businesses and community organizations. The site is home to a coffee shop, a childcare centre, and galleries, studios, and shops owned by artists. The success of a similar project in Sydney, Nova Scotia hints at the potential for repurposed, multiuse spaces in Atlantic Canada.

While the success of these initiatives shows that old school buildings can offer new opportunities for Atlantic Canada, there are a few important concerns to bear in mind. As this article on the repurposing of former school buildings points out, school boards who decide to sell old buildings must be keyed into the local real estate market, in order to “get the most of their assets.” Fortunately, school boards do not have to play the role of real estate agent unaided. Drawing on a number of existing programs, students at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a framework for selling and repurposing old school buildings in a profitable and financially sustainable manner. Further, some real estate companies offer specialized services to those preparing to buy or sell former school buildings.

Community buy-in is also an important consideration. In some communities, especially small or rural ones, schools double as sport and recreation centres, performing arts venues, sites for skills training and job searching, or the site of community organizations. Thus, the loss of a school may represent a new void in a community’s economic and cultural landscape. Further, given the possibility of an unused building becoming an eyesore that drives down property values, residents have an added stake in determining what becomes of an unoccupied school building. A number of successful adaptive reuse projects speak to the significance of community support. In Missouri, the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) Repurposing Initiative sought out local residents’ proposals regarding the recently closed Longan Elementary School and then put the school building on the market. In 2012, the building sold for $1 million US, $250 000 of which will cover the leftover bonds on the property and $750 000 of will go to the local school district. A similar initiative in Tulsa, Oklahoma called the Schoolhouse Project likewise sought out community support for the sale and reuse of former school buildings; as of 2012, the project managed to save $2.7 million US by selling old school buildings. Reusing old school buildings as sites for community-owned cooperatives—which I discussed in this op-ed—provide another way for residents to take a decision-making role in the adaptive reuse efforts.

Overall, adaptive reuse has proven to be a beneficial and profitable way to transform unoccupied school buildings from eyesores into opportunities. As our school systems and our local landscapes continue to change, we too must change the way that we look at former school buildings.

[ Ainslie Pierrynowski ]

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“What is Sanctification?”

What is sanctification? What is the definition of Christian sanctification? Is sanctification positional or progressive?

[ Got Questions ]

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“How Sanctification Works”

Ligonier Conference Panel Q&A

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“How Is A Christian Sanctified By The Gospel?”

Bobby explains how key the Gospel is in a believer’s ongoing sanctification.

[ Bobby Conway ]

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“Sanctification – A Slow Transformation”

[ John Piper ]

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“The Most Neglected Theme in Sanctification”

The Christian life still entails obedience it still involves a fight but it’s a fight we will win you have the Spirit of Christ in your corner rubbing your shoulders holding the bucket putting his arm around you and saying before the next round was sin you’re going to knock them out kid sin may get some good jabs it may clean your clock once in a while it may bring you to your knees but if you are in Christ it will never knock you out you are no longer a slave but free sin has no dominion over you it can’t it won’t a new king sits on the throne you serve a different master you salute a different Lord

[ Kevin DeYoung ]

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“T4G 2014 | Preaching Sanctification – Matt Chandler, Derek Thomas, Kevin DeYoung, John Piper”

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“Efficacious Grace”

“In efficacious grace we are not merely passive, nor yet does God do some, and we do the rest. But God does all, and we do all. God produces all, and we act all. For that is what he produces, that is, our own acts. God is the only proper author and fountain; we only are the proper actors.

We are, in different respects, wholly passive and wholly active. In the Scriptures the same things are represented as from God and from us. God is said to convert, and men are said to convert and turn. God makes a new heart, and we are commanded to make us a new heart.

God circumcises the heart, and we are commanded to circumcise our own hearts; not merely because we must use the means in order to the effect, but the effect itself is our act and our duty. These things are agreeable to that text, ‘God worketh in you both to will and to do.’ (Philippians 2:13)”

[ Jonathan Edwards ]

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“Sanctification: The Progress”

When you trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, what did you expect to happen next? How did you think your life would change? Did anyone teach you how to live a godly Christian life? God has an extraordinary plan for your life, and in this wonderful sermon entitled “Sanctification: The Process,” Dr. Stanley discusses how God prepares you for service and transforms you into the image of Christ.

[ Charley Stanley ]

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“For This is the Will of God, Your Sanctification”

Excerpt from the July 16, 2016 sermon by Dr. John MacArthur, “Taking the Mystery Out of Knowing God’s Will.”

[ John MacArthur ]

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“8 Stages of Sanctification”
[ The following are excerpts I gleaned from the video ]

We are not even a ‘lump’ of clay (processed), but just ‘chunks’ of hard soil (unprocessed, just dug out of the ground) with all kinds of other stuff in it

Unprocessed clay needs to have water added to it, then ’screened,’ and then dried out.

It is then “wedged” so that all the air is ‘used’ out of it.

Then you must ‘center’ the clay on the wheel. Then you ’shape’ the clay.

Then the shaped clay dies for a while.

Then it is low-fired—and even if you put it in water, it will not go back to a ’soft’ condition.

Then the glaze is put on and “high fired.” Then the glaze (‘glass’) is ‘bonded’ into the pores of the clay.

The Process of Making Clay Pottery is Analogous to the Sanctification Process

1: Dug Out of the Ground – Dried (Faith) [ Read the Bible ]
2: Weathered – Saturated in Water (Virtue) [ Hide Scripture in your heart ]
3: Wedged (Knowledge) [ Study Scripture ]
4: Rested (Temperance) [ Rest in the Lord ]
5: Shaped (Patience) [ Thankfulness ]
6: Low-fired (Godliness) [ Devoted ]
7: Glaze Coat (Brotherly Kindness) [ Yielded ]
8: High Fired (Charity) [ Serve with pure motives ]

2 Peter 1-15: Partakes of the divine nature of God:

“To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.”

Psalm 69:
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Psalm 40:
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (A picture of salvation) — But we need to be ‘processed’

The Sanctification Process:
1: Just like the clay, spiritually, we need to be ‘dug out’ of the darkness of the ground (Receive/Believe)
2: Since we are ‘contaminated’, we need to submerge ourselves in the Word of God—allowing it to soften us, cleanse us, and allow God to ‘purge’ (Soften/Cleanse) those lies of self-deception and false doctrine out of us
3: Then allow the sharp “two-edged sword” of the Spirit to do its work as we study the Word
4: Then we need to ‘saturate’ ourselves with God’s words allow the Word of God to ‘permeate’ our body, souls and spirit (mediate)
5: Being thankful for the trials and circumstances, that give us strength as we are shaped on the ‘wheel’ of life
6: then be devoted to the Lord as we resist the ‘flesh’
7: Partake of His brotherly kindness as we ‘yield’ to Him and willing to obey and do everything that is right.
8: Then serving other with a pure motive of charity.

Steps 1-4: Absorb God’s Word (Read; Memorize; Study; Meditate)
Steps 5-8: Do the Word

[ David Engesath ]

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“Sanctification: A Biblical Doctrine that is Essential to Salvation”

It took a lot of searching for me to find a preacher who grasps the utmost importance and correct understanding of the central Christian doctrine of “Sanctification.” This is a key doctrine that largely explains what Jesus meant in Matthew 7:21-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Sanctification is a major pillar of salvation. The Protestant Reformation that began with Martin Luther and John Calvin accomplished more than merely re-discovering the doctrine of “justification by faith alone,” but it continued onwards, and it climaxed when the Puritans grasped the process of Sanctification, that is, to become godly people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Salvation by faith in Christ involves more activity than just a one-time profession of faith, but it continues after this, for the rest of your life, and much of that further progress involves the process of sanctification. If sanctification is not happening in you, something is wrong with your Christian development.

Sanctification is the solution to the “once saved, always saved” controversy, and it is the process constantly alluded to by the apostles when they tell us to persevere, run the race, finish the course, endure in faith, lay hold on salvation, receive the full reward, press towards the mark, etc. No, you cannot “lose your salvation” but, Yes you can fail to go to heaven even though you once believed the Gospel, because you can turn back, fall away, not run, give up, lose the fight, and fail to proceed into sanctification. I would say that this doctrine is the most important and most overlooked pillar of the Christian faith which we ought to be focusing on in America today.

The inner work of sanctification, of course, is done by God, through the intercession of Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in us; but as Christians who desire to be saved and to receive our heavenly inheritance, we must pray for sanctification, pursue it diligently, desire it earnestly, and make it a conscious priority in our lives. Therefore, I beseech you brethren, listen to this first sermon by pastor Marino and then follow up with the other six sermons in this series, which is excellent both academically and spiritually, here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp….

Then, as this doctrine starts to impress its massive importance upon you, you’re going to find that suddenly you possess a new and wonderful appreciation for the writings of the Puritans like Jonathan Edwards, Andrew Murray, John Owen, Thomas Boston, Richard Baxter, Richard Sibbes, Thomas Watson, William Law, et al. When you get there, I have created several good playlists comprising the most prominent writings of these supremely knowledgeable, intellectually astounding Christian teachers (the greatest the world has ever seen since the 2nd Century AD) which you can find on my channel, or, an even wider selection of them on the channel, “Christian Praise and Worship in Songs, Sermons, and Audio Books” (https://www.youtube.com/user/stack45ny).

I summarize it all this way: Justification + Sanctification = Salvation. Luther and Calvin restored the doctrine of justification by faith, but then the Puritans restored the doctrine of sanctification. Both are of equal importance if you want to receive your full reward of eternal glory in Christ.

Note this sermon is originally entitled, “The Definition of Sanctification,” so begin watching the remainder of pastor Marino’s series at part 2, “A Defense of Sanctification,” which is a bit overly-academic, or part 3, “Different Models of Sanctification,” which takes a more historical perspective on the debates surrounding the meaning and role of this doctrine.

[ Matt Marino ]

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“Prelude to Acting the Miracle”

Putting Sanctification in Its Place. God’s Work and Ours in the Mystery of Sanctification.

[ John Piper – Desiring God 2012 National Conference ]

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/prelude-to-acting-the-miracle

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“A Call to Holiness”

Christians are often uncomfortable thinking of each other as “holy ones.” Yet the call to God’s people is “You shall be holy; for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44/ 1 Peter 1:16). It is through faith in Christ that we are set apart as holy ones, yet we still struggle with sin. Sanctification is the process by which we are being made holy. How do we seek God’s grace in living holy lives?

[ John MacArthur ]

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“Wrestle with Sanctification”

John Piper and Tim Keller sat down to discuss the biblical vision of sanctification. In this 14-minute video they touch on how justification and sanctification relate, along with the psychological dynamics of faith.

[ John Piper and Tim Keller ]

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“Why God Sanctifies Us Slowly”

God could change you in an instant so you would never sin again. So why doesn’t he make us completely holy now?

[ John Piper ]

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“Distinguishing Sanctification From Justification”

2016 Spurgeon Conference, Part 7

[ Mike Fabarez ]

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“A Call To Holy Living”

It is a very great fault in any ministry if the doctrine of justification by faith alone be not most clearly taught. I will go further, and add, that it is not only a great fault, but a fatal one; for souls will never find their way to heaven by a ministry that is indistinct upon the most fundamental of gospel truths. We are justified by faith, and not by the works of the law. The merit by which a soul enters heaven is not its own; it is the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am quite sure that you will all hold me guiltless of ever having spoken about this great doctrine in any other than unmistakable language; if I have erred, it is not in that direction. At the same time, it is a dangerous state of things if doctrine is made to drive out precept, and faith is held up as making holiness a superfluity. Sanctification must not be forgotten or overlaid by justification. We must teach plainly that the faith which saves the soul is not a dead faith, but a faith which operates with purifying effect upon our entire nature, and produces in us fruits of righteousness to the praise and glory of God. It is not by personal holiness that a man shall enter heaven, but yet without holiness shall no man see the Lord.

[ Charles Spurgeon ]

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“The Process of Salvation (Justification, Sanctification and Glorification)”

Tabernacle of Joy

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“How Man Becomes Holy” (Sanctification) and “The Process of Sanctification”

The doctrine of sanctification provides a view of salvation from an “inward” perspective and explains how God enables mankind to share in His holiness.

[ Mike Mazzalongo ]

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“Sanctification”

Seminar 1 at 2012 Twin Lakes Fellowship

[ Ligon Duncan ]

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“What does it mean to work out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)?”

Answer: In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his purpose.”

This text is often misused to instill fear into people, warning them that it means that they can lose salvation. What does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? [ more… ]

https://www.gotquestions.org/fear-and-trembling.html

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“The Ordo Salutis (The Application of Redemption) – Progressive Sanctification”

Click to access sot-56-progressive-sanctification.pdf

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“What is Salvation? Justification, Sanctification, Glorification”

Our salvation in Christ involves 3 marvelous gifts: justification, sanctification, and glorification.

Justification is the gift by which our sins are forgiven.
Sanctification is the gift by which we grow in likeness of Christ.
Glorification is the gift by which we enter into the everlasting joy of heaven.

If you get that, you get the whole Christian life. Now think about what happened to the thief on the cross: he was justified and glorified on the same day, he completely bypassed sanctification. This man missed out on the entire Christian life: no battles, no temptation, no struggles with prayer, he wasn’t baptized, never received communion, didn’t become a member in any church.

The Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Now it is always true that where faith is birthed, works will follow. Your acceptance with God does not depend on your performance in your Christian life. It is by grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone.

[ Colin Smith ]

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“Salvation vs. Sanctification”

“I think I trusted Christ 10 times the first month after I trusted Christ because after I genuinely came to faith in Christ I found myself still prideful arrogant and lustful and insecure and I go I must not it must not have been so I really meant it I’m really a sinner I really believe in Jesus amen whoa look at that and I just go what in the world here’s the deal salvation that’s a big big that is the that is what God does in our life and there’s three parts of salvation there’s justification which is when we are justified declared righteous by God it is freedom from the penalty of sin the moment you trust Jesus Christ you are justified it is finished but there is another part of salvation next to justification called sanctification it is when the power of God is working in you to bring you into the image of Jesus Christ it’s when you’re being delivered from the power of sin we’re now free if we submit ourselves to God to allow his righteousness and resurrection power to inform our hearts so that we don’t follow our flesh because we know God is good and not to be avoided and managed and hidden from but to be followed and so we increasingly have the power to say no to what seems right to us and we realize that that is a mental problem it is a problem that needs to be fixed and conformed to the will of God see that we’re being delivered from the power of sin and there’s going to be a day I would be glorified when I am delivered from the presence of sin Oh glorious day but until then I need the Word of God the spirit of God in the people of God to admonish encourage and help me.”

[ Todd Wagner ]

(This segment starts at 40:59 of the entire sermon)

Entire Sermon:
http://www.watermark.org/message/4320

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“Experiential/Progressive Sanctification”

According to John Frame, “We can think of [experiential] sanctification as the outworking of the new life given in regeneration.” It involves the gradual, incremental and (S)piritual work of both putting to death the remains of “indwelling sin” as well as putting on the likeness of Christ. While we work out the salvation given to us, it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His sovereign good pleasure. (Phil 2:13).

“Progressive sanctification has two parts: mortification and vivification, “both of which happen to us by participation in Christ,” as Calvin notes (Calvin, Institutes 3.3.2, 9 The “mortification / vivification” distinction was first formulated by Melanchthon in his Commentary on Romans (Corpus Reformatorum). These occur simultaneously and continuously throughout the Christian life, rather than in stages. Christ’s death alone is atoning, and cannot be repeated. He died for our sins, but we die to our sins. Christ took up his cross once and for all as a sacrifice for sin, but he calls his disciples to “take up [their] cross daily,” facing persecution from within and without (Lk. 9:23). Although we have died definitively to the law and to sin (Paul uses the analogy of remarriage after a death in Romans 7: 1-6; cf. Gal. 2:19), we continue to struggle inwardly with our new identity (Ro. 7:7-24). Subjectively experiencing this definitive reality signified and sealed to us in our baptism requires a daily dying and rising.”

[ Michael Horton, “The Christian Faith,” page 661 ]

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“John Calvin on Election, Preservation and Sanctification”

“Nor by remission of sins does the Lord only once for all elect and admit us into the Church, but by the same means he preserves and defends us in it. For what would it avail us to receive a pardon of which we were afterwards to have no use? That the mercy of the Lord would be vain and delusive if only granted once, all the godly can bear witness; for there is none who is not conscious, during his whole life, of many infirmities which stand in need of divine mercy…. Hence let us surely hold that if we are admitted and ingrafted into the body of the Church, the forgiveness of sins has been bestowed, ad is daily bestowed on us, in divine liberality, through the intervention of Christ’s merits, and the sanctification of the Spirit.”

[ John Calvin, “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” 4.1.21 ]

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“We Must Be Holy”

We must he holy on earth before we die, if we desire to go to heaven after death. If we hope to dwell with God for ever in the life to come, we must endeavour to be like Him in the life that now is. We must not only admire holiness, and wish for holiness: we must be holy.

Holiness cannot justify and save us: holiness cannot cover our iniquities, make satisfaction for transgressions, pay our debts to God. Our best works are no better than filthy rags, when tried by the light of God’s law. The righteousness which Jesus Christ brought in must be our only confidence,—the blood of atonement our only hope. All this is perfectly true, and yet we must be holy.

We must be holy, because God in the Bible plainly commands it. “As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter i. 15, 16).

We must be holy, because this is one great end for which Christ came into the world. “He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. v. 15).

We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we have a saving faith in Christ. “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James ii. 17, 26).

We must be holy, because this is the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. What can be more plain than our Lord’s own words? “If ye love Me, keep my commandments.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me.” (John xiv. 15, 21).

We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we are God’s children. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” “Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God” (Rom. viii. 14; I John iii. 10).

Lastly, we must be holy, because without holiness on earth we should never be prepared and meet for heaven. It is written of the heavenly glory, “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie” (Rev. xxi. 27). St. Paul says expressly, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. xii. 14).

Ah, reader, the last text I have just quoted is very solemn. It ought to make you think. It was written by the hand of inspired man: it is not my private fancy. Its words are the words of the Bible: not of my own invention. God has said it, and God will stand to it: “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”

What tremendous words these are! What thoughts come across my mind as I write them down! I look at the world, and see the greater part of it lying in wickedness; I look at professing Christians, and see the vast majority having nothing of Christianity but the name; I turn to the Bible, and I hear the Spirit saying, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”

Surely it is a text that ought to make you consider your ways, and search your hearts. Surely it should raise within you solemn thoughts, and send you to prayer.

You may try to put me off by saying you feel much, and think much about these things,—far more than many suppose. I answer, This is not the point. The poor lost souls in hell do as much as this. The great question is, not what you think and what you feel, but what you DO. Are you holy?

You may say, It was never meant that all Christians should be holy, and that holiness such as I have described is only for great saints, and people of uncommon gifts. I answer, I cannot see this in Scripture. I read that “every man who hath hope in Christ purifieth himself” (1 John iii. 3). “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”

You may say, It is impossible to be so holy and to do our duty in this life at the same time: the thing cannot be done. I answer, You are mistaken: it can be done. With God on your side, nothing is impossible. It has been done by many: Moses, and Obadiah, and Daniel, and the servants of Nero’s household, are all examples that go to prove it.

You may say, If you were so holy, you would be unlike other people. I answer, I know it well: it is just what I want you to be. Christ’s true servants always were unlike the world around them,—a separate nation, a peculiar people; and you must be so too, if you would be saved.

You may say, At this rate very few will be saved. I answer, I know it: Jesus said so eighteen hundred years ago. Few will be saved, because few will take the trouble to seek salvation. Men will not deny themselves the pleasures of sin and their own way for a season; for this they turn their backs on an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. “Ye will not come to Me,” says Jesus, “that ye might have life” (John v. 40).

You may say, These are hard sayings: the way is very narrow. I answer, I know it: Jesus said so eighteen hundred years ago. He always said that men must take up the cross daily, that they must be ready to cut off hand or foot, if they would be His disciples. It is in religion as it is in other things, “There are no gains without pains.” That which costs nothing is worth nothing.

Reader, whatever you may think fit to say, you must be holy if you would see the Lord. Where is your Christianity if you are not? Show it to me without holiness, if you can. You must not merely have a Christian name and Christian knowledge, you must have a Christian character also: you must be a saint on earth, if ever you mean to be a saint in heaven. God has said it, and He will not go back,—”Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” “The Pope’s calendar,” says Jenken, “only makes saints of the dead, but Scripture requires sanctity in the living.” “Let not men deceive themselves,” says Owen, “sanctification is a qualification indispensably necessary—unto those who will be under the conduct of the Lord Jesus unto salvation: He leads none to heaven but whom He sanctifies on the earth. This living Head will not admit of dead members.”

Surely you will not wonder that Scripture says, “Ye must be born again” (John iii. 7). Surely it is clear as noon-day that many of you need a complete change, —new hearts, new natures,—if ever you are to be saved. Old things must pass away, you must become new creatures. Without holiness, no man, be he who he may,—no man shall see the Lord.

Reader, consider well what I have said. Do you feel any desire to be holy? Does your conscience whisper, “I am not holy yet, but I should like to become so”? Listen to the advice I am going to give you. The Lord grant you may take it and act upon it!

Would you be holy? Would you become a new creature? Then begin with Christ. You will do just nothing till you feel your sin and weakness, and flee to Him: He is the beginning of all holiness. He is not wisdom and righteousness only to His people, but sanctification also. Men sometimes try to make themselves holy first of all, and sad work they make of it: they toil, and labour, and turn over many new leaves, and make many changes, and yet, like the woman with the issue of blood before she came to Christ, they feel nothing bettered, but rather worse. They run in vain, and labour in vain: and little wonder, for they are beginning at the wrong end. They are building up a wall of sand: their work runs down as fast as they throw it up. They are baling water out of a leaky vessel; the leak gains on them; not they on the leak. Other foundation of holiness can no man lay than that which Paul laid, even Christ Jesus. Without Christ we can do nothing. It is a strong but true saying of Traill’s, “Wisdom out of Christ is damning folly; righteousness out of Christ is guilt and condemnation; sanctification out of Christ is filth and sin; redemption out of Christ is bondage and slavery.”

Would you be holy: Would you be partakers of the Divine nature? Then go to Christ. Wait for nothing: wait for nobody: linger not. Think not to make you yourself ready: go, and say to Him, in the words of that beautiful hymn,—

“Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, flee to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace.”

There is not a brick nor a stone laid in the work of our sanctification till we go to Christ. Holiness is His special gift to His believing people; holiness is the work He carries on in their hearts, by the Spirit whom He puts within them. He is appointed a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance as well as remission of sins: to as many as receive Him He gives power to become sons of God. Holiness comes not of blood,—parents cannot give it to their children; nor yet of the will of the flesh,—man cannot produce it in himself; nor yet of the will of man, —ministers cannot give it you by baptism. Holiness comes from Christ. It is the result of vital union with Him: it is the fruit of being a living branch of the true vine. Go then to Christ, and say, “Lord, not only save me from the guilt of sin, but send the Spirit, whom Thou didst promise, and save me from its power. Make me holy. Teach me to do Thy will.”

Would you continue holy, when you have once been made so? Then abide in Christ. He says Himself, “Abide in Me, and I in you. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” (John xv. 4, 5).

He is the Physician to whom You must daily go, if you would keep well; He is the Manna which you must daily eat, and the Rock of which you must daily drink. His arm is the arm on which you must daily lean, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world. You must not only be rooted, you must also be built up in Him.

Reader, may you and I know these things by experience, and not by hearsay only! May we all feel the importance of holiness, far more than we have ever done yet! May our years he holy years with our souls, and then I know they will be happy ones! But this I say once more, “We must be holy.”

[ J. C. Ryle ]

http://www.biblebb.com/files/ryle/we_must_be_holy.htm

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“Sanctification”

A sermon from Dr. R.C. Sproul. Text: Romans 8:8-17

In this sermon, Dr. Sproul investigates the use of the word spirit—the relationship of the human spirit to the body and its relationship to the soul. He disscusses the following four categories of people when it comes to salvation: not saved and know it; saved and know it; saved and not sure; and not saved but sure they are saved.

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/sermons/sanctification/

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“The Spirit’s Work of Sanctification”

This Lecture is from the Teaching Series The Holy Spirit.

Who is the Holy Spirit and what is His role in redemption? These questions have been especially important since the rise of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in the last century. Along with a renewed interest in the person and work of the Holy Spirit has come increased confusion. In this series, R.C. Sproul cuts through the complexity, getting to the heart of the Bible’s teaching regarding the third person of the Trinity.

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/the_holy_spirit/the-spirits-work-of-sanctification/

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“The Struggle of Sanctification”

A Broadcast with Guy Waters

The Christian life is one of struggle and conflict against sin. And that fact can sometimes cause Christians to despair. In this message on Romans 7, Guy Waters encourages us that the fight against sin is evidence of a renewed heart.

https://renewingyourmind.org/2018/03/06/the-struggle-of-sanctification

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“Sanctification”

Lecture 44:

When someone has been justified by faith in Christ, the transformative work of sanctification begins. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the path of sanctification in the Christian life and the impact that it has for believers’ growth in grace.

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/foundations/sanctification/

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“No Holiness, No Heaven: The Doctrine of Sanctification”

When I posted my previous video about the essential but under-emphasized Biblical doctrine of Sanctification (by pastor Matt Marino), the enemies of righteousness immediately swooped in to attack it, so I decided to post more on this doctrine, recognizing that the devil considers it to be a frontline in the spiritual warfare of these last days. Here is another great sermon on sanctification; from pastor Brian Borgman of Grace Community Church in Minden, Nevada. Understand that “sanctification” is a major part of Christian salvation and was a one of the great revelations that emerged during the Protestant Reformation, especially among the Puritans.

The Protestant Reformation began with Martin Luther and John Calvin, but it accomplished much more than merely re-discovering the doctrine of “justification by faith alone;” but it continued onwards, and it climaxed when the Puritans grasped the practical doctrine called “Sanctification.” This doctrine entails the Christian transformation whereby we become godly people through the power of the Holy Spirit, a special people set apart from the rest of the world, not like monks in a monastery, but like heaven-bound kings and overcomers in a world that wants to defile us and seduce us into sin.

Also, Sanctification is the solution to the “once saved, always saved” controversy, and it is the process constantly alluded to by the apostles when they tell us to persevere, run the race, finish the course, endure in faith, lay hold on salvation, receive the full reward, press in, etc. No, you cannot “lose your salvation” but, Yes you can fail to go to Heaven even though you once believed the Gospel, because you can turn back, fall away, not run, give up, and fail to proceed into sanctification. I would say that this doctrine is the most important and overlooked pillar of the Christian faith which we ought to be focusing on in America today. Why? The title of Borgman’s sermon says it all: “No Holiness, No Heaven.”

I summarize it like this: Justification + Sanctification = Salvation. Luther and Calvin restored the doctrine of Justification by Faith, but then the Puritans restored the doctrine of Sanctification. Both are important if you want your full reward of eternal glory in Christ. Christians need not reject modernity, but Christians must utterly reject secular progressivism and moral relativism. Therefore I suspect that the devil hates this message because it is indeed essential to a person’s salvation, and secondarily I suspect that Catholics oppose it because it conflicts with their heretical doctrine of Purgatory: (because there is no need for a Purgatory if purity is to be pursued now in this life).

[ Brian Borgman ]

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“Sanctification (Overview)”

[ Matt Chandler ]

Sermon Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHylFoss07s&list=PLbE-di2T5VIX0j6X16qYShcFv3TqHKAlx

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“Holiness” (by J.C. Ryle)

Chapter 2 – “Sanctification”:

“Sanctify them through Your truth.” [ John 17:17 ]

https://www.gracegems.org/Ryle/holiness3.htm

Chapter 3 – “Holiness”:

“Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” [ Hebrews 12:14 ]

https://www.gracegems.org/Ryle/holiness4.htm

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“Pleasing God”

What higher satisfaction is there than knowing that what we do and think is pleasing to God? But how can we, as imperfect Christians, ever hope to please a perfect God? Is it even possible in a world where temptations so often lead us astray? In this series of practical guidelines for Christian living, Dr. R.C. Sproul clearly identifies the struggles we all share in pleasing God and offers insights on how to overcome them.

[ R.C. Sproul ]

https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/1237

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SONGS:

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“We Have Not Known The As We Ought”

We have not known Thee as we ought,
Nor learned Thy wisdom, grace and power;
The things of earth have filled our thought,
And trifles of the passing hour.
Lord, give us light Thy truth to see,
And make us wise in knowing Thee.

We have not feared Thee as we ought,
Nor bowed beneath Thine awful eye,
Nor guarded deed and word and thought,
Remembering that God was nigh.
Lord, give us faith to know Thee near,
And grant the grace of holy fear.

We have not loved Thee as we ought,
Nor cared that we are loved by Thee;
Thy presence we have coldly sought,
And feebly longed Thy face to see.
Lord, give a pure and loving heart
To feel and know the love Thou art.

We have not served Thee as we ought,
Alas, the duties left undone,
The work with little fervor wrought,
The battles lost or scarcely won!
Lord, give the zeal, and give the might,
For Thee to toil, for Thee to fight.

When shall we know Thee as we ought,
And fear and love and serve aright?
When shall we, out of trial brought,
Be perfect in the land of light?
Lord, may we day by day prepare
To see Thy face and serve Thee there.

[ Thomas B. Pollack ]

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“Rock of Ages”

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

Not the labour of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, or I die!

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgement throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

[ Augustus Toplady ]

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“Take Time To Be Holy”

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

[ William D. Longstaff ]

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“Holiness”

Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness is what You want from me

So, take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord

Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for
Faithfulness is what I need
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what You want from me

So, take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord

So, take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord
To Yours, to Yours, oh, Lord

Brokenness, brokenness is what I long for
Brokenness is what I need
Brokenness, brokenness is what You want from me
What You want from me
It what I want.

[ Sonicflood – “Sonicflood” album ]

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APOLOGETIX SONGS

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“Life Restored”
(Parody of “Last Resort” by Papa Roach)

Plug my life into Jesus—this gets my life restored
Such a cakewalk—no brainer
Don’t need to fuss if I call on our savior
This gets my life restored

Plugged my life into Jesus—I’ve seen my life restored
Such a cakewalk—no brainer
Don’t need to fuss since I called Him my savior
Do not even care if I die later
Cause I belong to Jesus Christ
If they took my life tonight—chances are I’d arrive
In a place that’s out of sight—and I’m confident I’m doin’ fine

‘Cause I’m improving my life, renewing my mind
This all started with Romans 10:9
Doing what’s right, doin’ quite fine
This all started with Romans 10:9

I never realized I was meant to live
To live a new life if I would let Him within
Told me—death is the payoff for living in sin
End the cycle when you’re born again
It all started when I first discovered
The Book on my shelf and read cover to cover
Searching—to find religion that held my attention
Finding—something called Christian redemption

‘Cause I’m improving my life, renewing my mind
This all started with Romans 10:9
Doing what’s right, doin’ quite fine
This all started with Romans 10:9

I’ll be all right—I’ll be just fine
You’re runnin’ out of time
I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine
I can’t go wrong living this way

Plug my life into Jesus
This gets my life restored
Selfish nature—don’t need it
Go give it up—you can conquer your demons
Would it be wrong for me to pry
If you give your life to Christ—Chances are dynamite
You will make it out alive—and I’m confident you’ll do it right

‘Cause I’m improving my life, renewing my mind
This all started with Romans 10:9
Doing what’s right, doin’ quite fine
This all started with Romans 10:9

I’ll be all right—I’ll be just fine—You’re runnin’ out of time
I can’t go wrong livin’ this way—Can’t go wrong living this way
I’ll be all—right

[ ApologetiX – Album: “Keep The Change” ]

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“Walk His Way”
(Parody of “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith)

Bad-footed brother, I was hopin’ to recover but the doctors I’m sad to say
Said “We can’t do nothin’ so you’re down on your luck because
You’re sure to be lame to stay.”
It was clear to me that what I needed was to be the kind of guy you could never resist
Had to beg for my supper with a system I discovered
When I started as a little kid — like this! LEAD
See my sign sayin’ “Give a coin to the poor”? Could you please find somethin’ to spare?
I’d say, “Hey, give a little bit of pity to a cripple!”
When it seemed like they didn’t care
But I took a big step as the Bible says with some Christians who were ready to pray
Cause it seemed my feet was ruined but they knew what they was doin’
When the both of them appeared today
And they told me to … walk His way (4x) They just gave me a gift — like this!
So John and Peter — was a passin’ by this afternoon for prayer time today at three
I said, “Please, I’m beggin’ — put some gold in my pockets!”
When they told me, “Baby, look here at me!”
I was a-quite confused I never made it with my legs
Until their voice told me somethin’ was diff
They said, “Forget those treasures ’cause we got a better favor.”
And they gave me just a little gift like this LEAD
Things started tinglin’ and the boys gave a pull with my feet flyin’ up in the air
Sayin’, “Hey, it’s a miracle!” It’s really pretty clear because I didn’t have to sit in a chair
So I took a big step with my right foot and left
With those Christians who were ready to pray
Was a really big improvement ’cause they knew what they was doin’
When they told me now to walk His way — I’m goin’ to
Walk His way (8x) He just gave me a gift — like this!

[ ApologetiX – “Jesus Christ Morningstar” album ]

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“Eight Ways To Be”
(Parody of “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles)

You might need to know babe, Chapter 5 Matthew
Helps you see my Lord’s eight blest Beatitudes
Holy, happy, holy, happy
There’s eight God wants ya to know, babe, eight ways to be Blessed are the humble, blest are those who mourn
Blessed are the gentle of meek and lowly form
They’ll be happy, you’ll be happy
There’s eight God wants ya to know, babe, eight ways to be Eight ways to be in Matthew
Eight ways to be in Matthew 5:2 go right there
Blessed are the thirsty for righteousness and truth
Blest are those with mercy – they’ll get Christ’s mercy too Ohhh, they’ll be happy, you’ll be happy
There’s eight God wants us to know, babe, eight ways to be Eight ways to be in Matthew
Eight ways to be – that’s why they’re called Beatitudes Blest are the pure of heart and those who peace to make Blest are those who suffer for righteousness’ sake
Holy, happy, holy, happy
And eight is plenty enough, babe
Eight ways to be, eight ways to be, eight ways to be

[ ApologetiX – “Apol-acoustiX” album ]

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“Gimme Helper”
(Parody of “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones)

Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh (REPEAT 3X)
Ooh, well, the Lord has said that Christ will abide in me
If I don’t get the Helper
Today, I’m gonna wait and pray
Lord Jesus, please send Him right away Please send Him right away
Lord Jesus, please send Him right away Please send Him right away – yeahh
Ooh, see the fire appearing
Now over people’s heads
Heard mighty wind blow across me My Lord brought a friend
Lord Jesus, He sends Him out today He sends Him out today
Lord Jesus, He sends Him out today He sends Him out today – yeahhh
Pray, brothers!
He’s just a shout away, He’s just a shout away Pray, brothers! Yeahh
He’s just a shout away, He’s just a shout away Pray, brothers!
He’s just a shout away, He’s just a shout away Hey, yeah yeah
Mmmm – well, the Lord is sending Christ’s Spirit right to me
Gives me, gives me a Helper
So, I’m gonna pave the way
Lord Jesus, He’s just a shout away He’s just a shout away
He’s just a shout away
He’s just a shout away
He’s just a shout away
I said, the Father, listens
He hears His kids who pray
He gives His gift today
He gives us gifts today
He gives us gifts today
He gives us gifts today, gifts today, gifts today, hey

[ ApologetiX – “Single Group” album ]

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“It’s You In Me”
(Parody of “Just You and Me” by Chicago)

You are the Lord of my life
You are my inspiration
It’s You in me – people can see
Gave me each clever thing I ever dreamed up
Made me Your own precious child
Promised You.d never leave me
It’s You in me – people can see
I’ve been so peaceful since You’re inside me
Come Holy Ghost – shepherd and lead me
Oh, I pray I won’t aggrieve Thee!
Open our hearts, cleanse us from sin
Every sin, every sin, every sin
Help me do right – help me do better and better You know I want perfection
LEAD
It’s You in me – You cheer me on
People can see You love me
You told us, Lord, You loved the world
I want to go and show them Jesus
You are the Lord of my life
You are my inspiration
It’s You in me – people can see
Saved me from everything I’ve been redeemed from

[ ApologetiX – “”Churchigo” album ]

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“The Power Above”
(Parody of “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News)

The power above is a glorious thing
Baby, one man’s weakness is another man’s strength Change your heart through a little white dove
The Holy Spirit – has the power above
Thumb through the Bible, and it’s quite clear
You’re stronger and smarter when you have God’s Spirit If you have Him, good – if you don’t, then why?
The power above can give you a whole new life
And you don’t need money, only faith
Don’t need to sweat it ‘cause the price is paid
Yes, all of a sudden in a room sometimes
Then a mighty wind blows by
That’s the power above, that’s the power above
The fruit of the Spirit it’s not grapes of wrath
It’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness And goodness, gentleness, self-control
That’s the power above in the world below
And it don’t take money, only faith
Don’t need to study hard to find these traits
Your soul is a garden – it can bear fruit sometimes
That you’ll find in Galatians 5
The spiritual gifts God prepared
Yeah, for you to share
In First Corinthians (Chapter 12)
You’ll find a list of them
And with a little faith, hope, and love
You’ll feel the power above
Feel the power of above
Can you feel it?
And you don’t need money, only faith
Old Peter said it back in Acts chapter 8
He’s talking to Simon, he talks to us still
You don’t need nothin’ to be filled
Be filled with power, be filled with power above
Got the power? Get the power above
Be filled with power above
Be filled with power above
Be filled with power above

[ ApologetiX – “Wise Up and Rock” album ]

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“Spirit Inside”
(Parody of “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum)

When He died and was raised from the dead Taught us all 40 days then He said
Well my friends, It’s time to fly
But wait up for the Spirit to arrive
Go wait up for the Spirit from on High
That’s who you’re gonna know when I fly
When I fly and you may be depressed
He’s gonna grow you in faith to pass the test
Prepare yourselves, but don’t get so rushed
God’ll have a Friend come teach ya
Don’t you know that when I fly
I’m gonna recommend He put the Spirit in you guys
Gonna recommend He put the Spirit in you guys
To show you miracles, make you wise
When I fly if you wait you’ll be blest
He’s gonna blow through this place in just a bit
LEAD
SPOKEN:
When the day of Pentecost came,
They were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven And filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire
That separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
And began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
(NIV 1984)
Never been a preacher but ever since
I got that Friend from Jesus
Don’t you know I’ve been on fire
‘Cause God has filled me up with the Spirit inside
God has filled me up with the Spirit inside
That’s why I’m gonna go far and wide
Far and wide with the faith I confess
I’m gonna go every place and tell the rest
Show ‘em the way that’s the best

[ ApologetiX – “Jesus Christ Morningstar” album ]

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DEEP THOUGHTS:

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“Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become ‘unity’ conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.”
[ A.W. Tozer ]

“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime. Nor is surrender to the will of God (per se) adequate to fullness of power in Christ. Maturity is the accomplishment of years, and I can only surrender to the will of God as I know what that will is.”
[ Elisabeth Elliot ]

“Tolerating a wrong attitude toward another person causes you to follow the spirit of the devil, no matter how saintly you are.”
[ Oswald Chambers ]

“To progress is always to begin always to begin again”
[ Martin Luther ]

“Let the Kingdom be always before you, and believe with certainty and consistency the things that are yet unseen. Let nothing that is on this side of eternal life get inside you.”
[ John Bunyan ]

“Holy living will not produce righteousness, but righteousness should produce holy living, and that’s what sanctification is.”
[ Greg Laurie ]

“So I would define human holiness as feeling and thinking and doing only what is consistent with God being the supreme and infinite treasure of the universe. Our holiness is our conformity to the infinite worth of God. The opposite of holiness is sin, which is any feeling or thought or act that shows that for us God is not the beautiful treasure that he truly is.”
[ John Piper ]

“Justification says that I have been made ‘right’ before God, whereas sanctification is the practical outworking of that in my life—where I am seeking to honor God by what I do and even by what I don’t do.”
[ Greg Laurie ]

“Lord make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be.”
[ Robert Murray M’Cheyne ]

“As it is with spiritual discoveries and affections given at first conversion, so it is in all subsequent illuminations and affections of that kind; they are all transforming. There is a like divine power and energy in them as in the first discoveries; they still reach the bottom of the heart, and affect and alter the very nature of the soul, in proportion to the degree in which they are given. And a transformation of nature is continued and carried on by them to the end of life, until it is brought to perfection in glory.”
[ Jonathan Edwards ]

“Indeed is it not the case that in this matter of sanctification our tendency is always to start with ourselves, instead of starting with God? I have got this sin that is worrying me and always getting me down, this sin that defeats me, and my tendency is to say, ‘What can be done about this sin, this problem of mine. How can I get rid of this thing? How can I get peace?’ I start with myself and my problem, and as certainly as I do that when I am considering this doctrine of sanctification, I am sure, in some shape or form, to end by regarding God as merely an agency who is there to help me solve my problems. And this is a totally unscriptural approach to the almighty ever blessed God.”
[ Martyn Lloyd-Jones ]

“We may be content to remain what we call ‘ordinary people’: but He is determined to carry out a quite different plan. To shrink back from that plan is not humility; it is laziness and cowardice. To submit to it is not conceit or megalomania; it is obedience.”
[ C.S. Lewis ]

“If you are going to resist the desires of the flesh (negative), you will need to live in the power of the Holy Spirit and walk according to his disciplines (positive).”
[ Sinclair B. Ferguson ]

“My soul is like a house, small for you to enter, but I pray you to enlarge it. It is in ruins, but I ask you to remake it. It contains much that you will not be pleased to see: this I know and do not hide. But who is to rid it of these things? There is no one but you.”
[ Augustine of Hippo ]

“As we gaze on Christ, the mind is informed, and the heart is inflamed, and the body begins to line up.”
[ Matt Chandler ]

“Be wise in time. What youth sows, old age must reap….Sow to yourself rather in righteousness: break up your fallow ground, sow not among thorns.”
[ J.C. Ryle ]

“So in the midst of our struggle with indwelling sin, we must continually keep our focus on the gospel. We must always go back to the truth that even in the face of the fact that so often “I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Rom 7:19), there is no condemnation. God no longer counts our sins against us (Rom 4:8). Or, to say it another way, God wants us to find our primary joy in our objectively declared justification, not in our subjectively perceived sanctification. Regardless of how much progress we make in our pursuit of holiness, it will never come close to the absolute perfect righteousness of Christ that is ours through our union with him in his life and death. So we should learn to live with the discomfort of the justified life. We should accept the fact that as still-growing Christians we will always be dissatisfied with our sanctification. But at the same time, we should remember that in Christ we are justified.”
[ Jerry Bridges ]

“There is no imagination wherewith man is besotted, more foolish, none so pernicious as this,- that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy in their life, should afterwards be taken into that state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God. Neither can such persons enjoy God, nor would God be a reward to them. Holiness is perfected in heaven: but the beginning of it is invariably confined to this world.”
[ John Owen ]

“When I am tempted and feel the power of sin and its tug on my affections, the gospel gives me something to say: ‘Christ bled and died for this sin—I will therefore have nothing to do with it. I am now united to Christ by the indwelling of the Spirit—how can I drag him into my sin?”
[ Sinclair B. Ferguson ]

“[Sanctification] is a process that includes on the one hand medication and diet (in the form of biblical instruction and admonition coming in various ways to the heart), and on the other hand tests and exercises (in the form of internal and external pressures, providentially ordered, to which we have to make active response). The process goes on as long as we are in the world, which is something that God decides in each case.”
[ J.I. Packer ]

“There should be as much difference between the worldling and the Christian, as between hell and heaven, between destruction and eternal life.”
[ Charles H. Spurgeon ]

“Our main doctrines, which include all the rest, are three: That of repentance, of faith, and of holiness. The first of these we account, as it were, the porch of religion; the next, the door; the third, religion itself.”
[ John Wesley ]

“The real difference in the believer who follows Christ and has mortified his will and died after the old man in Christ, is that he is more clearly aware than other men of the rebelliousness and perennial pride of the flesh, he is conscious of his sloth and self-indulgence and knows that his arrogance must be eradicated. Hence there is a need for daily self-discipline.”
[ Dietrich Bonhoeffer ]

“Antinomianism and legalism conspire in forcing us to make a false choice: Is salvation a matter of God’s forgiveness or is it moral transformation? This is a trick question from the Reformers’ point of view. Calvin reasons, “Surely those things which are connected do not destroy one another!” Forensic justification through faith alone is not the enemy but the basis of sanctification.”
[ Michael S. Horton ]

“The aim of the gospel is the creation of people who are passionate for doing good rather than settling for the passionless avoidance of evil.”
[ John Piper ]

“The Bible is different because it is the Word of God, by which He speaks to me. Disagreeing with the Bible would be disagreeing with God. So when I read the Bible I want to place myself ‘under’ it. I want to receive the Scripture in such a way that over time, my thinking, feeling, choosing, believing and behaving will be molded by the Word God is speaking into my life. I don’t want to critique the Scriptures; I want them to critique me and change me.”
[ Colin S. Smith ]

“If you wait until all of your own issues are gone before helping others, it will never happen. This is a trap that millions have fallen into, not realizing that our own sanctification happens as we minister to others.”
[ Francis Chan ]

“The way to conquer sin is not by working hard to change our deeds, but by trusting Jesus to change our desires.”
[ David Platt ]

“Monastic spirituality concentrated on private disciplines, as if detaching oneself from “the world” (i.e. society) might make one holier. Anabaptist piety was similar in that regard. However, Calvin thought of sanctification as a family affair. How could one learn loving humility, patience, wisdom, and forgiveness in isolation from others?”
[ Michael S. Horton ]

“Purge me from every sinful blot;
My idols all be cast aside:
Cleanse me from every evil thought,
From all the filth of self and pride.

The hatred of the carnal mind
Out of my flesh at once remove:
Give me a tender heart, resigned,
And pure, and full of faith and love.”
[ John Wesley ]

“The Church, like her head, has a glory, but it is concealed from carnal eyes, for the time of her breaking forth in all her splendour is not yet come.”
[ Charles H. Spurgeon ]

Think it not enough, that you can bear the denial of sinful desires; but presently destroy the desires themselves. For if you let alone the desires, they may at last lay hold upon their prey, before you are aware: or if you should be guilty of nothing but the desires themselves, it is no small iniquity; being the corruption of the heart, and the rebellion and adultery of the principal faculty, which should be kept loyal and chaste to God. The crossness of thy will to the will of God, is the sum of all the evil and impiety of the soul; and the subjection and conformity of thy will to his, is the heart of the new creature, and of thy rectitude and sanctification.”
[ Richard Baxter ]

“When a poor soul is somewhat awakened by the terrors of the Lord, then the poor creature, being born under the covenant of works, flies directly to a covenant of works again. And as Adam and Eve hid themselves… and sewed fig leaves… so the poor sinner, when awakened, flies to his duties and to his performances, to hide himself from God, and goes to patch up a righteousness of his own. Says he, I will be mighty good now–I will reform–I will do all I can; and then certainly Jesus Christ will have mercy on me.”
[ George Whitefield ]

“If you yield yourself up to His divine working, the Lord will alter your nature; He will subdue the old nature, and breathe new life into you. Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and He will take the stony heart out of your flesh, and He will give you a heart of flesh. Where everything was hard, everything shall be tender; where everything was vicious, everything shall be virtuous: where everything tended downward, everything shall rise upward with impetuous force. The lion of anger shall give place to the lamb of meekness; the raven of uncleanness shall fly before the dove of purity; the vile serpent of deceit shall be trodden under the heel of truth.”
[ Charles H. Spurgeon ]

“Justification is the new creation of the new man, and sanctification his preservation until the day of Jesus Christ.”
[ Dietrich Bonhoeffer ]

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RELATED SCRIPTURE VERSES:

“Pursue holiness, for without holiness, no now will see the Lord.”
[ Hebrews 12:14 ]

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
[ Psalm 119:105 ]

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
[ Romans 6:6 ]

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
[ 1 Corinthians 6:11 ]

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
[ 2 Corinthians 5:17 ]

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
[ Colossians 3:5-10 ]

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth”
[ 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ]

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
[ Hebrews 10:10 ]

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
[ Romans 6:18 ]

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
[ Romans 12:1, 2 ]

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
[ Galatians 2:20 ]

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:”
[ 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ]

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
[ 2 Peter 3:18 ]

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
[ Philippians 2:12-13 ]

“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption”
[ 1 Corinthians 1:30 ]

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
[ 1 Corinthians 6:11 ]

“According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood”
[ 1 Peter 1:2 ]

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God”
[ Romans 8:5-14 ]

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“A quick summary of the Christian “Gospel”:
JESUS’ PROPITIATION made our SINS FORGIVEN and IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS to us so that we have GOD’S ACCEPTANCE into His Heaven and ETERNAL LIFE.”
[ Mark Besh ]

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Hope you enjoyed some of these insights—share them with your friends and colleagues—so we can have a larger ‘pool’ to receive from, and more to share with! Also, remember to include your name as the “source,” if some of this wisdom is of your doing—I would like to give credit where credit is due!

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FOCUS VERSES:

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“Pursue holiness, for without holiness, no now will see the Lord.”
[ Hebrews 12:14 ]

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
[ 2 Corinthians 5:17 ]

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
[ Hebrews 10:10 ]

“and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”
[ Romans 6:18 ]

Mark

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If you have a ‘neat’ story or some thoughts about an issue or current event that you would like me to try to respond to, I would be glad to give it a try…so, send them to me at: mbesh@comcast.net

Disclaimer: All the above jokes & inspirations are obtained from various sources and copyright are used when known. Other than our name and headers, we do not own the copyright to any of the materials sent to this list. We just want to spread the ministry of God’s love and cheerfulness throughout the world.

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