A barn is usually a place to store hay, livestock, or farm equipment. But for one local couple in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a barn is also a place to display positive messages and inspire others.
The Story Behind the Barn
Jim and Mary Smith are the owners of a 40-acre farm in the outskirts of Fort Wayne. They have lived there for over 20 years, raising their three children and enjoying the rural lifestyle. But in 2020, they faced a series of challenges that tested their faith and resilience.
First, Jim was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and had to undergo aggressive treatment. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced them to isolate from their friends and family. And finally, their youngest son, who was serving in the military, was killed in action in Afghanistan.
The Smiths were devastated by the loss of their son and struggled to cope with their grief. They felt hopeless and alone, and wondered why God had allowed such tragedies to happen to them.
The Idea of the Barn
One day, as Jim was driving back home from his chemotherapy session, he saw a sign on the side of the road that said “Hope is not cancelled”. He was touched by the simple but powerful message and decided to share it with his wife.
Mary liked the idea and suggested that they paint it on their barn, which was visible from the main road. They thought it would be a way to express their gratitude for the support they had received from their community and to offer some encouragement to others who might be going through hard times.
They bought some paint and brushes and got to work. They painted the words “Hope is not cancelled” in large white letters on the red wooden wall of their barn. They also added a yellow ribbon to honor their son and all the fallen soldiers.
The Impact of the Barn
The Smiths did not expect their barn to attract much attention, but they were wrong. Soon, they started to receive messages and visits from people who had seen their barn and were moved by their story. Some of them shared their own struggles and thanked the Smiths for giving them hope. Others offered their prayers and condolences and brought them flowers and gifts.
The Smiths were overwhelmed by the positive response and felt a sense of purpose and connection. They realized that their barn was not only a tribute to their son, but also a testimony of their faith and a gift to their community.
They decided to keep painting more messages on their barn, such as “Love one another”, “Be kind”, and “You are not alone”. They also invited people to sign their names on the barn and leave their own messages of hope and inspiration.
The Future of the Barn
The Smiths plan to continue painting their barn and spreading positive messages as long as they can. They hope that their barn will become a landmark of hope for Fort Wayne and beyond, and that it will inspire others to overcome their challenges and find joy in life.
They also hope that their barn will honor the memory of their son and his sacrifice for the country. They believe that he is watching over them and smiling at their barn.
“He always had a positive attitude and a big heart,” Mary said. “He would be proud of what we are doing and happy to see that we are helping others.”
Jim agreed and added, “He is our angel and our hero. We miss him every day, but we know that he is in a better place. And we know that hope is not cancelled.”
