Facing Giants in Music City

In this episode of Faith & Grit, Cheryl Lynn Blevins shares her own challenge to better support her community—beyond the headlines about border security. Drawing from her Tennessee farm roots and a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Mike, Cheryl explores how small acts of kindness can bridge divides and build true community. She invites you to join her in discovering how showing up for your neighbors is a powerful testament to faith, courage, and grace.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hey y'all.

(00:01):
It's Cheryl Lynn Blevins, and welcome back to Faith and Grit, where we talk about everyday stories of faith, courage, and grace.
I'm so glad you're here today.
I've been thinking a lot this week about what it means to really show up for our communities, our neighbors, our churches, and even those folks who might not look or sound like us.

(00:21):
And with everything going on in the news about border security.
It's easy to get caught up in the politics and forget that real people are at the center of it all.
You know, growing up on a farm here in Tennessee, community wasn't just a word.
It was a lifeline.
When the crops were down or someone's fence broke, or if the weather turned bad, we didn't think twice about helping each other out.

(00:46):
That's what it means to live with a spirit of faith and grit, to lend a hand even when times are tough.
Now, don't get me wrong, border security is important.
We've gotta have strong laws and keep our families safe, but I believe God calls us to love our neighbors too, no matter where they're from or how they got here.

(01:06):
It's a fine line to walk, but it's one worth talking about this week, I sat down with my friend, pastor Mike, who leads a small church over in Franklin.
He shared how his congregation started a community pantry to help families in need, including folks who've just moved here from other places.

(01:26):
They've seen firsthand how a warm meal and a kind word can change a life when we get so caught up in debates about who's in and who's out.
Sometimes we forget that Jesus told us to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger.
That's community support in action.
Y'all.
So today I wanna challenge us all, how are we showing up for our neighbors? How are we balancing the call to protect our communities with the call to love one another? In the second half of this episode, we are gonna dive deeper into Pastor Mike's story, and I'll share a couple of ways we can all make a difference, even in the smallest of ways.

(02:03):
Alright, let's take a quick break and when we come back I'll share more about this conversation with Pastor Mike.
What it means to truly support our community in these times.
Welcome back to Faith and Grit.
I'm so glad you're sticking with me today.
Let's talk a little more about Pastor Mike's story and what it means to show up for our community when things get tough.

(02:23):
Pastor Mike shared a story that stuck with me.
A family had just moved here from a border state, barely speak in English, but looking for work and a place to call home.
They walked into his church one Sunday, nervous as can be.
Unsure if they'd be accepted, but instead of turning them away, that little church rallied around them.

(02:46):
Folks offered jobs, found them a place to stay, and even through a small welcome potluck with homemade casserole and sweet tea, it wasn't about politics or headlines.
It was about seeing the humanity in each other.
That's the kind of community support we need more of right now.
The kind that says, Hey, you matter.

(03:06):
You're not alone.
Now, I know it's not always easy to balance safety with compassion, but y'all, the Bible's full of stories about reaching out to strangers, helping the lost, and given to those in need.
Jesus didn't ask folks to prove themselves before he shared a meal with them.
He just loved them.
So maybe just maybe we can do the same.

(03:27):
Before I wrap up today, I wanna leave y'all with a challenge.
Take a minute this week to look around.
Really look.
Who's struggling, who's new to your town, or maybe just going through a rough patch.
Find one small way to show up for 'em, whether it's a kind word, a hot meal, or helping them find work.

(03:49):
I'd love to hear your stories too.
You can email me at blevins she [e-mail].
That's B-L-E-V-I-N-S-C-H-E-R-Y-L-L-Y-N [e-mail].
Let's be a community that doesn't just talk about support, but actually lives it out.
Thanks for joining me today on Faith and Grit.

(04:10):
I'll see y'all next time for another episode about faith, courage, and grace in everyday life.
God bless and take care.