One of the unexpected gifts of moving back to Nashville has been running into classmates or sorority sisters in surprising places. One such reunion got me an invitation to last year’s “Hearts of Hope” Valentine’s luncheon to benefit Nashville Rescue Mission.
Since it is a day of love, I guilted my husband and oldest son into coming along with me, too. It turned out to be the most meaningful and magical thing we have ever done together.
One woman spoke of her time as a homeless and drug-addicted mother, whose child was taken away from her. She was given a second chance thanks to the Mission’s Life Recovery Program. She held the room in the palm of her hand as she told her poignant story.
When she pointed out her daughter in the back of the room, who was watching her articulate, elegant, now-clean mother speak in front of 1000 people, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
I also thoroughly enjoyed watching tables of other program graduates, who were dressed to the nines, being celebrated and validated for their growth, achievements, and transformations. And I’m pretty sure the whole room was holding back “Halleluiahs” when country queen Reba McIntyre took the stage and performed live in their honor. Yes. A private concert, just for them (and thankfully, us!).
To see these women from once desperate circumstances, up on their feet with their hands in the air, praising God for the second chance?! I’m telling you, we were praising right along with them, grateful for the chance to be a part of it.
Real life. Real change. Real need. That’s what Nashville Rescue Mission provides in this community. Since it’s a faith-based organization, it also doesn’t hide the real truth underneath it all—that we are meant to live free from the chains of addiction to fulfill our God-given purpose as mothers, daughters, fathers, and friends.
It’s been an honor to be a part of this year’s planning committee. I was eager to invite others to experience what my boys and I did at “Hearts of Hope”—90 of the most memorable minutes we’ve ever spent, reminding us how blessed we are to live with a roof over our heads and no worry of where our children will eat that day.
 
Tracy Kornet is co-anchor of Channel 4 News at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. on WSMV-TV. She and her husband Frank attended Vanderbilt University. They recently returned to Nashville to cheer on their youngest son Luke, a 7’1” forward for the Vanderbilt Commodores men’s basketball team.