By the time most of us get to work in the morning, we’ve already had our fair share of wins and challenges. Maybe it started when we couldn’t locate the other pair of shoes we wanted to wear. Perhaps that catchy song that reminds us of our teenage skating rink days played on the radio. Or your teenager drank the last of the milk, and you couldn’t make your coffee the usual way. For those of us who don’t work from home, we battle I-95 or I-10 in an attempt to make it on time.
Values in Action
The swift transition begins after we place our car in park, unbuckle our seatbelt, and take one last look in the mirror. And there we are, ready to switch gears and settle into whatever task is up for the day. We do things a little differently at Rethreaded. Before we begin our day, we start with a bit of reprieve and a chance to radical community.
Every morning we gather, and a Rethreaded staff member leads morning devotion on a topic that aligns with one of our values.
- Radical Community: We offer a radical alternative in which people can experience what it truly means to be part of a community.
- Crazy Grit: We choose to be tenacious in the mundane.
- Audacious Faith: By knowing He is God, we have faith to do the impossible.
- Holistic Restoration: We create and promote a physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and professionally healthy environment.
- Do the Right Thing: We make the right decision, regardless of the cost, expense, or effort required.
Radical Intentionality
You are sure to hear laughter and the occasional Tuesday joke-of-the-day because, above all, we aim for intentionality. That begins with taking the time to see and enjoy each other.
Sometimes practicing gratitude, other times sharing a message of hope. Every week, in our time spent together, we reflect on our shared mission – to pave the way for the next survivor to restore her life. By setting our intentions at the beginning of the day, we stay grounded in how our part plays a role in the success of the community that surrounds us.
"Every morning we light a candle to remember the women that are still out there and to pray that they come to Rethreaded quickly."
The Deeper Meaning
For new survivors who join our team, this time is encouragement that they are exactly where they are meant to be. Each step and decision they made in the effort to radically change their lives set them on a path towards Rethreaded and restoration.
For alumni survivors, it is a gentle reminder that they are part of a community that prioritizes breaking barriers and inspiring growth not only within themselves, but for the survivors who have yet to walk through our doors. Each hard decision a survivor makes is a testimony of how no seemingly mundane task or routine choice is too small on the path towards a restored life. Sometimes small victories are the biggest victories, especially when you are surrounded by a community that celebrates those moments.
Thankful Thursday
Thursday devo is one of our staff’s favorite days. We spend the time practicing what we like to call Thankful Thursday. Each staff member shares something personal in their lives that focuses on gratitude and encourages everyone else in the room that we are all created on purpose for a purpose. For one survivor, that can be the monumental changes and growth they’ve seen in their lives. Or for another, it’s relationships that have been repaired or the gift of friendship and fellowship. For other staff, it’s simply time well spent with family. It is in sharing these moments with each other that our connections deepen and we become relatable to one another. We are able to share each other’s triumphs and celebrate one another in our successes and achievements.
They Were Praying For Me
And every day we end our devotional time in prayer. Prayer for the women still out there. Women who may still be struggling, looking for a second chance, seeking a way out. Prayer that someone is put in front of them who can offer them hope and remind them of their purpose. That they are filled with potential. Prayer that they find their way to Rethreaded, a place that has a seat for them at our table.
A former staff member and retiree reflected at our annual gala, Mukti, on how pivotal that message was for her as she recalled hearing it for the first time.
"We do a devotion that aligns with one of our values, our scripture, and then we pray, and we say a prayer for the ladies that are still out there. I remember I felt so loved when I found out that somebody was praying for me. They didn’t even know me, and they were praying for me. I remember calling my sister after work to tell her about my first day and also to tell her that someone else was praying for me. That was my first reflection of love.” -Shirley Turner
Radical Community
That is radical community, reflecting love to one another. Seeing each other. Being known in a room full of people. Seeing through the actions of those around you that you matter. Even more than that, knowing that we prayed for you, even before we knew your name. And sometimes that’s enough to make an impact on the next woman’s life. Every day we stay hopeful for the next survivor that walks through the door. We do the hard, crazy–grit work to make room for her, to welcome her home to experience the beauty of radical community. The beauty of being seen.