The Miracle(s) of Magdalene and Thistle Farms
This past Tuesday night at the famous Ryman Auditoriun my sweet friend Kimi and I attended the annual Magdalene fundraiser. I have missed it the past couple of years, so it was like coming home for me to see so many well-loved familiar faces, and be overwhelmed again with the beauty of such a hope-filled, awe-inspiring program. I sat on the stage with all of the past chairmen and women of the event, and looked out into an audience whose faces were filled with the emotion of the women’s stories– painful, horrible, inspiring, redemptive stories.
I got to hear Becca’s husband Marcus (one of my favorite people in the world) sing with his son Levi (whom I watched grow up– in fact, I actually gave him the birds-and-bees talk at Becca’s insistence… A move she may live to regret, but hey, I covered MORE than just the basics), which was unbelievably moving. Several of the Magdalene women read poetry, videos were shown, Becca spoke, Fiona Prine explained the funding, Jennifer Nettles (of Sugarland) and JOHN PRINE SANG ‘ANGEL FROM MONTGOMERY’ STANDING MERE FEET AWAY FROM ME ON THE STAGE OF THE RYMAN– total bucket list moment! And the wonderful Maura O’Connell ended the evening with an acapella version of the Irish Blessing.
It was an amazing night. It is an amazing program.
I know I’ve talked about Magdalene and Thistle Farms a lot over the years, and I will continue to– in a world full of everyone talking/complaining/wringing their hands about The Problems, there is indeed a place where people are not only talking about, but finding solutions.
So here’s a video explaining the mission of Magdalene, and then another one that shows just one of its many, many success stories.
And I DEFY you to walk away uninspired!
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With our news media reporting only the downside of these women’s lives, it is downright beautiful to know that there is an upside that needs to be known and talked about.
Magdalene and Thistle Farms should be spread all over the world. Down and out young women need to know that they are of value and are loved.
Oh Tori, it has to fill your heart to overflowing just being involved wth such a wonderful ministry.
Please post the address where donations may be sent by those who feel led to do so.
It’s important to support such things as cancer, heart, and all of the other illnesses that destroy loved ones….but we can’t neglect human beings who desperately need even a small amount of love and direction.
Nashville seems to be leading the way. God bless you all.
Truly inspiring.
What a wonderful work! And such inspiring stories!
(You sat just feet away from JENNIFER NEETLES??? OH MY GOSH! I LOVE TO HEAR THAT WOMAN SING! I would have been so star struck that I couldn’t walk or talk!!!)
Beautiful stories. Thank you for sharing, Tori. I love their smiles!
Wow! What a negative film. And, I suspect they don’t know my Jesus. I agree with you, sweet Betty.
Oh dear, I believe….no, I know that I posted my last reply on the wrong blog. It certainly doesn’t belong here.