If I’m honest, I haven’t been on social media much this year. I haven’t sent many newsletters. I haven’t posted a lot either.
One of the main reasons? I’ve been intentional about protecting my peace and doing meaningful work offline. Every time I open my phone, like many of you, I feel the weight—the heaviness of our world, the noise, the injustice, the constant tension and harm that keeps showing up in so many spaces.
So I started asking myself a real question:
How will I intentionally hold on to hope during moments like these?
My answer has been simple:
By caring for myself and showing up for those who need it most.
Because when the headlines are heavy, I’ve stayed grounded in faith by returning to the basics: serving, listening, being present, and staying proximate to the work that creates more good in the world.
I’ve also found that hope doesn’t always arrive in big, sweeping gestures. Sometimes it shows up in the small, consistent acts that keep you connected to community—like staying close to real stories or creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. That’s been my life’s mission.
For some reason, serving others keeps me grounded. It brings me joy. And it reminds me that even when so much feels broken, we still have the power to respond with love in action.
So, I guess this video is both a reflection and a question. It’s a way of naming that I’m holding on to hope by staying connected to people and continuing to serve through the work we do at Love Beyond Walls.
Now, I want to ask you something:
How are you showing up with hope?
Because hope isn’t passive—it’s something we create when we refuse to give in to hate, apathy, or fear, or watching the world breakdown. The truth is, when we don’t build bridges, we risk becoming part of the reason the walls remain—and hope stays out.
Let’s keep showing up—for each other and with hope.
If you’re looking for a way to get involved:
Donate to Zion’s Closet and every item goes straight to students and helps us serve hundreds of children in a single school.
Volunteer by signing up to serve with Love Beyond Walls if you are in Atlanta.
Sign up to be one of the 100 early readers of the book, From Dropout to Doctorate—only 4 spots remain to receive a first copy and help spread the word.
Preorder the book and share it with someone who cares about students.
And if nothing else—send prayers and positivity as we continue to do this work.
Book Dr. Lester to Speak [HERE]
Listen to the Imgaine Dignity Podcast [HERE]
Explore my co-authored children’s book, Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness—a story that helps children understand the power of service, empathy, and making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
If you want to explore homelessness in the U.S., please consider reading “I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People.”
Explore my book “When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together” to learn about the impact of community involvement and collective action on social change.
Discover “All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity to gain insight into the significance of understanding the historical narratives that shape people and how you might stand in solidarity with your neighbor.
Or, subscribe to the Love Beyond Walls Newsletter—by visiting the site and signing up.
