When I think of caring for others, I think of this bible verse, "Deuteronomy 15:11 KJV: For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." The Lord, on many accounts, instructs his believers to care for the poor and needy. Not only is it an instruction, but its also something that is held very dear to the Lord, "Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” These verses alone are the epitome of what inspires me to get involved with my community. God cares so much for the least of us that he recalls every time someone has cared for them and even compares it to them taking care of Him. I've been the one in the long line waiting for a Christmas dinner, or a thanksgiving meal. I've been the one on a church's list for children in need of gifts because my mother was disabled and abandoned with five kids, one being special needs. These ministries take a special place in my heart because of the countless times my christmas depended on the care of others. Because those people did their duties and cared for families who didn't have, we had. I don't think there was one Christmas where I didn't have a gift, or one thanksgiving where we didn't have a Turkey. I am eternally grateful for those who stood in freezing weather, not just for a resume, but out of the kindness of their hearts. They upheld the expectations of a Just Lord, put their mittens on and stood in the freezing cold to give me the necessities of life. So, as an Adult youth, I do those same things with a gentle pang in my heart. With greatfulness in my eyes, while I helped others in need and recall the times that I was helped. Always be kind to those in need, not everyone wants to be standing in a line waiting for aid. It can be dishearting sometimes when individuals refer to you as poor or laugh at you. This is why I make sure to relate and not think any less of people who can't afford what they desire to have. This is what has inspired me to stay involved with Green House ministries and helping others as I have been helped is how I work to influence a change in my community.

Hi, first I’d like to introduce myself! My name is Jordan Fondren Johnson and this is my story. Middle school through high school was a rather difficult time for me. My brother was disabled and had Epilepsy, Lenox Gastox, and Cerebral Palsy. My mom also had her medical limitations as well due to complications that proceeded with the birth of her six children, only four of us remaining all under the age of 21. I am the child of divorce due to my father's neglect, his faithlessness in his marriage, and the verbal mistreatment of my mother. The divorce was hard for all of us. Especially my mom as she was left with five of us, and my baby brother who was disabled. Due to my mother's conditions: Toxemia, Gestational Diabetes, Paralytic Migraines, Strep A, and Lupus, childhood for us went by in a flash. We bore the honor of caring for our younger brother, who died of pneumonia at 12 years of age on Nov 16, 2017. Being a caregiver took up most of my life; which often left me home-bound, as my mother was not well enough to care for my little brother herself. When nursing care wasn’t provided, either I or my twin sister Jedia would stay home from school to aid our disabled mother. This led to missing a lot of middle schools and led to me being placed in a special math class because I had gotten so behind. But, I never saw my life growing up as a burden, or a horrible life, as I had love and joy throughout all of it. Throughout all, we blessed and praised God. At times it was difficult and often overwhelming but never did I consider it too much to handle. Due to my mother's disability, she did the best she could with what money she could. We were on financial Aid throughout my young life so we were able to receive free and reduced lunches. My mom was and still is my superwoman, and my inspiration to do for myself and to lead a God-fearing life. My mother always told me to do better than she did, which was ironic since she had an MBA and went to law school! But, sickness stopped her progress. Although my life was a roller coaster, we were all determined to graduate and go to college. My mother has successfully raised me, who is going for a BA in Game Art and Development at SNHU, my twin sister Jedia-El who is going to California College of the Arts for a BA in animation, my older sister Verlan who is going to John Jay College of Criminal Justice for a MA Forensic Psychology and my older brother Harvest who is attending his fourth year at MTSU for a BA Music Production. I have battled the death of two siblings, homelessness, and the difficulties of becoming a child care-giver to my disabled mom, and my disabled younger brother who passed away. Despite caregiving, this role in my life remains invaluable--something I would never change. It impacted me personally as I became kinder and more caring as a person and it helped me to see the value in this journey we call life. My identity is no longer defined by my race, sex, or income, but by who God and the family I cared for shaped me out to be.

The day I realized my mom was the greatest influence in my life was on, November 16th, the day my brother died. When my mom was in her twenties, she was at the peak of her life. She had moved to New York, started a business, met her husband, and decided to have a family. My siblings and I have always had a strong faith in God because of how my mother believed in him. She taught us who he was and instilled in our young minds a seed. Unfortunately, life was something that did not come easy to her. At the age of twenty-nine, she married my father whose abusive words caged her but was never able to shape her. Also at twenty-nine, she had her first child Harvest, and following her first, five more followed: Verlan, Jordan, Jedia, T, and Yeshua. Following the births of her children, sickness made its way: Toxemia, Gestational Diabetes, Paralytic Migraines, Strep A, Lupus and finally a Pulmonary Embolism. Never once did any of these obstacles break the unwavering faith she placed in God. Her faith did not falter even through a miscarriage and the death of my baby sister’s at just four days old. Even through my younger brother’s death at only twelve years old, glory only went to God. She praised him in her sickness and through her pain. She knew God never made mistakes, and never once did she blame him. Even when she became swollen because of toxemia, and incapacitated because of her paralytic migraines.Through all of her heartaches, she stood for what she believed. She fought hard for Yeshua, my youngest brother. Everyone said he would never connect with us because of his epilepsy, his Lennox-gastaut, and his cerebral palsy. They had put him in this unbreakable cage. He was locked in a world that nobody could reach. He would never walk and he would never communicate. He was forever to be labeled “incapable”, but she didn’t accept that. She left him in God's hands and believed him for the best. God knew she was strong and faithful enough to endure this medically complex challenge. Everything that she had endured had prepared her for Yeshua, her medical conundrum as she called him.These trials and tribulations she faced were only stepping stones in her eyes, and so, she became ‘that mom’. That Mom who didn’t take no for an answer. That Mom who wanted the best for her children.That Mom that turned my brother’s incapabilities into capabilities. That mom who pushed Yeshua to do more than the papers labeled him and to go beyond. That Mom, my Mom, always gave credit to God for the good days and bad days. Because of her influence, she placed a great and strong spiritual seed into me. I will use my artistic gifts by influencing my generation through the creation of animations and games with my twin sister. With the help of God, I will bring an impenetrable light to invade this dark world. So many of my generation are killing themselves, and are struggling with debilitating mental illnesses. While my art is still an average skill, it becomes different because I will be using it as a weapon. I will use my skills in order to help penetrate this overwhelming darkness that is consuming my generation. With the use of my art, I will have a company whose influence will guide people out of depression and to an unimaginable light.

Two years ago, after graduating high school, I was accepted to go to a Institute called Ringling College of Art and Design. I was supposed to be majoring in Game Art and Development, and I heard that Ringling was the place to go, so I prayed, applied, and was accepted. Unfortunately, this was during COVID and I had been waiting to hear what the college was going to do in light of the pandemic. To my surprise, they made the decision to stay on campus but then, after I had paid the non-refundable and expensive housing fee, they declared that they would transfer to online schooling. The College then informed us that the cost of tuition would remain the same whether we attended in person or online. After this, I got on a call with my advisor and was discussing my financial issues and 0$ familial contribution. Instead of guiding me to scholarships, she outright said, “Maybe this isn’t the school for you.” Because I struggled financially, in her eyes, I was aiming too high. Because I couldn’t afford to pay for my education out of pocket, Ringling “was no longer the school for me." I was already aware that I had no money, I couldn’t help but be aware, but still, I remained determined that I would persevere. So, I pulled out of Ringling. As deadlines to apply to colleges were coming to a close, I had no clue as to what school I would attend. Instead of waiting for another semester, I asked my family and friends for help as I searched night and day for a college that had my degree. My mom—God bless her—prayed to find a school for me and SNHU was what showed up. And, thank God, they had exactly what I wanted to pursue and I could start immediately. God and my ability to persevere helped to bring me to where I am today but that faith and perseverance were passed down from someone I know. My disabled and divorced mother had successfully raised me, who is going for a BA in Game Art and Development at SNHU, my twin sister Jedia-El who is going to California College of the Arts for a BA in animation, my older sister Verlan who is attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice for an MA in Forensic Psychology and my older brother Harvest who is attending his fourth year at MTSU for a BA in Music Production. I have battled the death of two siblings, homelessness, and the difficulties of becoming a child care-giver to my disabled mom, and a disabled younger brother who passed away. Despite all of my setbacks, I was raised in love and in the reverential fear of God that allowed me to persevere and defy the odds. This is the reason that my most valued characteristic is my unyielding ability to persevere. Like a pearl, it took years to develop and only the harshest/most uncomfortable conditions could produce this most beautiful quality. This is why I value my ability to persevere. It has and will help me in my lifelong journey as I face even bigger giants. Nothing has stopped me and nothing ever will.

He was Yeshua, and his name meant Rescuer who drives away sorrow. Because he had epilepsy, Lennox-gastaut syndrome, and cerebral palsy, it was always a possibility of SUDEP--Sudden Death in Epilepsy which meant he could die at any time. Despite every seizure he had or relapse, that would steal years from his life as he would have to relearn everything he was taught, he always bounced back. So, when November 17, 2016, came and he passed, we were stunned. He had defeated illness and difficulties so many times: the implantation of a magnet into his chest, hip surgery when his hips fractured, and many seizures that caused memory loss, and even through all the late-night ambulance calls when his seizures couldn't be stopped, he always came back around. So just like everything else that came up, we believed he would get through this as well. He was just so good at bouncing back--I mean this was Yeshua we were talking about. He wasn't even 13 yet. But, reality came crashing in, and he lost his lifelong battle to a case of pneumonia. He was tired, he had fought all of his life--he wanted to rest. So, we told him that it was okay, and all of us silently watched as he passed peacefully in the arms of my mother. Although Yeshua had so many complex medical issues, as my mom called him her medical conundrum, he didn't let those disabilities disable him. He taught me compassion and he taught me patience. He taught me love and he taught me Joy. His passing helped me to realize no matter how brief or hard life is, you can never allow it to steal your ambitions or stop you from fighting. He taught me that even when the world says you can't it only matters when God says that you can. No matter how young you are, you can make an impact in people's lives and you are not insignificant because you may fall short of the standard. Who you are, is more than enough. What you believe and what you desire is what will drive you. He taught me to have my own convictions about life and to fight to make a change, even if I don't meet the standard. When Yeshua's funeral came around, many people came who my mother called Yeshua's family. Nurses, lawyers, doctors, physicians, everyone who Yeshua met, he impacted. They too were mystified by a boy who wasn't what the paperwork labeled him to be--he was so much more. So now, I'm focusing on the family I have left, and am fighting to finish my degree so that I can help others. My circumstance will no longer decide my future. Just like Yeshua's disabilities is what made him so unique, my differences can and will do the same for me. Where I am is only just the beginning of where I will be. And I will do whatever it takes in this brief and hard life to impact who I can. Through the creation of a company and with the help of my twin sister, we will bring an all-consuming light to this dark world. Yeshua has changed my view on life, he helped me to see the value that it holds, and the impact that you can make no matter if life gives you the shorthand of the stick.

Recently, I was invited by my church to go out and help Greenhouse Ministries in handing out food to people who needed it. Of course, this touched a special place in my heart, because before I turned 19, I too was in those lines with my four siblings and disabled mother waiting on food and resources. To be on the giving end, gave me an entirely new appreciation for everything that was done for me. I aimed to talk to people, to get to know them; most may not have wanted to be there for food, and many may have been embarrassed as I once was. Instead of silence, I talked with them and I got to know an Egyptian man named Mark who had only been here for five years. Assimilation was complex and culturally shocking, but he was doing alright--he was doing the best he could. These experiences helped me see those in need as not just a good deed to check off, but my duty as a Christian and as a young individual. Everybody is somebody no matter what their checkbook says. From this community outreach service with my church, I've grown even more. God has taught me a lot about the responsibility that we have to take care of those who aren't able to take care of themselves. This was no longer an obligation, but it became an honor to serve.