Let Me Run
Chad A. Parker, MSSW, LMSW, LPC
Executive Vice President
Tupelo Children’s Mansion
The children at Tupelo Children’s Mansion know all too well the struggles that life can bring. Many of the children come to us with deep-rooted pain; pain that many have tried to help them overcome, but with little success. Their race in this life has started out with great difficulty. Some, tragically, have even thought of giving up. The rejection and disappointment has been too painful. Like runners in a race for which they’ve not had the proper training or support, these children come to TCM feeling that failure is imminent. Are they too broken? Are they unloveable?
On the campus of TCM, our children find staff who are dedicated to teaching them, supporting them, and training them to run this race called life. The Apostle Paul said in Hebrews 12:1, “Run with endurance the race that God has put before you.” Endurance requires both patience and hope. Patience to navigate the process. Hope for a better tomorrow. It’s not an easy race, but as the Psalmist said, “There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).” Morning comes each time they encounter the overwhelming love of a Savior. With hands lifted and tears flowing, love begins to work a transformation that can only come from God.
With new life, like a second wind, these children see that they can make it! The race isn’t over, rather, it has just begun! For 68 years, TCM has made it possible for children to get their second wind, and we want you to be a part of what is happening!
Once again, we invite you to sponsor this life-changing, hope-restoring ministry by giving to our 13th Annual Mansion Fun Run! Our goal is $68,000 – one thousand dollars for every year this ministry has existed. You can help us change lives with a donation! By sponsoring this year’s Fun Run, you are investing in a child’s future!
I am reminded of the Biblical account in II Samuel 18 of Ahimaaz who wanted desperately to run to King David to deliver the news of God’s deliverance. Joab denied his request, telling him that delivering the news of Absalom’s death may not be received well. However, Ahimaaz wanted to celebrate the great work of God and responded, “Whatever happens, let me run!” Like Ahimaaz, we are ecstatic about the blessings of God that have rained down upon this ministry and our Mansion kids! In the last year, we have seen dozens of children encounter His presence and have watched in awe as He has performed miracles in their lives!
And like Ahimaaz, I want to run! Run to celebrate His great blessings! I know that you can’t run with us in person, but you can run with us through your generosity! Every gift is important, regardless of the amount, and will make a difference in the life of a child in need. To sponsor, you can give online at mansionkids.org/run. Thank you for helping us help our Mansion kids!