EP 33 | BRAVE MOMS Series: A soup kitchen? You’re right. I can’t. But God can. With CINDY CARRIS, Mary Rose Mission VP & Executive Director
"WOW." That is how you are going to end this episode. Aaaand with a high probability of wiping some tears.
Cindy Carris' story to open the Mary Rose Mission soup kitchen in suburban Kentucky is a story of "Yes" after "Yes" to be the hands and feet of Christ even when she had no idea what to do.
It is the story of waiting on God's timing, trusting, and surrendering. In a world that doesn't always encourage these virtues, Cindy is here to remind us that these are the gifts God gives us to move His mountains through us. Brave Moms don't have to be "qualified", we just have to answer the call.
JUST SAY "YES".
I am honored to call Cindy my friend and one of my greatest inspirations in my motherhood journey. I can't wait to introduce you two right here :)
I write the notes so you can just enjoy listening and take it all in. Here they are! (My summary and Cindy’s own quotes)
As mothers, we are groomed to be “giving individuals”.
When you have a glimpse of God’s love, you’ll stop at nothing. You will do whatever He wants you to.
Cindy’s small steps included a journey of discovery and learning. This included her “yes” to a Christ Renews His Parish retreat, studying from women who had traveled the path already (Kimberly Hahn, Mother Teresa), joining a Familia group (now Cana Family Institute), going on a Cursillo retreat weekend, and much more.
We can’t know when God will call us. He uses experiences and he uses other people. Cindy was called to her ministry at Mary Rose Mission Hospice Center through her daughters’ teacher. She was called to transition it to a soup kitchen by the prompting of a Bishop. We must listen and be aware of God’s call.
Lessons learned serving in Hospice:
“I thought, ‘wow’. Being God’s loving hand, loving touch before they meet God in heaven. THAT’s the Great Evangelization.”
God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
I had no qualification except I know how to LOVE. I’m a mom. I know how to LOVE.
When you serve with the heart and hands of Christ, people change, mountains move. And you don’t even have to talk about Christ. They know Him.
THIS is the Great Evangelization. All you’ve got to do is LOVE them.
All the learning [of my faith] has to do is ONE thing: fire my love for others. And if it doesn’t do that, then I’m on the wrong path.
Here’s how God works - He gives me a whisper. (referencing her daughter’s comment that so many people at the school she was student teaching at were hungry)
“You people in suburbia, you think the poor only live in the cities. They’re right in front of you and you don’t even see them.
God gave me what I needed when I needed it - not too early, not too late.
Cindy’s journey to open Mary Rose Mission as a Holy Restaurant is one that came with great faith, some fear, and ultimately surrender to the God she knew held her and His whole plan. “You’re right. I can’t do it. God’s going to do it.”
When things go well here, it’s because of TRUST and SURRENDER.
A journey to joy is marked by repeated gratitude and humility.
“You just answer God’s call. You just SAY YES.”
LINK TO “RADIATING CHRIST” A Prayer by Mother Teresa
LINK TO “SAINT MICHAEL” Prayer
Mary Rose Mission Website and ways to VOLUNTEER AND/OR DONATE at maryrosemission.org