Why do I incorporate pennies into so many of my designs?
I designed this Priceless pendant in 2016 shortly after seeing the movie “Priceless” made by the guys from For King and Country. The story line resonated with me as just a few years earlier I co-founded a ministry that went into some of the strip clubs in Tampa. We went to the clubs once a month and did our best to let the women that worked there know that they were indeed priceless. The women in the clubs call us “The Church Ladies”. I love that title, because that is exactly what we are, ladies that bring the church with them wherever they go.
August is the seven year anniversary of the first time we stepped into a strip club. I have met so many remarkable priceless women over the years. We have listened, prayed, laughed, cried, hugged and said some sad goodbyes. We’ve celebrated new jobs and babies. One summer several of us gathered at the beach for a Bible Study…I would have to say those evenings at the beach were some of my most precious and profound memories of my time in Florida.
So, why a penny? Our society and culture assign value to things and people. Jesus says you, yes you, are worth dying for. You may feel like a penny in the world’s economy, but God created and loved the world and He says you are Priceless. In His eyes, each and every person has great value. The penny is often disregarded, people will barely take time to pick up a dropped nickle or dime let alone a penny. Somehow we assign that same value to people. You, my friend, are of great value. You are worth it. It is my hope that each and every piece of ReJoyed somehow conveys that message. Something completely new from something completely used. A discarded piece of metal, a piece of leather or an old coin, carefully and lovingly repurposed into something beautiful and meaningful.
Even though I have moved to the midwest, my heart is still with the ministry and the women we met over the years in Tampa. Lord willing, ReJoyed will continue to be a funding source for ministries like IAmFreedomGirl and others ministries that give hope.
A portion of every ReJoyed sale is given to organizations that give hope or people that need hope.
p.s. ( I know some of you are concerned about me destroying pennies to make jewelry. I have done a little research on the subject and I believe I am ok. If I am wrong, me and all the people that own penny stretching machines will be sharing a jail cell.)