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Why the Name Fifty-Eleven Things ?
We chose to name our business, and publish our journals under the pen name Fifty-Eleven Things. The name was inspired by my grandma, Imogene B. Francis. The memories of her fill people with the kind of joy experienced when you smell warm, freshly baked, chocolate chip cookies. A comfort which flows so deeply, it cushions your soul. The mere mention of her name sparks joy...for she left quite an impression. She was kind and her eyes sparkled when she smiled. She was also full of humor and often surrounded by laughter. I do not recall her being an anxious woman. Several of my memories support quite the opposite actually. I always remember her breathing life into others and encouraging us. She had the BEST stories, delicious food, and was always ready for a game of cards.
She was a mother of six, which eventually led to her status of grandmother and great grandmother before she passed. I am not sure how she was in her younger years, but I remember her sitting at the table each morning writing herself a list of the day's tasks, activities, and goals...and she would say. "I have fifty-eleven things to do today.". Her tone was not troubled or tense, so much as eager and determined to set out and accomplish something. I am confident sitting to gather her thoughts and organizing her fifty-eleven things to do was an important priority of her day for many years before I came along to witness the process.
I remember the first time she explained fifty-eleven things to me like it was yesterday. She finished her list and said, "I have fifty-eleven things to do today.". I remember saying. "Wow! That's a lot!". She giggled and explained how it was just an old saying to represent a large amount of things, but not the actual quantity. Such as "I have fifty-eleven homework assignments." or "I have fifty-eleven clothes." or "I have fifty-eleven blessings.".
When God laid this calling on our hearts years ago, there were so many parts and pieces. We were having a hard time figuring out what to name it all and how one name could be the umbrella to capture so many entities. Immediately Grandma's saying of "fifty-eleven things" popped in my noggin. It is perfect because it can so easily imprison the vague essence, as well as, the intricate details of God's calling all at once. Grandma touched our lives so much, and it brings me great joy to know God is using her even beyond the grave.
Our blessings are the bookends to our sandwich filled with hurts, for we have two living children and nine angel babies tucked between their births. After great loss comes an opportunity for healing; however, restoration is not spontaneous. There is an intentional component to pulling oneself up by the bootstraps, and taking a step or two in a direction of recovery. Wallowing is so much easier (trust us we know). The very first glimpse of vision for Fifty-Eleven Things arrived after a great series of child loss. We had previously lost three children, and fought an epic battle to salvage our marriage. We consecutively lost five more babies; one baby every three months. These losses brought our overall total to eight angel babies. The pain was almost unbearable, and it was highly difficult to function. Nevertheless, God met us uniquely with each loss, as we walked through the grief. After recurrent child loss we were feeling dried up, and struggling to comprehend what possible purpose there could be for so much pain. During this wrestling match with God, he revealed the first insights into his plan. While reading Hebrews 11, God gave us the vision for what he wanted us to build with him. He laid out a three phase business and ministry for us to create. Its primary purpose would be helping others affected by child loss. After losing our ninth child, Walker, we wondered if we would ever be ready to launch this ministry. We have learned we may never be fully prepared, but with God all things are possible. So we launched messy and imperfect, allowing God to work out the details. If we are stewarding out of obedience, then nothing we go after will ever be "our way". It will always be God's to own and direct. To God be the GLORY!
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT
Luke
Luke has a heart to serve others. He is a behind the scenes kind of guy, and avoids the spotlight. However, God has called Luke to be a voice for other Dads. His mission is to show them it’s ok to express the emotions God provided. It was really hard, but gradually God gave Luke a voice to speak up for the babies he lost.
God is helping Luke to show other Dads it is ok to hurt, and to talk to their wives about their hurt. Luke has learned how God heals marriage with honest emotional communication. Even though Luke is still battling fear and anger, he feels God gave him a voice, and he is choosing to use it to help others.
Rebecca
Rebecca is enthusiastic and eager to fulfill the calling God has placed on her heart. She loves fostering service centered environments, and is passionate about connecting people with people, people with resources, and people with God.
Rebecca greatly enjoys journaling, as it creates space for reflection and insight. However, as an extrovert who is re-energized by people, Rebecca feels called to share her story with others. She equally desires to listen to the hearts and stories of others. Healing is fostered when we share our journey with each other.
God is coordinating life changing opportunities for growth and connection…stay tuned!
Child loss is widespread and
deprived of acknowledgement.
It affects entire families in a variety of ways.
We desire to position ourselves to raise awareness and serve families navigating the aftermath of child loss.
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
Your generous gift will help fund our mission!
While we are not a 501(c)(3) organization, rest assured your gift is greatly appreciated and will expand our reach to help families who are wrestling with the heartaches of child loss, equip marriages, and encourage / support the community.
- 10% Tithe
- 80% Building Ministry Resources & Service Opportunities
- 10% Blessing Account - Funds used to bless families who want access to our resources but are unable to afford them.
Disclaimer: Your financial gifts ARE changing lives; however, they are NOT tax deductible.