Deep As It Is Wide

Last week I was blessed to participate in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Nashville, Tennessee. 

ONE project, 36 years, 103,000 volunteers, 14 countries, & 4,300 homes.

President Carter kicked off the week at the Opening Ceremony held at the historic Ryman Auditorium (while sporting 14 stitches he received after a fall). He reminded us that this week was one of the most important weeks of the year and when asked about the potential rain plan, Rosalynn said that the plan was, “to get wet.” Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang a few duets, and local talent, including a high school band and bluegrass group serenaded hundreds of volunteers.

Each morning we arrived just as the sun came up over the work site. God’s love was shining through the trusses, and framing of each home. A total of 21 homes are included in this project.

We worked on House #11 with homeowner Sharonda, aka “Ronnie” and her sister, Tamekia. These two sisters were full of energy and affectionately referred to as the “Lee Sisters” since they reminded everyone of the Property Brothers – Jonathan and Drew Scott, who are both Habitat Humanitarians.

Our tasks included framing each wall, hanging trusses, building and installing the porch buttress, fitting and mounting the windows, and hanging the siding. We worked hard and had fun. We met amazing corporate partners and individual supporters. I made relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime. Amazing humans.

We were all reminded of Habitat for Humanity’s Founder, Millard Fuller’s, Theology of the Hammer. Simply stated, it is the understanding that our Christian faith mandates that we do more than just talk about faith and sing about love. We must put faith and love into action to make them real, to make them come alive for people. Faith must be incarnated; that is to say, it must become more than a verbal proclamation or an intellectual assent. True faith must be acted out. The Theology of The Hammer means that we work hard until a house for a needy family is built or renovated. It means continuing to love and having concern that is shown to the family to ensure success as a new homeowner. This theology is also about bringing a wide diversity of people, churches, schools, businesses and other organizations together to build and renovate houses and establish viable, dynamic communities. It acknowledges that our political, philosophical and theological differences exist, but we can all find common ground using the hammer as an instrument of God’s Love.

Each day we had a special musical performance from various country music stars. One of my favorite songs, included Eric Paslay’s performance of Deep as It Is Wide. “There's a place at the edge of the sky. Where there's a love deep as it is wide. The weak are strong, the hungry are all fed. And there's a breeze from the angels flying overhead. And there's a path, a glorious light. That guides you up the mountainside. And at the top, if you could you'd cry. 'Cause you see pure love for the very first time. Deep as it is wide.” I believe each Habitat for Humanity build is an opportunity for us to see God’s pure love. Another special touch was at the end of each day, a local high school marching band paraded through the neighborhood escorting volunteers off the work site. One day a very special proposal took place during the march! Click here to watch the video.

At the closing ceremony it was announced that the 37th Annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project is in the Dominican Republic! The Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic National Director, Cesarina Fabián, & Habitat for Humanity International Board Member, Celso Marranzini received the ceremonial "Trowel." After this ceremony the Carters, Trisha, & Mr. Yearwood (aka Garth Brooks) joined us at the Grand Ole Opry for a hooting & hollering at the Friday night show.

WATCH PHOTO SLIDESHOW

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity click here.