I was in tears. I was weeping because I had just spent some time talking to a mom who had no place to stay and no means by which she could provide suitable, safe housing for her children. Her children are about the same age as my kids and the thought of my kids (or any other kid) sleeping in a car, an abandoned train car, or in an abandoned building breaks my heart. To make matters worse, this woman wasn't an addict. She wasn't lazy. She has job--two jobs, in fact. Between the jobs, she doesn't make enough to put food on the table and pay for rent and utilities. Mid-sobfest, Maddie awoke from her nap. She stumbled into my office, blanket in hand and thumb in her mouth. I wiped the tears from my eyes, sniffed with gusto, and attempted to hide my sadness from my daughter. However, Maddie is rather perceptive and it didn't take her long to figure out that daddy was sad. So we sat at my desk and talked about why daddy was sad. With childlike faith, Maddie suggested we pray for the mom and her children and, after we concluded with an 'amen, ' she suggested we do something. Convicting words, yet a frustrating suggestion, given our scant resources. In that moment--as I held Maddie, considered what she said and made excuses for why we couldn't do something to solve this enormous problem that is greater than the resources that we have--two things came to mind: 1) God cares. It's something we talk about constantly with our kids. It's a message that we've conveyed again and again at our midweek children's program. And, it's the subject of a story that Maddie likes to tell me when I tuck her in at night and I ask her to tell me a story. 2) We need to do something. And, by something, I really mean anything--no matter how big or little. One small step of progress is better than nothing. A step in the right direction is better than no step at all. Small things done with great love can change the world. (Yeah, I know, I hate pithy sayings and cliches just as much as the next person, but all of this came to mind in that moment.) But what could we do? That's when it hit me. We could take Maddie's story, write it down, put some pictures to it, and turn it into a book. We could then sell that book and use a portion of the proceeds to provide food to those who are hungry; a place to stay for those who need shelter; clothes for those who need warmth amid the changing seasons. I sat down with Maddie and wrote out the story. In your hands you hold the story. Half of the proceeds of which will go towards making a difference--feeding the hungry, putting clothing on the backs of those who need it, and providing a safe place for people to get a good night's rest.
About the Author: Madison Rhone is an energetic three year old who loves Jesus. She has a kind and compassionate heart, which is evidenced in her willingness to offer a hug or smile to those who appear sad. Joshua is Madison's daddy. He's thoroughly grown up and seems to discover daily that adulthood isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Childlike faith is where it's at, which means he has a lot to learn from Quinton and Maddie.