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Porch & Parish

Winter 2025

Jan 09, 2025 10:52AM ● By Jen Gennaro

It’s so simple, yet so profound. We’re plagued by overconsumption and quick fixes, and we’re constantly bombarded with the idea that everything should be fast, disposable, and easy. Our garments are designed to be tossed aside after a season, we buy more food than we’ll ever eat, and our feeds are flooded with promises of instant solutions. Subscribe to this app to fix your marriage. Take this powder to shed the weight. Follow this scheme to get rich quick. But the truth is, nothing worth fighting for happens overnight. The feature stories in this issue—Black History Month, A Life of Faithfulness, and Living off the Land—all remind us of this essential truth. Progress is made through daily, intentional steps. Slow and steady wins the race. Real change, real growth, real impact—it all takes time. 

Yes, we’re fortunate to live in an age of medical and technological breakthroughs, but at its core, the human experience remains unchanged. As the saying goes, "there’s nothing new under the sun." The things that truly matter—faith, perseverance, and a connection to the land and each other—are timeless. They require patience, commitment, and a willingness to embrace the process. And, quite often, it’s one step forward, two steps back. As you turn the pages of this issue, I hope you’re inspired to reflect on the power of slow, steady progress. Celebrate the quiet victories and the daily steps forward. After all, the best things in life aren’t instant—they’re earned.