Candid Conversations about Diversity; Connecting with the Unhoused: a conversation around dignity.

 Co-hosted by Rev. Abigail Schairer & Stephanie Anne Johnson with guests: August 19 guest speaker: Truth be ToldThis month we invite you to an enlightening and candid discussion about living on the streets and helping others. Learn how our guest, Truth Be Told, experiences the Divine, his sense of belongingness, what spiritual support he needs and receives, and the changes that would make a real difference to those who are unhoused. About Truth be Told: Truth be Told is a born and raised Texan who moved to Seattle five years ago. He met his husband of 28 years in his late 20s at a restaurant on the River Walk in San Antonio. According to Truth money has never been a big motivator for him; the most he has ever made in a year was $49,000. The Spirit has always taken care of his needs. What motivates him is helping others, particularly those struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness. His journey into understanding housing issues began when he experienced homelessness himself. During this time, he encountered many individuals facing similar struggles. He found that there are genuine challenges on the streets, often masked by defensive behaviors. Crazy doesn’t scare him, he says, because he knows it’s not constant; people have moments of clarity, and that’s when he can help. Through his experiences, he has saved lives and helped countless others find stability. Since moving to Seattle, he has continued to support those in need, drawing on his own experiences to offer understanding and aid. Being unhoused was a temporary situation for him, not a reflection of his character. Now, he focuses on advocating for better housing solutions and helping others navigate their own journeys to stability.  About Stephanie Anne JohnsonA singer’s talent is complete when they can bring a crowded dive bar to a collective hush and also get one of the biggest audiences on the planet to a collective standing ovation. Stephanie Anne Johnson is that special singer. Stephanie can don a cowboy hat and sing over a slide as old timers weep. And they have wowed judges on the immensely popular NBC TV series, The Voice, showcasing their gifts.Perhaps it’s no surprise that Johnson is so affecting. Their mantra, after all, is “Find your joy and go there.” Their prowess exudes whether they are singing the Black national anthem - “Lift Every Voice And Sing” - to a packed auditorium or cooing acoustic lullabies to Saturday night tavern regulars. Their music, which is rooted in all that’s American, expresses the pain of the past, the roots of the down-home and the hope that hard work will lead to proper reward. Their latest album 'Jewels' was released on April 7th, 2023. Stephanie Anne Johnson has opened for acts that include political figure Bernie Sanders, and artists such as Macy Gray, Mavis Staples, Robert Cray, Joseph, Cedric Burnside, and Black Joe Lewis About Rev. Abigail SchairerRev. Abigail Schairer is a modern-day mystic and spiritual visionary, who has been in ministry since 2011. As Assistant Minister and Education Director at CSL Seattle, she weaves ancient wisdom with contemporary insight. Her true magic unfolds in creating retreats, including SisterSpirit Retreats, which she has been running for 17 years. With a passion for weaving together the wisdom of diverse spiritual traditions, Abigail brings a fresh perspective to her speaking and teaching, infusing each session with practical insights and boundless inspiration. Find out more at www.spiritualliving.org and www.sisterspriritretreat.org.