Have you ever felt lonely despite being surrounded by tons of people? Maybe you are sitting at your desk with co-workers all around you, in the middle of happy hour with friends, or cooking dinner for your family and you have that moment where you just feel alone. We are rarely ever physically alone in today’s hyper-connected world and yet, we often feel like we are missing out on the meaningful connections that make us feel seen, heard and loved. Craving connection with those around her, Kristin Schell built a community at a turquoise table right in her front yard. Her story will encourage you to build authentic relationships and show up for others right where you are. You’ll also catch up with our HQ team later on in the episode and hear how some of their closest friends have showed up for them throughout their lives.
Kristin Schell is on a mission to love her neighbors. She put a picnic table in her front yard, painted it turquoise, and began inviting neighbors, friends, and even strangers, to hang out and do life together at The Turquoise Table.
A new concept of hospitality unfolded in her neighborhood, and before long The Turquoise Table led to a movement of Front Yard People—ordinary people who long to create community right where they live.
Today there are thousands of Turquoise Tables all across America from California to Maine. In all fifty states and thirteen countries, Turquoise Tables have become a symbol of hospitality, a safe place to sit down and connect over a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea.
As founder of the Turquoise Table and Front Yard People movement, Kristin travels the country speaking at conferences and events with an encouraging word on how to open our lives and homes to others. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Tony, and their four children.
Kristin’s book The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) is available where ever books are sold.
Connect With Kristin
Instagram: @kristinkschell
Website: theturquoisetable.com
Verses:
Mark 12:31 "The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Links from the show:
Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship Direction by David Brenner
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