Written by Rev. Christi Dye
When have you felt that you TRULY belonged?
I knew it in some ways in the church (grew up a pastor’s kid), in some ways at school and home, in some ways at Duke, where I went to undergrad.
But never–even in all these environments– like I did sitting around the dinner table at the Red House at L’Arche Daybreak in Canada.
I lived in L’Arche for 9 years, and no other life experience before or after has given me the sense of belonging I felt there. (Above, I’ve shared a current photo of me and my children at the L’Arche Daybreak Craft Studio–we still visit every few years, 30 years after I first arrived to live and serve there.)
By the world’s standards, I belong and have “succeeded” in life. I mean, I went to THE BEST University, Duke (UNC and NC State fans, just hang with me…), where I proved my “worth” through test scores and accomplishments.
But in L’Arche, you BELONG because you are created in the image of God, because you have inherent worth, because you are created with a purpose–no matter your abilities, your background, your past, your brokenness—there is a place for you at the table.
This kind of belonging is all too rare in this world. Especially now, as our society, state, country, lawmakers, and people in power are devaluing and dehumanizing people at every turn.
Every person is created in the divine image. I am so grateful for the way that L’Arche makes this real in the lives of countless people–in my life and hundreds of others I know who have experienced L’Arche. Belonging is being made real right here and now, in day-to-day conversations, around the dinner table, in celebrations, friendships, and welcome.
Want to do something to nurture belonging in a world of exclusion and oppression? Give to L’Arche! It’s the impact that goes on and on and on…
Today, L’Arche North Carolina is creating that same kind of community here in the Triangle. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—called Core Members at L’Arche—share life with assistants who aren’t there simply to complete a shift or a checklist. They are building relationships and creating a home together.
Creating this kind of belonging takes all of us. Even after Medicaid and other state funding, L’Arche faces an $8,000 gap each month to sustain its relationship-centered model—valuing assistants, providing intentional staffing, and helping Core Members live full, connected lives in their community.
That’s why I’m proud to be a Belonging Ambassador for L’Arche North Carolina.
Will you give today and help create more belonging at L’Arche?
