Come join us as we imagine a thought, a word and a deed to help us love our selves, the world and God. Hear from the graduates of Thistle Farms and make some beautiful healing oil for daily use. This special day retreat with The Rev. Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms will be held on Monday, May 11 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and hosted at The Farmstead in Round Top. Registration is $45 and includes a delicious catered lunch by Chef Gino Llanes.
To register for the retreat, click HERE. Space is limited and this retreat will sell out! For more information, contact Danelle Knox at danellek.scrt@gmail.com
Becca Stevens is a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, priest, survivor, and founder and of President of Thistle Farms. She has founded 13 nonprofits and justice enterprises, mentored another 70, and has raised over $90 million to support them. Becca has authored 12 books and has served as chaplain at St. Augustine’s Chapel on Vanderbilt’s campus for almost 30 years. Becca has been featured on PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, CNN, ABC World News, named a CNN Hero, and White House Champion of Change, and holds seven honorary doctorates. Drawn from 30 years of leadership in mission-driven work, Becca leads important conversations across the country with an inspiring message that love is the strongest force for change in the world. Stevens founded Thistle Farms in 1997 with a single home for survivors of trafficking and addiction. Over twenty-five years later, it is a global movement for women’s freedom and a 13-million-dollar organization. Today the Nashville flagship includes a residential program that serves as a national model for women’s recovery, and three justice social enterprises that provide jobs to survivors. Stevens developed the Thistle National Network to provide tools, workshops, and conferences to support young organizations wanting to follow its holistic recovery model. There are now 92 organizations, providing over 500 beds to survivors, in its network. She also created Thistle Farms Global Shared Trade which supports 1,400 artisan survivors through 39 partners in 21 countries. Additional enterprises Stevens has helped establish include the Center for Contemplative Justice and Larkspur Conservation in the U.S.; Escuela Ann Stevens and Sibimbe, Ecuador; Moringa Madres, Mexico; Forging Love, Israel; Love Welcomes, UK, and Love Rises, Ukraine, among others. Stevens speaks to a broad range of non-profit, religious, and business audiences—often in bare feet to show solidarity with those she serves. Drawn from 30 years of leadership in mission-driven work, the courageous stories of women survivors, and wisdom from nature and healing traditions, Stevens inspires and motivates audiences everywhere with practical and loving steps to inspire change in individuals and communities. Her latest book, “Practically Divine,” is available on Harper Horizon. About Me: My life is an average-sized glass overflowing with love. I am my mother’s daughter; practical and crafty. I am my father’s daughter; searching for meaning with an old compass. As a priest, author, and entrepreneur I have tried to spend my life inspiring communities to organize and act with love. My husband of 30+ years, a Grammy-winning and Hall of Fame songwriter, Marcus Hummon, has been the gift of my life. He lives for creativity, which means we pursue our individual paths together. We have raised three sons who are all artists in their own right, and so my home is filled with music, paintings, designs, and too many dogs. I know how to raise money for mission, create opportunities for communities of women who are survivors, and speak in a way that invokes compassion. I don’t know how to keep things separated, create spreadsheets, and haven’t practiced patience enough to be the pastor and writer that lives in me. I still have miles to go before I sleep. Peace and love, Becca Stevens
