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Hello,

Sometimes, as in right now, I look for hope, resilience, and the human spirit… A promised land.

Very sadly, four young LandWorks graduates have died this year, all tragically. All graduates from over the last ten years, and each with deep connections to us all here.

Individually they were trying to make life better and get out of the ‘madness’. They got a lot from LandWorks and put a lot back in. Their life stories were, of course, very different. But they had all faced huge challenges and experienced brutality and deprivation. They were all lovely people, and I am very proud that we got to know them so well, able to see them as decent people, and I am also proud that LandWorks made a difference to their lives.

I’ve done my best to live the right way
I get up every morning and go to work each day
But your eyes go blind and your blood runs cold
Sometimes I feel so weak, I just wanna explode”
Bruce Springsteen – The Promised Land

Funnily enough, I was asked about my faith the other day. The assumption being that LandWorks values are faith based.

Not directly, was my reply. But I do recognise that my own moral compass was informed by beliefs from previous generations.

Then last week I was asked about my Armed Services ethos. I must have looked slightly lost because he helpfully fired them off at me…

1.           Courage.
2.           Discipline.
3.           Respect for Others.
4.           Integrity.
5.           Loyalty.
6.           Commitment.

Not directly was my reply, although I think I can see where you are coming from.

So, two sets of beliefs seen to be directly present at LandWorks. Appearing just when I was seeking some form of explanation or reassurance about life. Hmmm.

Perhaps more directly I often sing. It helps and recently, well mostly with Bruce…

“The dogs on Main Street howl ’cause they understand
 If I could take one moment into my hands
Mister, I ain’t a boy, no, I’m a man
And I believe in a promised land”        
Bruce Springsteen – The Promised Land
Chris

10th October 2024