A couple of weeks ago we took a break from our weekly Brookstone visits and instead took a tour of East Charlotte while meditating on the story of the Good Samaritan. During our walk, we were challenged to consider whom Jesus calls our neighbor and what it would look like to live out the truth of Matthew 22:39 by loving our neighbors as ourselves. 

As I entered into this nine-month program, I was aware of so much newness: new friends, new home, new church, new internship. And so far, nearly everyone I’ve met has offered the same advice:

“It is going to feel like you are drinking from a fire hose.”

The Charlotte Fellows class of 2025-2026 came to a close just a few weeks ago. As is often said, the days are long, but the years are short. In some ways, it feels like these fellows just moved here. In other ways, they are such different people now than when they arrived - and I am too. 

We’ve all heard the phrases: “Run to your Father,” “You are a child of God,” or the familiar opening of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father...” I’ve heard these truths my entire life, but if I’m being honest, they never felt real to me—at least, not until my time as a Charlotte Fellow.

In our Seminary class, we’ve been discussing the idea of common grace which is what the Apostle James is speaking on in this verse. His reminder is simply this: every good thing we experience ultimately comes from God.