The Good in People 

My Granddaddy, Carl Whitehouse, was born in a small wooden house across the street from the general store his Dad opened in Kentucky. Carl was a young boy with bright red hair whom I imagined spent his days chit-chatting with his neighbors across a grocery store counter. He loved people. 

He took that heart for his community and grew up to start a bank. It was rumored that Carl had a supernatural ability to give good farm loans out to folks who were turned away by other places, because he was good at recognizing the good in people.  

I pray to have the same skill as I lead GraceWorks, so I spent my first month testing a hypothesis I had about my Granddaddy – was he good at recognizing good in others because of his ability to chit chat?  

I’ve spent my first month chit chatting with lots of people – our staff, board, and starting to meet with some partner ministries. Here are some takeaways: 

The GraceWorks staff is God-picked! GraceWorks is blessed with a team with an incredible combination of skill, passion, and heart ordained for such a time as this.  

The programs are so much more than momentary relief. GraceWorks services have the power to lift someone’s gaze from the stressful mire of their circumstances to Jesus’ face.  

Our volunteers are miraculous! Our volunteers are a diverse group of passionate, humble, hardworking servants who are united by a love for others. The fact they are here is a testimony of God’s hand.  

So, while I don’t have a grocery store countertop, at GraceWorks I get a front row seat to see the good in people every.single.day.  

I have concluded that if you chit chat with your neighbors enough, it is pretty easy to find the good in people.  

On the next day you are struggling to see the good in people, I encourage you to come to GraceWorks! Let our staff love on you in the thrift store. Volunteer with us and be lifted! Call to schedule your food appointment or learn more about our rent and utility relief.  

Or maybe just chit chat with someone the next time you’re in the grocery store.  

Thank you for being a part of the GraceWorks community!