After months of tension and division across our nation, our 7-year-old daughter Jane asked, “Why would someone do that?” Her dark eyes were heavy and filled with sadness after hearing about what had happened in Washington, D.C. I explained to her that our nation was divided, and that division can lead to violence.
Even at such a young age, Jane understood that what our country needed was to come together for good. That night she told me that she wanted to have a cookie stand in our front yard to help the homeless.
I told Jane about Nashville Rescue Mission and she was excited to donate the proceeds from her cookie sale to help them. Jane made flyers for our neighbors, rallied her teachers, and got the word out online.
She and her sister Sara, stood outside on one of the coldest days of the year selling cookies. They raised $1,000 and donated it to the Mission to help the homeless.
“The Mission reminds our community that when we work together, with God’s help, anything is possible.”—Jenny
That night Jane said to me, “Mama, I think I really am going to change the world!”
And, by God’s grace, that’s what the folks at Nashville Rescue Mission do. The work God is doing through the Mission changes the world, one individual at a time. The Mission recognizes the dignity and worth of every human being, no matter their situation.
And not only do they do this hard work, but they also inspire others, like my daughter, to make a difference too. The Mission reminds our community that when we work together, with God’s help, anything is possible.
Caring for the homeless and addicted is heavy work. We consider it a privilege to be able to come alongside Nashville Rescue Mission through giving and prayer.
I’d like to share a few words from Jane, as she, and my other two girls and baby boy inspire me to press on through hard things, dream big, and do the next right thing.
“I was inspired by the work of women in history and in my own life who have helped others and made a difference. My Gigi always tells me ‘You can do anything if you put your mind to do it.’ I wanted to have a cookie stand because I wanted to help people who are struggling. I want people to be able to take care of their children and buy the things that they need. I don’t want to see kids going hungry because their parents can’t provide for them or be with them.” – Jane, age 8
