Rays of HOPE: Passion + Place + Plan = Purpose
By: Rev. John C. Jones, President and CEO, HOPE Toledo
Entering a new year is often accompanied by reflection, a recharged spirit, and a new resolve to be better than we were in the previous year.
For me, I choose not to make “new year resolutions,” but instead, I view the new year as a new opportunity to identify areas of growth needed in my life.
For some reason, I sense that 2023 will feel, look and be different. As I have spent time reflecting over the first three weeks of this year, three things continue to resonate with me, and I wanted to share them with you as we start the year together.
Identify your PASSION. It is a true statement that when one identifies what they are passionate about, often purpose is lurking nearby. The alignment of one’s passion and the ability to channel that passion positively has resulted in some of the greatest inventions, compositions, and work this world has ever seen. Personally, I learned about five years ago that my gift from God aligned directly with my passion for serving children and youth. It was a lesson learned through adversity, but once I got the message in my spirit, it propelled me forward in unimaginable ways.
Find your PLACE. A person can do the most outstanding work, but if that work is done in the wrong place, it will yield unproductive outcomes. Far too often, we seek places of prestige and power – we see it on every level of life, from government, to business, to community, and even in our homes. Sadly, what is found in the places we often seek is not the best place for us. It shows up throughout society, and often with our youth, it has negative outcomes.
When that right place and space is discovered – when you “find your tribe” – the rooting and blooming of the plant can begin.
Develop and Implement your PLAN. I don’t believe anyone wakes up thinking, “I’m going to fail today!” Unfortunately, the reality is not enough people wake up executing a plan. If we fail to plan, whether we like it or not, we plan to fail. This is so difficult to see experienced in daily life, regardless of the sector or industry in which a person is. Planning strategically is not only for the business owner or corporate executive, but for everyone.
When I identified my PASSION, found the right PLACE, and began to implement the PLAN for my life, PURPOSE began to pursue me. (read that sentence again)
Through HOPE Toledo, our goal is to help young people know their purpose and live it out every day. It is not our children’s purpose not to finish high school with the skills necessary to succeed in life. It is not our children’s purpose to engage in behavior that will have negative outcomes for the rest of their lives. It is our job as a community to help our most precious and prized population – our children.
When we collectively help them align passion, place, and plan, we can answer the question, “How are the children?” like the mighty Massai Warrior – “The Children Are Well!”
Please take a few moments to learn more about our work at HOPE Toledo and how you can join us in this work by sharing your time, talent, and/or treasure. It literally does take a village to ensure our children live out their greatest potential.
