As our faith drives our work, one of our core values is that every human being is a snapshot of God, our Creator. That value affects every aspect of our work and the future we are making for our children, our community, our society. Because of that, we treat every person who comes to us with respect and honor.
We view every person who comes to us in the same way whether they are a neighbor in need or a volunteer. Being in need is the only qualifier that determines our service to them. We recognize that every one of us has needs; we are all in poverty. Our poverty may not be material, but could be in relation to others, in relation to ourselves, our environment, or to God. This helps us to recognize the mutuality of each person. We all benefit from each other.
The Holy Scriptures say that if we shut up our hearts to someone in need, God’s love cannot be in us. Because how would that be possible?
We exist to love God and love our neighbor. These are our marching orders. This is the way to live. This principle is what saves and protects our society. When we lose sight of this, things begin to get very dark. We are Light bearers, meant to sit on a hilltop as a beacon of hope and rest, pointing the way to our Father who is in heaven.
This is The Branch of Nashville.
– Melissa Thomas, CEO
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 NIV
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:9b-10.