Building a Table with Purpose & Substance

Seat at the Table — More Than a Buzzword

The phrase “a seat at the table” is more than a trendy caption or a catchy invitation. At its core, it speaks to purpose, safety, and belonging.

Let’s step back for a moment and look at where it came from. The earliest record of the phrase appears in Langston Hughes’ I, Too, America, where the table was a metaphor for inclusion and recognition. In the 1970s, Shirley Chisholm used it as a rallying cry for representation in politics, famously saying, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” And then, in 2016, Solange Knowles gave us an entire sonic love letter to the concept with her album A Seat at the Table, reminding us that the table is a space to be seen, heard, and valued.

The table isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about being at home in the room.

The Problem: Numbers Over Nurture

Somewhere along the way, community stopped being about connection and started being about metrics.

We’ve entered an age where celebrity can be conferred by a single viral moment—Google says that’s about 100,000 views—and suddenly, follower counts carry more weight than character. The human touch is being replaced by algorithms. It’s no longer about culture, trust, or shared values—it’s about trends.

And honestly? That’s like watered-down ghetto Kool-Aid. Which, for the record, doesn’t even exist.

What Substance Looks Like

Webster’s dictionary defines substance as “the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence.” But in the context of community, substance is so much more than something you can touch.

Substance is the invisible thread that pulls you back to the table again and again. It’s the feeling in your chest when you know you’re in the right place—like warm peach cobbler fresh from the oven or an ice-cold glass of sweet tea with a splash of lemon.

Substance is:

• Shared values that go beyond lip service.

• Trust that’s earned and protected.

• Encouragement that lifts without ego.

• Accountability that keeps the standard high.

It’s knowing you belong, without having to audition for your seat.

Why Intention Matters

Purpose-driven communities outlast hype every single time. When your table is built on intention, people aren’t just showing up for the photo ops—they’re coming because they believe in the why.

When you lead with intention:

• The conversations go deeper.

• The bonds get stronger.

• The work feels lighter.

• The vision grows beyond you.

This is the difference between a pop-up trend and a lasting legacy.

Back to the Basics: Returning to Authenticity

For me, this isn’t just theory—it’s ministry. My ministry is fellowship. I’m called to create spaces where people can love on God above all else, and where that love overflows into how we treat one another.

This is why I’m going back to the basics—building something that feels like home. A table where you’re safe. A table where your voice matters. A table that’s rooted in God. Period.

Practical Steps to Build a Purposeful Table

If you’re ready to build your own table—or rebuild one that’s lost its way—here’s where to start:

1. Curate Who’s Invited Be intentional about who has a seat. Energy matters as much as expertise.

2. Set Shared Intentions Before you gather, get clear on why you’re here. Define the mission together.

3. Create a Safe Environment Safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual. Protect the space.

4. Value People Over Platforms Never let follower counts or online clout determine someone’s worth at your table.

5. Keep the Culture Sacred Guard the integrity of your space like Grandma guarded her good China.

The Invitation

The world doesn’t need another algorithm-built “community.” It needs tables—real ones—where people are valued for who they are, not their reach or relevance.

So here’s your call: build a table with purpose and substance. Or join one that already exists. Bring your folding chair if you have to. But make sure the space you choose makes you feel like you belong.

Because true community isn’t built on numbers. It’s built on nurture.

Peace & Petals,

Ronisha Arlene