Grace and Greetings H.O.M.E. Family!

Last week, I enjoyed a spontaneous “day trip” to Charleston, SC. with my bestie.  As we rode along singing and praising to some of our favorite songs, out of nowhere, she asked me a thought-provoking question: “So, what kind of things did your mom like to do?”  After pausing a moment, I vibrantly recalled how absolutely talented she was at interior designs.  Then, of course, I got excited and began rambling on about how stylish she was.  She often wore red nail polish and a rose in her hair; she loved to dress nicely; kept her children neat and clean; and our home was always spick and span.  On any given day, I’d come in from school to a newly designed living room, bedroom, flower arrangement, table centerpiece, or creative hand-made wall hanging of sorts.   Our April 11th excursion, marked 21 years of her journey to see Jesus.   I’m astonished at how He is still revealing her fervent prayers, passion for life and philanthropic ways.  Additionally, I’m blessed that so many others are reaping a small piece of Heaven’s benefits from her powerful legacy on earth.
 
The epiphany I received, while sharing parts of my mother’s short-lived life, was unexpected and unbelievable.  You see, she never got a glimpse of H.O.M.E., or ever knew of its existence.  But amazingly, God allowed me to envision a mission that was birthed through her passion.  Everything we do to make lives better, comfortable, loving and beautiful through donations of furniture, décor and more is undeniably a gift from God—passed down to me from the very soul of my Mama.  Think it not strange that as we travel through life, we’ll soon come to realize that each of us is a small speck of paint on a divine portrait created by the Master Artist.  He fashioned, designed and perfected all existence—for all eternity—for all time without end.
 
In closing, I’m reminded that the word “epiphany” is often how God chooses to show us a manifestation or revelation of His undying love and grace.  As in the Christian tradition, this realization gives us trust and faith in something so much bigger than ourselves.  A faultless example is found in Luke chapter 2 of the Bible story that illustrates a child born in Bethlehem named: Jesus.  Like wise men and women, we too, should strive to look with anticipation and expectation of better and brighter days to come.  I’m so very thankful for friends that help me celebrate life—because even in death—hope remains hope. 
 
At the end of a fun-filled, awe-inspiring day, I rode home in the passenger’s seat… in the cool of the evening breeze… nestled comfortably at peace with knowing… God is in control.    

As always… lovingly and graciously yours,

Carolyn A. Watson

Pearl of the Quarter
 

At age 43, Starshema Austin, is in the prime of her life and working diligently to begin again after a season of hardship.  A native of Richmond, VA., Starshema moved to Atlanta in 2018 seeking opportunities to grow her interior design firm: Thee 5 Star Lifestyle.  With over 17 years of experience in decorating, H.O.M.E. had a chance to see firsthand her “knack” for creating beautiful things.  She is truly a designer at heart.  As a gifted woman, devoted mother and entrepreneur, Sharshema has passed this passion down to her 14-year-old daughter, Cherish, an aspiring fashion model; and her 10-year-old son, Justis, who already has a YouTube channel and clothing line called: King Goalz, that promotes the idea that young boys should think like kings.  Starshema creates all of his attire, while working a job every day, and producing a curriculum for her foundation: The Love Lifestyle that encourages God’s love through five core values: Kindness, Caring, Respect, Giving and Forgiving.

While Starshema has truly been blessed with many gifts and talents—a year ago, she fell on hard times after a bad relationship forced her into a shelter where she and her kids lived for 7 months.  “This was different from anything I’ve ever experienced,” she shared.  “It broke me; humbled me—and I needed this experience so I could be ready to help other people in my ministry and purpose in life.” she explained. Starshema’s mom is also talented and has been most instrumental in imparting the love of Christ in her daughter’s life from as early as age five.  “I’ve experienced hard times, been incarcerated, and in a shelter—but what made it easier was because I had Jesus—I thank God for my mother.”

Like Starshema, her children, Cherish and Justis, only had wonderful things to express about their mother. Chrish stated: “Shes’s amazing and makes nothing into something; we are the biggest piece of her and she’s beautiful inside and out.”  Justis sweetly grinned and chimed in: “She’s a good mom and great at everything—and that’s enough for me!”  It’s so very refreshing to see how much Starshema is loved and gives love.  In closing, Ms. Austin shared her sentiments for the gift of furniture her family received, “It means so much that God put into people’s heart to establish an organization like H.O.M.E.—its inspiring and encouraging and I want to leave a legacy like that.”    

  

On Behalf of
The H.O.M.E. Team
Congratulations 
Starshema Austin
for Being Our Pearl of the Quarter