I am so honored and excited to have author, activist, speaker, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, Terence Lester on the Still Becoming Podcast. Terence shares so much wisdom, insight, and frames seeing and helping each other in a way that empowers each of us to find where we are a piece of the whole. We discuss the dignity of each person, and the Dignity Museum - the first museum highlighting the stories and narratives of those experiencing homelessness. We also discuss Love Beyond Walls, the interconnectedness of each of us, the power of seeing people up close, and the power of being proximate. Terence also defines for us that loving your neighbor includes loving their neighborhood, and everything that impacts our neighbor, "If you're going to love your neighbor, you also have to love the place that shaped them, and you have to be concerned with the issues that shaped the neighborhood. You can't just love the neighbor and leave out the neighborhood." Terence describes how there are people willing, but not necessarily available - and he describes service as a lifestyle, not an event. He empowers each listener to not underestimate the impact you can make. No matter how small we feel - as a whole together the impact can be great. Finally, you'll want to listen to the beautiful tribute Terence shares about his wife in the final question about the person who helped him become who he is today.
Terence Lester is a minister, speaker, community activist, author, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization. His awareness campaigns on behalf of the poor have been featured in USA Today, Essence, Black Enterprise, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS News, NBC, Upworthy, and “The Bright Side” with Katie Couric. They have been viewed by millions of people globally.
He has spoken on the same platform as other civil rights activists such as Bernice King, Roland Martin, Gina Belafonte, Michael Eric Dyson, Tamika D. Mallory, and many others. Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to help illustrate social justice issues with practical approaches to solving these ailments. In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles) to bring attention to poverty and homelessness.
He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination. Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to illustrate social justice issues with practical strategies to solve these ailments.
In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit Love Beyond Walls and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty rebuild their lives.
In 2019, Terence launched the first museum in the U.S. representing homelessness out of a shipping container, called Dignity Museum.
Terence has written five books. His new book, “When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together,” will be released May 18th, 2021, with InterVarsity Press. He also holds four degrees and is working towards his Ph.D. at Union Institute & University in Public Policy & Social Change.
He is happily married to his best friend, Cecilia Lester. They have two amazing children, Zion Joy and Terence II.
Find Terence Lester, and his books, including his new book When We Stand here.
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Episode 76 - Conversation With Terence Lester: We Are All Interconnected