If It Was Easy

We’ve all heard the cliché: “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”
I was reflecting recently on the work GBOC does with children in Lake County—children affected by gun violence, and those who have experienced trauma in many forms.

I’ll be transparent: I rarely think of what we do as “hard.”
It’s only when people say things like, “I don’t know how you do it—working with kids must be so hard,” that I pause and think about it.

And I get it. This type of service isn’t for everyone.

I feel the same way when I think about nurses. I could never do what they do! I admire their steadiness, their compassion, their ability to stay grounded in high-pressure environments. And don’t get me started on those accurate phlebotomists who find your vein on the very first try—I appreciate them deeply.

I’m fascinated by people who are gifted at their craft.
Watching Towania Griffin, owner of Oh Yes Hair Designs, pick up her scissors is a treat. The way she sections the hair, how it falls perfectly into place with each cut—it’s art. Pure skill paired with passion.

When Mark Cosey opens his mouth to sing, it appears effortless. Maybe that’s because singing is not one of my gifts. (I mean, I can sing… but trust me, you don’t want to hear it! LOL.)

The point is: each of us has something God has gifted us to do—something that appears easy to others. But behind that ease lies commitment, practice, learning, and choosing to show up again and again.

At GBOC, we are committed.
Committed to helping children become the best version of themselves.
Committed even on the days they struggle in school.
Committed when they don’t feel like attending the program.
Committed because we know the long-term impact: stronger citizens, better students, future well-rounded adults.

Maybe that’s why we don’t think of this work as “hard.”
Because purpose has a way of shifting how effort feels.

Thank you for watching our videos on YouTube and supporting our fundraising efforts. We’re already planning our next big trip to Washington, DC in 2026—and we’ll keep you posted.

Picture credit:

Mic-VadimArtyukhin@Unsplash.com

Hair-Provided by Towania Griffin at Oh Yes Hair Designs