The Little Flower of Nashville

The life, passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ show us the way to true happiness in this life and in the next. They teach us that a truly good life is not necessarily an easy one, but rather one which is lived in love, filled in service to others, and finally, an unwavering hope in God’s providential plan amidst pain, suffering, and death.

Rosie's cross was thrust upon her in the form of stage 4 cancer at the age of 17. Rosie’s faith, grit, and humor in the midst of the raging storm were qualities that inspired others. They were evident as she completed high school, began college, played sports, and faithfully maintained friendships even as she battled cancer through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Throughout it all, Rosie was a great and loving daughter and sister. 

Drawing on the image of soldiers in battle, Heraclitus said, “Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn’t even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.” We all fancy ourselves as that one, the apex warrior who will bring the others back. Back to where, back to Whom? Back to the Alpha and the Omega, the Source and Summit of all existence, the One in whom we live and move and have our being. 

The Father called Rosie home at a very young age, and as she prepared to leave us and go to the Father, she saw in her suffering the opportunity to give final witness to her faith in Christ. This book tells the story of Rosie finding and embracing what she saw as her purpose in life. She did this by the way she lived and ultimately by shouldering her cross bravely, so becoming the one. The one who brings the others, you and me, back — back to the Father.