Yesterday, twenty members of Berrien County’s Great Start Collaborative spent the better part of four hours discussing the future of children in our county. There were some sobering moments where the reality of the challenges that lie ahead seemed unsurmountable. But there were also some hopeful moments where we realized that every single person in this collaborative wants to make sure that every single child in Berrien County gets everything they need to have a safe and happy life. I left the meeting feel exhausted, but with a renewed sense of purpose and committment.

The opening prayer at my church this past Sunday perfectly sums up the course that we must now embark upon as a community. The words of Marian Wright Edelman paint a vivid picture of what our end goal needs to be. Here is an excerpt:

“Grant us vision in our time. Help us to write it so large that even a runner can see it. Make it so compelling that even a cynic will pause, so convincing that a skeptic will risk trying to bring hope to others, and so inspiring that the committed will stand courageously in faith.”

My personal prayer for the Great Start Collaborative is that we craft this kind of vision, always remembering that our children are our future, and that they are counting on us. After yesterday’s meeting, I know that we’re now one step closer.