Susie Cottis, a member of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors, shares her thoughts on being a conduit of hope and healing.
Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a series written by the members of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors. Each one will be answering questions or sharing why he or she is committed to playing a vital role in Omega’s story as it unfolds.
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It was a spring day when I was sitting with my friend and listening to her heart wrestling and stirring within her. Janna was looking ahead yet without clear direction at some doors of opportunity she faced. As I sat listening, I challenged her to be bold and unafraid.
While this was the beginning of a new journey for Janna, it was also becoming a journey of trust for me.
Over the course of a few years, I watched a transformation take place in her. When someone receives the gifts of hope and true love, it is amazing what can happen. Even for me as a witness, it was intoxicating and took my breath away. Putting into words what is in a heart is nearly impossible. But the dream of watching from the front row what hope allows and seeing love grow inside a person sparks my desire.
Working with Omega Espresso Bar came initially as a surprise to me. Before, I had been praying that what I do in my life would matter, and that I would do something “more.” Then, an opportunity came along to go serve in Uganda. With some trepidation, I went on that trip.
I was forever changed. That experience brought with it dreams of returning to Uganda someday. Yet as I look around me now, I have renewed vision.
Much closer to home, I feel compassion for women recovering from unspeakable experiences and want to give them hope, true love, and grace. I want to be a part of allowing them to find and step through open doors of life-changing opportunity.
There are women eagerly waiting for Omega Espresso Bar to open a retail space so they can start their futures there. That keeps me chock full of anticipation and at times, impatient. But hope and love will be waiting for them.
And once again I will be in the front row.