Faith, resilience and the prairie spirit

One of the many beautiful places I deeply appreciate in Kansas is the Flint Hills. They capture my imagination as I ponder both the fragility and strength of this region which holds a profound and significant history. 

The Flint Hills are a geological-ecological area situated in eastern Kansas, stretching from the northern part of the state and continuing south into the Osage Hills of northern Oklahoma. This rolling countryside is comprised of shale, limestone and flint under a thin layer of topsoil. A unique feature of the Flint Hills is the variety of grasses that grow there, including bluestem varieties. The family of bluestem grass varieties are hardy and resilient, finding a way in the tough Flint Hills region. Bluestem tallgrass can grow as high as eight feet and boasts a root system that can run as deep as 15 feet, providing a secure foundation for the Great Plains tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The deep root system makes the grass highly drought tolerant while helping to control erosion. 

Without knowing the origins of the name “Bluestem Communities,” I imagine it being a nod to the bluestem grasses of Kansas. I believe it to be a meaningful description of the strengths and resilience of this organization that has now grown to include The Cedars. Bluestem Communities anchors us in a name and place that we call home. Bluestem grass is native to Kansas as is Bluestem Communities. Like bluestem grass, Bluestem Communities is hardy and adaptable to the changing environment. Bluestem grass is grounded in-and-to the earth from which it rises as part of God’s amazing creation. Bluestem Communities are grounded in earthy, agrarian roots that care for all life, aware of the footprint we leave behind, while caring for individuals who live in and receive services from Bluestem Communities. 

These values are manifested in providing a rich and meaningful quality of life. Bluestem Communities anchor with deep roots and build upon relationships that enhance community and a sense of wellness. Bluestem Communities is deeply rooted in Anabaptist tradition and history – stemming from Mennonite values and beliefs. The Cedars is steeped in the traditions of Anabaptist values and beliefs from within the Church of the Brethren. The Mennonite Church and Church of the Brethren have both endured difficulty and experienced deep joy. Both have in common the values of justice, faith and service. Both organize out of a tradition of faith in action and care for others. 

As the Bluestem Communities and The Cedars affiliation unfolds and grows, we stand on the good soil of common values and shared beliefs. Both organizations have deep roots that have taken hold even when the soil seems rocky and thin. We need one another in the ever-changing landscape of senior care, but we have deep roots to ground us and take us into the future.