Compton

Today I attended my first City Council meeting. I’ve lived in the City of Compton for two years and I’ve been meaning to get around to it. It took 2 years, 4 months, and 17 days. Things happen when they’re supposed to right?

I went to see the Council presentation to local youth for mural projects they helped to complete at two city parks. Unfortunately I missed the presentation but I did get to see them outside in the lobby for their photo session. They were rightfully proud of their work and they looked good for their photo session.

Just Do Good - A 40 Year Commitment to the Transformation of Compton, California

For those of you who aren’t yet aware - there is a “Rebirthing of Compton” in the works. I read a really cool article about it a few weeks ago (maybe months). I got excited. Then life started coming at me and I forgot. So at the council meeting, a pastor from a church in a neighboring city talked about this program he and his church had been doing for the past year. Well actually they started decades ago in their own city. For the past year they’ve been coming to Compton every 2 months and bringing 300+ volunteers to do makeovers on homes, parks, etc. They paint, renovate, remove stuff, etc. Total overhaul. And they do it from there own tithes and offerings. They want nothing in return. Just the opportunity to “give God the glory.”

The coolest part of my day was listening to him speak and the message I got loud and clear. I am an aspiring “do gooder” but I have a bit of an ego problem. I’m not self absorbed but I forget sometimes what it’s all about. I like to do things “my way.” I like to be creative and I want some room to do so. I come up with brilliant ideas but…

Today I was reminded of the joy and simplicity of serving without expecting anything in return. Sometimes that’s a concept I struggle with. Today I remembered how enjoyable and easy it can be. I’ll be at their next Just do Good event.

Guess what else I remembered? It’s all about perspective. Whenever I tell anyone where I live I am curious to see what their reaction is going to be. I was curious when I lived in Los Angeles, Washington DC, Maryland and St. Croix. But it’s different now. I feel like I need to explain to people why I live here and I get a variety of responses. When you think of Compton what do you think about?

My point is…

Sometimes I get depressed. I want to help but I don’t how. Or I figure out how and then no matter what I do there is an obstacle. Then I get frustrated and wonder why blah blah blah. Then I pray, or walk, or talk to somebody cool. Then I start feeling better. Then I hear good news and hang around cool people, etc. I’ve been feeling kind of upbeat lately, and I’ve been inspired by lots of people in the best way. Be yourself. Be natural. Be happy. Be sincere. Be specific. Serve. I asked one day how could I help. Now I have sincere and specific ways. And - just for the sake of it

So help me God.

I would apologize for the mention of God on the internet (lol) but since it’s not mandated yet I do not have to. Smile if you have a sense of humor. Or don’t. Whatever floats your boat.