At every track meet as Noble Crawford III ran past his dad, he would hear, “HOLD WHAT YOU GOT!” Whether he was carrying a baton in a relay race or if he was just running to the finish line, he heard the same, strong, encouraging phrase. His dad’s words were those of unconditional love for what he was watching – he was not saying WIN or RUN FASTER. He was telling his son that where he was in the race was enough – hold on to it – keep running – keep striving for the finish line – you are where you need to be at this moment.
On July 21, 2024, we lost Hope Farm’s Co-Founder Noble Crawford, Jr. who went home to be with the Lord after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Noble always showed up. Noble always built up. Noble always prayed up. On August 3, 2024, at Doxology Bible Church, the people whose lives Noble touched and changed gathered to celebrate his life. Sitting in one full section at the front was a group of young men from HOPE Farm from ages 5 to 30 waiting to take the stage to honor Noble with a song. This group included a five year old who only met Noble once, but he was there. This group included a 30-year old who was part of the first class who went through HOPE Farm and saw Noble daily as he grew up – he was also there. Everyone showed up, because part of what made Noble special was that he always showed up for others.
He showed up for graduations, school plays, sporting events, concerts, family reunions—events that were significant to others and he showed that what was important to another person was important to him. He also showed up in everyday life when there was no event – he taught us all how to listen. Susie Sanders, long time HOPE Farm employee wrote, “Mr. Crawford taught me to LISTEN to people all the way FIRST. Then, wait/pause/pray. Then, respond.”
