"If you wrap them around once, the candles don't touch each other while they cool." David, a neighbor from Sacred Settlement Mosaic, has been working in a Purposeful Workshop for years. He knows all the ins and outs of candle-making. Clare, who leads the Workshop sessions, says she feels she should be learning from him because "he's so good at everything."

Based on his previous life challenges, David needs regularity as well as flexibility in his schedule and isn't always on time to the Workshops. But he is an eager and hard worker; his great generosity also contributing sometimes to his occasional lateness as he often volunteers to drive other neighbors to the Workshops with him.

Clare commented one day that she noticed how much of an asset he was and thanked him afterwards for his leadership. The very next week, David was on time, and without being prompted, he got right to work to set everything up.

”Just the tiniest bit of encouragement, and he jumped up to the next level of leadership.”
‍_{- Clare}

She notices as well how comfortable David is there; his confidence and sense of belonging. This is ‘his’ space. David has even created a micro-enterprise handcrafting candlestick holders that have been selling really well. 

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“He’s inspiring to me. I’m just so grateful to him.”
‍_{- Clare}

David isn’t the only one who has innovative ideas. Two other neighbors that attend the Workshop had the idea of creating seasonal candles, so they connected with a volunteer who has fall-themed molds for their next project. 

We sell Community Goods for considerably less than craft fair prices because we want them to be a part of daily life for people in the community. They have low smoke, are sourced from pure local beeswax, and burn clean. Clare and the neighbors are always trying to improve their designs. Recently they did a wick comparison test to find the best width to burn most efficiently.

“Light represents home, hope, life, safety.”
‍_{- Clare}

From a massive lighthouse lamp meant to protect ships from destruction on the rocks, to simple candles kept in windows to announce safe places for travelers and family, lights have always been a signal of protection, warmth, family, and a friendly welcome. 

Not everyone has been fortunate enough to have a good childhood. And for those who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences, it can be even harder to find a place of acceptance and trust as an adult. But as Clare pointed out with David’s experience, “It’s still possible to change a person’s perspective for the better.”  Healing can happen; it is happening. 

Next time you light a candle, think of David and other neighbors who come each week to the Purposeful Workshops and craft these Community Goods. (And if you live near a Sacred Settlement, why not stop by to purchase a candle or another of their Community Goods?)

Just as a candle brightens a room, we can brighten the lives of those around us too. How can you encourage someone today?

No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.
_{- Luke 8:16}

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