2023 National Day of Prayer Message

Last week I had the honor and privilege to join civic, non profit, business, and religious leaders at two gatherings for the National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme derived from James 5:16 which points out, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Prayer has always played a pivotal role in the Lampkin Foundation’s progress. The truth found in prayer has kept us grounded and looking forward to what is possible and already declared for our organization.

Whether it be the season of lent or the month long observance of Ramadan, both are an opportunity for us to relate to our friends and neighbors. We forgo food to know what it feels like for our neighbors who hunger but do not have access to fresh food and we abstain from liquid refreshments to know what it feels like for our neighbors who thirst but don’t have access to water. To be submerged in our faith is truly a feeling; much like feeling a sense of community. We all live in a city, a town, a village or a neighborhood, but what exactly does it mean to be part of a community? Is it simply residing in the same physical location, or is there something more to it?

To me, feeling part of a community is about having a sense of belonging. It means that we live in a place where we care for our neighbors, we look out for each other, and we come together in times of joy and sorrow. It means that we are more than just individuals living side by side- we are a collective force that can make a difference in our world.

When we have a real sense of community, we begin to feel a sense of pride and responsibility towards our environment. We become more invested in the well-being of our public spaces, and we work to create an inviting and safe atmosphere that benefits everyone. We start to care about the education of our children, the safety of our streets, and the health of our environment.

The feeling of community can extend beyond our own neighborhood. It can link us to broader networks of people with shared values, and create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. By working together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.

In this era of rapid technological advancement and social isolation, community is essential. We need each other now more than ever, and when we embrace our sense of community, we reap the fruits of a thriving and supportive environment. We can create a world where everyone is valued and supported, where everyone has access to opportunities, and where everyone is given a voice.

So, my message to you today is to embrace the feeling of community. Let us work together to build a world where we can all thrive, and where every single person has a meaningful and fulfilling life.

After delivering a message to attendees of the Dawoodi Bohras of Orange County and the Inland Empire interfaith service, I was asked to write a message on behalf of our community service group to the people who would receiving hygiene kits and food packets. My message was simple but true,

“May the blessings of God continue to encourage you.”

It is always my hope that people in need, who are suffering and frustrated with the condition have the awareness to see miracles are happening all around them and blessings big and small are placed upon them in many ways – even ones that seem to be only meant for me. I have seen and benefited from many blessings in my life. And many of them weren’t meant solelely for me. Some were examples of what could happen in someone else’s life. But I feel most were meant to enable me to do for others and keep others encouraged.

D’Andre D. Lampkin, HSEM
Founder, Board Chair