People’s Corner: Chanda M. Crutcher

Tell us about yourself:

 

I have fallen in love with life and I march to the unique beat that only God can create! As the wife of a dynamic educator in Madison County, Darrell, and Mother to 4 beautiful children, we live a very active lifestyle. We also have two very special nephews that I call “sons,” one currently serving as a US Marine the other a college student. My first and most important job is that of Chief Operations officer of our home; with 4 children at home with over a dozen extra curricular activities between them we have to be very intentional.

 

Being intentional was something instilled early in life by my grandparents. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana most of my childhood, my grandparents did not benefit from living in communities where diversity was as celebrated as it is today in “my world.” I can remember being encouraged that I was smart, but that I would have to work twice as hard as my white classmates to get equal recognition and MaDear would add, “three times as hard if I wanted to get ahead.” These admonishments and other “loved laced” word’s of wisdom, fueled a work ethic and love for older adults that has defined my professional career journey.

 

Currently I am the CEO of American Senior Assistance Programs, Inc. an interdisciplinary Geriatric Care Management Firm that has served older adults and their families throughout Alabama. I learned early that “care has no color;” and as the owner of Huntsville’s First Geriatric Care Management Firm, our services and how we care for people have kept the doors open for over 12 years with clients from all over the world.   Restoration Foursquare Church with campuses in Huntsville and Madison is our church home where I serve on the Pastoral Team as the Missional Pastor. I’m reminded every time I walk in to the sanctuary just how blessed we are to serve with people from over 33 different nations in our English speaking congregation alone. We also have Vietnamese and Spanish Speaking Congregations that add to our family of Believers.

 

 

What motivates you to do what you do?

 

First and foremost; Jesus! Life is so simple. My motivation is crystal clear. He’s Alive! I’m Forgiven! So now what? Making this proclamation and practically answering the question of “so now what” on a daily basis gives me the focus I need to “step out the hamster” wheel of business into God’s purpose. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that when I’ve had clients that are in their 70’s or older to hold my hand for an extended time and look at me and say “I’m proud of you,” it just does something to me that makes me push harder. Sometimes because of the generation of people that we work with we are also faced with residue from a time that wasn’t kind to people with brown skin. It’s then that I love even harder; because Grandmother’s teaching that you can kill more flies with honey stuck! And as a believer, I know that only Love can drive out Hate.

 

What is God speaking to you right now?

 

I feel God is saying three things to me in this season of my life: 1. Go Higher 2. Be Present in the Process and 3. Love Bigger! Our world is becoming so divisive.   But, that doesn’t have to be the narrative. As believers we have to be strategic, consistent, and sincere in how we embrace ALL people.

 

What is one of your most memorable God moments in this city?

 

One of my most memorable moments in Huntsville is when the tornadoes hit in April of 2011. I saw our community come together like never before! The church stepped up like never before. When the lights went out, I saw no racial divide. People clothed the naked, people fed the hungry, people resourced the poor in spirit; we were a “City on a Hill!”

Tags: A.S.A.P., Chanda M. Crutcher, God In Our City, Huntsville, Our City On A Hill, people's corner