It is in the Cloud
In the book of Hebrews (chapter 12) the writer says this,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Recently we were sharing this verse with some folks in our mentoring ministry, Amplify. One of the obvious questions related to the verse above is, “Who is in your cloud?”
In this instance assumptions were made by the leader (me) that the passage would be read and interpreted as I do—that our “Clouds” are filled with positive role models with voices of encouragement.
Both of our participants interpreted it another way. They said, “The cloud is the negative people and voices that surround you that you have to ignore and push past in order to pursue what you feel you need to do.”
Wake up call.
Imagine for a moment that it would be easier for you to identify negative role models and voices of discouragement than positive role models with voices of encouragement.
That is a reality for many of our neighbors that engage with the programs at Cornerstone. It is common to hear our participants make statements like, “My haters are my motivators.” What they are describing is a mindset that it is just them against the world. This statement, though seemingly motivational, is in our experience, untrue. The voices of the “haters” tend to win.
It is a war of attrition.
Unless…
The front page of our website leads with this statement:
Because lasting change is best cultivated in ongoing, supportive relationships…
This is the “how” of what we do and it is the space we are blessed to occupy.
We believe lasting change happens as people are rooted and established in positive community filled with encouraging voices. And we are happy to be that community for as long as they have need.
We are seeking to change the narrative of the “Cloud” in the lives of our participants…
We are FOR you.
We BELIEVE in you.
You CAN do this.
You WILL overcome.
We will WALK with you.
At Cornerstone the secret to lasting change is not a secret…
It is in the Cloud.