I’m from Kansas City, Missouri, but moved to Nashville in 2001. My parents encouraged me to dive into whatever grabbed my attention. Sports? Sure. Art? You bet. Music? Obviously. There was no expectation other than to do my best “and let God do the rest,” as my mom would say. With that kind of freedom and encouragement, I did just that—I played sports for fun, made art because I loved to create and eventually, wrote and performed music…because I felt called to.

 

My love for visual art led me to the University of Illinois, where I studied Industrial Design. My plan was to get a job designing shoes for Nike (I have an insane collection). While going to school, music became my escape from the classroom. Dorm life provided a captive audience who graciously embraced my attempts at songwriting. Before I knew it, I was recording songs on my roommate’s computer and burning copies for my new fans. Eventually, I started playing concerts outside the walls of my dorm.

 

After graduation, I found my summer bursting at the seams with bookings at Young Life camps for high schoolers…which spilled over into a fall schedule of touring their hometowns…which set up a spring full of shows at colleges…followed by more summer camps. I didn’t set out to become a singer/songwriter. It just sort of happened.

 

I’ve heard people call Nashville a “big small city,” which couldn’t be truer. There’s a lot of creative energy in this town and it’s a tight knit community. While I’ve been incredibly blessed to participate in relief work in other countries, I discovered an imbalance in my life with regards to caring for my neighbors down the street. I lived in East Nashville for several years and saw homeless people walking but seemingly going nowhere. It put me in a place of wanting to use my talents to help others.

 

Several months ago, I saw a post on Twitter from Nashville Rescue Mission expressing a need for shoes. Not just any shoes, but shoes in a size 14, which are a little tough to come by. Learning of this need resonated with me. I started spreading the word and was struck with an idea as to how I could do more to help.

 

One of my recent videos features vintage clothes from the 80s. I decided to sell them online and donate the money to the Mission. My prayer is that the excitement surrounding the sale of the items would generate more than just money, but interest and support of an incredible ministry in our community.

 

I’m so proud to partner with and support the work of Nashville Rescue Mission. They are in the business of meeting needs, helping people and changing lives.