In a Sunday service recently at Unity Spiritual Center on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as I was speaking of a heart on fire for good, I quoted the following lines from the 80’s song, Higher Love by British singer/songwriter Steve Winwood.
“I could light the night up with my soul on fire
I could make the sun shine from pure desire
Let me feel that love come over me
Let me feel how strong it could be.”
In an amazing coincidence, I was told that it had been performed just the day before at the Coronation of King Charles, but I was unaware.
The story I’m telling now is about one woman, a superstar, who exemplifies a soul on fire and a desire for higher good, higher love. She strongly participates in our church and within her own non-profit organization. Our church building is within the boundaries of an old neighborhood that has a tremendous history here in Gulfport but sadly, many of the residents are in financial distress.
Ms. Nay Boler has had a dream for at least ten years of making a difference in the lives of the community children. It began slowly as she visited churches asking for Christmas gifts and donations for needy families. As it turned out, other churches helped but ours was the one that continually gave. With a lot of background work, she would research and compile a list of needy families and needy children. She would then make a list of families, with children’s first names, ages, and sizes and a congregant would shop for that child or family and bring the gifts in all wrapped and ready. She accomplished this for years. Her work expanded to Easter celebrations, back to school supplies, backpacks, etc.
Nay said that we were the ones who responded the most, and consistently were there for her. Nay and I and others at our church became close friends during this time as we observed her work, her love, and her devotion. She became the Children’s Coordinator at our church.
Her 501c3 was approved a couple of years ago for her non-profit, “It’s All About Nay’s Kids.” She had been creative in getting funds and participation, but one thing was missing, a safe, reliable minivan to transport these precious children not only to church on Sunday but also to other events. Recently, she had twelve or so young people with her and they lovingly provided lunch for seventy-five homeless people. She is teaching them the most valuable lesson of all, “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Realizing how hard she had been working to raise funds for a safe, reliable vehicle, I decided it was time to personally step in. I sent out a message on our church Facebook group page that I was starting a fund to help Nay buy a safe minivan. It’s not a church project, it is a way for her friends to support her work. Within two ½ weeks, we have raised enough to buy a good one. This was without a go fund me page or anything public, just friends wanting to assist this Superstar and her kids.
So, we’re giving it a few more days and rapidly getting more funds to donate to her organization so she’ll transport her precious ones (and herself) safely and have a bit left over for insurance and other expenses. This is simply a tribute to Ms. Nay and what she does for the children, the community, and the world. Nay, our beloved friend, we honor you, we recognize your heart’s desire for good. You are making an enormous difference in the world.
Lovingly submitted, Rev. Judy Voght, Unity on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.