When Life Gives you Lemons

A 7 year old’s guide to doing orphan care

“Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.” – Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor

‘Tis the season for family bike rides, running through sprinklers in the backyard, and lemonade stands! Kids love creating lemonade stands. And there is something so sweet about their young entrepreneurship that makes us stop and buy a cup, even if we don’t drink it. When you tap on the breaks to pull over, they begin jumping for joy! And the excitement in their eyes when you hand them a shiny quarter or say “keep the change” makes the whole experience worth it!

For 7-year-old Peyton Bryce, the joy received from every glass of lemonade sold goes even deeper. When she was 4, Peyton found out from her mom about a need in the community. “So…some children in foster care don’t get to go back-to-school shopping?” As her huge heart processed this concerning reality, she had an idea. “I’ll have a lemonade stand to raise money for them!”

And she did!

It’s called Peyton’s Lemonade Stand and it’s become a viral ministry! In the course of several years, Peyton has raised thousands of dollars for children in foster care in her county. Each year she personally takes kids shopping for new clothes, and she pays for the whole thing. She’s been asked how long she’ll keep the lemonade stand open. Her answer? “Forever.”

Peyton’s ministry has grown so much that her mom is helping her start her own 501c3 and open her own clothing closet! While still so young, this precious girl didn’t let the suffering of others overwhelm her, rather, she let it motivate her.

How do we respond when we’re made aware of the suffering of others? Do we put it out of our mind because it’s too painful to think about? Or, like Peyton, do we make the conscious choice to do something about it?

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

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