Shotgun Home by Keith Castille
“A house in which all the rooms are in direct line with each other usually front to back.â€
Below is the home I was raised in. Growing up, I was embarrassed living in this home. In 5th grade after a field trip, I was getting a ride back home and did everything possible not to let them drop me off there. It was in the “hoodâ€, small, one tiny bathroom, near a recycling plant, near train tracks, busy street, and paint falling off. There were times I came home and the lights were off. We shared electricity with the house next door sometimes.…I can go on and on about the negatives. Trust me, there are thousands.
The Positives:
Taught me Grit
Focused my attention on seeing the cup half full
Taught me how to stretch a dollar
Involve Christ in all I do
God giveth, He can take away
To Give your shirt off your back even when you don’t have
Continue loving and praying for folks even when you don’t understand their actions
Stay humble. Get back to center when you lose your way
Hustle forward
Turn “nothing†into something and give Him the glory
I was reminded by an amazing human being that staying humble and keeping humility in check is important as we grow and do the work we are commanded. Over the last few weeks I’ve also been doing some self reflection on who I am, the words I use, and how I show up and be seen.
It’s not the fancy cars, vacations, homes, and nice things that make us who we are. It’s our HEART and how we show ourselves to others and this world. It’s about being genuine and authentic in all we say and do.
“It’s not where you from it’s where you at.†That statement is a bit flawed.
Remember where you are from. Remember the hard times, the grind, and the grit that gave you strength to fight stronger and harder. Show others the way. They don’t have to struggle like we did. Come back to center. The best version of me and you can be forged every day through experience and action. We just have to remain coachable. Read that again.
