Hope Now...



So the other night Ryan and I laid in our hotel bed and watched the local PBS tell-a-thon.

For an hour.

How old are we? They played a PBS movie with some man who lived all alone in the woods of Alaska and helped science by accurately recording data about snow, birds, trees, and animal migration. He lived there until he was like 80 or something and then I think he got bored with not having any humans to talk to and decided to move back home. After his show went off this other old man and a woman with a lot of make-up came on the screen to tell us that they, PBS, really needed our support so that children all over Washington and Oregon could continue to see quality television like this. They said even $10 would help. And I gotta be honest, I was moved. I had my credit card out ready to call one of the retired people in that room to pledge my money right away so that every kid could watch an old man in Alaska talk to birds.

The truth is, there are a lot of things that tug at our hearts and our pocketbooks. Ryan told me I was being a little emotional (that's code for, "you're pregnant") about the man who talked to birds in Alaska and that we should probably use our money on other organizations, and I guess he was right. So while I can not invest in each and every organization I have recently been reminded that I can invest in some. And today, I want to tell you about a children's hospital that I think is well worth your gifts and investment!

The Gift of Hope
We recently spent a few hours at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rogue, LA. They have adopted our song Hope Now to use in a new video that depicts a day in the life of their patients. So of course, we wanted to see what was going on there! To say we were beautifully surprised at the heart of this children's hospital is an understatement. We fell in love.

Not only do they take care of the children's physical needs, but they minister to their families as well. And my favorite part is their mission to treat all children in need, regardless of ability to pay. Nearly 70% of their patients are uninsured, underinsured, or on Medicaid. Yet, they treat each child and family the way Christ would treat them; with the utmost love and respect, and with superb excellence in their pediatric team of doctors, nurses, and specialists. Every child who needs to be healed can be healed here. Every family who needs hope can find hope here.

After spending time with some of the nurses, doctors, patients, and administrators I felt like I was on the scene of the movie Patch Adams! This is truly a magical place. In a part of our country where many families lack proper health care and insurance, Our Lady of the Lake is a shinning light taking care of all children and their families in a unique and gifted way.

Ryan asked me last night why I was so passionate about this place. Why I'm writing a blog and asking you, your companies, or your churches (if you are located in Louisianna and this is your community!) to find ways to contribute... I told him every child seems different to me now. They could be my child. That answer sounded trite. But wouldn't you know, five minutes later we got an e-mail from a man who was at the hospital that day, and he answered Ryan's question perfectly. Really, five minutes later. How perfect is God's timing?


The father said this:

"On the 5th of March Addison Road visited the children's hospital at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. My little girl was in the hospital and sat next to the band and Jenny. Before this I had never heard of the band, but I must tell you, you now have a fan for life. My little girl is my entire life. My only job is to care of her and my family and enjoy the gift I was given through her. I was worried, no scared, because they could not find what was wrong with her kidney. I needed a lift and you gave me one. Your group was going on tour, even though Jenny is, if I recall, 8 months pregnant, your gear had been stolen, and you guys were worried but showed concern about my child. My little girl unfortunately doesn't remember a lot of that day, but I do. Your music lifted me up.
Now fast forward to today. I heard from the people at the hospital and they are sending me the pictures they took of my little girl. She was the blond haired, blue eyed little girl with the IV on Jenny's left. We now know she has to have surgery and I'm still scared to death. On top of all this I'm sitting in my unit, I'm a policeman, talking to the lady from the hospital. I get an email that a friend has just passed away from brain cancer he had been fighting for a year. Needless to say, I started going down again. I turned on my Sirrus radio to The Message Channel. There, coming from the speakers almost like a message from the big guy himself, was your band and your song "Hope Now." Thank you."

His little girl is in the picture above. The children's hospital gave this man and his family a gift that day. They sought us out. They made it their mission to give hope and light along with physical healing. They seek to heal the body and the spirits of children and adults. And they could use our support. Watch the video, think outside the box (about this hospital or one that is in your own community) and ask God how you can be a part of the mission of giving hope.