Fifty Days of Gratitude: Day 47

One of my favorite places to eat in one of my favorite cities, Nashville, TN, is The Cafe at Thistle Farms. Your mouth will water just visiting their website: https://www.thecafeatthistlefarms.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1ZlGSqscRMOdrPjyCs5gOXX4UWsFqxROGm6fsPH4FcOTIq-_BJG-Os5Q4_aem_AZBY0ttV9cO9-MbMNX-9KgphVRkfDK1VFWCgxFRnnQFxIrGwjfUqxHhab8B9hJUJRbHBRoCsOha9JJeoLSfLbRtK

More than that, I hope you will be as inspired as Bruce and I are by their mission. Simply put, Thistle Farms provides room, board, and job training, as well as community and other essential supportive services to women who have been trafficked or are on the streets, or struggling with addiction. The stories are inspiring. One of those job training places is the Cafe.

Thistle Farms was started by Episcopal priest Becca Stevens twenty five years ago. Their guiding principles, their clear mission, and their belief that "Love is the strongest force for change in the world" are clearly articulated and supported by people from all over the world. Including by Bruce and I here in Olympia, WA.

Nashville has been a place where we have stopped to re-group and rest while traveling as well as a destination itself. We don't do the touristy spots, but we enjoy the vibe of this great city (where I once lived and one of my kiddos was born) and we never miss the chance to eat at The Cafe at Thistle Farms and shop in the adjacent gift store, where the products are either made by the women they serve or sourced in sustainable and fair trade ways in similar programs globally. Shop here: https://thistlefarms.org

For this day, I am so grateful for people in the world like Becca Stevens, who have found a way to create and sustain a life changing ministry.

But wait! There's more.

I can't end this reflection without mentioning that in addition to the food at the Cafe at Thistle Farms, which is absolutely incredible, they also feature the most amazing cakes. As in, melt in your mouth - oh my gosh - what is this magic - sort of cake. Even if we are there for breakfast we get cake. So, I'm also grateful for delicious cake.

But wait! There's even more.

Recently a parishioner told me she and her father were flying into Nashville and I told her about the Cafe....and the cake. Imagine my delight when she texted me a picture them outside Thistle Farms and then when I asked "did you get a slice of cake?" she said "we bought a whole cake!"

Friends, life is hard some days. It's easy to despair by just taking a peek at the news. Wars and the rolling back of rights for women and people of color of queer folks. Not to mention (but I'm going to) a former president on trial for paying hush money to a porn star. And the horrifying possibility that he could again be elected.

But there are women like Becca Stevens in the world. And places like Thistle Farms. Please take time to read about their incredible mission and, if you are so moved, to support them. You can buy gifts from their shop. The lip smoothie is the best thing you'll ever lather on your lips. And if you ever find yourself in Music City, U.S.A. get yourself down to the Cafe for a meal and a piece of cake that tastes exactly like hope and a whole lot of love.

My slice of vanilla almond cake from our last visit.

Half eaten before my breakfast arrived!