I officially passed 70 hours sitting on top of this empty refrigerator, and by the time you read this, it will be 75. For ten days straight, I’ve shown up here every single day, for hours at a time, even on Sunday.
It’s taken every ounce of strength I have to stay focused on the main mission, to raise awareness for the children and students our organization serves, many of whom might only eat once a day.
The coldest day came two days ago when the temperature dropped to 34 degrees while I was still up here. People kept asking if I was okay and reminding me to take care of my health, but I stayed layered up with a blanket coat and gloves.
Even so, that small measure of comfort is nothing compared to what so many are facing right now in terms of need.
However, I cannot pretend this experience has not cost me something.
At night, I think about those who may be hungry, the people who come to our Love Beyond Walls office, and the families we support. I have also had to stay physically strong, sitting in place for hours at a time without falling or losing focus.
I have been fasting and choosing not to take food from those who have offered, because how could I sit on top of this refrigerator and eat while people go without?
Still, I am deeply grateful for the more than thirty people who have stopped by to contribute, share their stories, and encourage this mission.
Yesterday, a mother of a veteran came by after seeing the story on the news. She donated groceries in honor of her son, never realizing that her gift would directly impact a family she had never met.
This kind of presence has kept me going. It has reminded me of the power of mutual aid, of people helping people. It has been a source of joy and a constant reminder that community is everything when it comes to serving and loving our neighbors who may find themselves struggling or without.
This morning, I recorded this reflection video about what this experience has meant to me over the past ten days and what I hope for as we continue to support students and community members in need.
I’m grateful to WSB-TV, CBS News Atlanta, and the many street journalists who have shared the importance of the Open Fridge Campaign.
In closing, I will leave you with this. If you are someone who feels the weight of lack right now, I want you to know that you are seen.
There are people working to ensure that you feel supported and reminded that your purpose is not tied to your struggle.
And if you are someone who has been blessed to not feel the pressure of where we are in the world, I encourage you to show up and serve in whatever way you can. Because every act of care still matters, and every ounce of compassion is still good.
To those of you who have supported, thank you.
I hope the image above reminds everyone that behind every statistic and every story is a real person, someone who may have nothing to eat in their refrigerator. And remember, children never choose hunger, homelessness, or poverty.
In solidarity,
Terence
If you’re looking for a way to get involved immediately:
Love Beyond Walls’ latest awareness campaign Project Open Fridge, is a call to expand resources for families and children impacted by hunger. The work we’re doing here through Zion’s Closet and Love Feeds helps reduce food insecurity and meet the needs of many students and families living in poverty.
Donate to Love Beyond Walls to fill the grocery needs.
Purchase items for the new Zion’s Closet wish list and every item goes directly to students and helps us serve hundreds of children in at Love T. Nolan.
Volunteer by signing up to serve with Love Beyond Walls if you are in Atlanta.
Support the book and share it with someone who cares about students (Available Now).
And if nothing else—send prayers and positivity as we continue to do this work.
NYC Talk
I’m grateful to share that I’ll be doing my next book talk/discussion in NYC next month.
If you are in the New York area, fill free to sign up at the link below.
NYC — Nov. 14th → RSVP here
Book Dr. Lester to Speak [HERE]
Listen to the Imgaine Dignity Podcast [HERE]
