500 Lights Home

In one of my first visits to Thistle Farms, the woman leading our tour told us her story. When she was 12 her mom trafficked her for drugs. The one person in the world who should care about her the most, who should love her the most, who should protect her the most, traded her for drugs.

I have two daughters and when you bump into something like that, how do you not respond?

But the problem seems really complex doesn't it? We are talking about homelessness and prostitution and drug addiction. Where do you even start? Can one candle make a difference in that ocean of hurt?

But then you meet Becca Stevens, the founder of Thistle Farms.

You go to Thistle Farms and sit in then circle and you hear the women in the program talk about their stories. You meet that 12-year-old who is now in their 30s and you hear her telling a new story. A story of hope, a story of freedom, a story of joy. And sometimes it starts with a new job, new purpose, and sometimes even something small like a new candle.

This isn’t just a candle. It’s a light for the way home. It’s a job. It’s a purpose. It’s a hope.

This Christmas, I need your help and it starts with something as simple as a candle. Buy one for yourself. Buy one as a gift for somebody this holiday season.

I write books about bravery, hope, and risk and I can't play it safe when it comes to things that matter. This matters.

Please join me in lighting the way home this year. Get a candle.

Visit www.500lightshome.com.