When you think of someone mowing their neighbor’s lawn, the image that comes to mind is likely of a kid earning some extra cash. You aren’t as likely to think of an adult helping others with yard work – and especially not for free.
But that is what one man did to make a difference in his community.
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/1501991476627746
You’ll never guess just how much of a splash he made.
Rodney Smith Jr. was born in Bermuda and later moved to the United States.
He currently lives in Alabama, where he has grown close to his local community. Rodney found himself wanting to help out his neighbors more, so he found a way to get involved.
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/2066150610211827
He began by mowing the lawn for his neighbors who could use the extra hand. This kind soul never expected the adventure that would come from this good deed.
Rodney began cutting lawns for free because he saw people around him who needed the help – he focused on helping “the elderly, disabled, veterans, and single moms.”
Once he made his services known, there was no shortage of work to be done.
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/1466354686858092
Within just three years Rodney had mowed over 2,000 lawns! And he’s up to so many more now!
It is awe-inspiring that one man would do all this for free, but what is even more incredible is the lasting impact he made on his community.
Rodney quickly gained support from all over the world via social media. Struck at the huge difference he had already made, this man knew it was time for the next step.
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/1345748568918705
Rodney founded a lawn care foundation called Raising Men Lawn Care Service. This organization is about more than mowing the lawn: it reaches out to the youth of the community by having volunteers serve as examples for young men to follow.
Rodney wants to show children the importance of giving back to the community, so he has decided to lead by example.
Many are astounded at Rodney’s success, including the man himself.
“I could have never thought it,” he explained. “From where I was I saw an elderly man cutting his grass, so I decided to pull over and help him out. I never though it would grow into a foundation and inspire kids to do the same thing.”
The kids are not the only ones who have noticed this man’s incredible accomplishment.
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/pcb.930621577098075/930621490431417
Queen Elizabeth herself honored Rodney by presenting him with the “Queen’s Award.”
Because Rodney was born in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, it qualifies him as a subject of the Crown. It is a high honor to be recognized in this way by one of the most well-known women in the world.
Despite his global recognition, Rodney has remained humble.
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/1340449672781928
He sees this experience as his way to serve the community.
“You know, God works in mysterious ways and He shows you what He wants to be done, and he has told me that he wants me to do all this, so I’m just listening to Him.”
https://www.facebook.com/raisingmenlawncarehsv/photos/1341625555997673
It is so inspiring to see a man give up countless hours of his life to help others. If you would like to contribute to Rodney’s organization, visit this page.
If you want to hear more from the man who started it all, scroll down below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
