When you think of mowing the neighbor’s lawn, the image that comes to mind is likely of a child 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. 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. 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: as he told ABC News, Rodney was 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.
Within just three years Rodney had mowed over 2,000 lawns! 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.
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 to ABC News. “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 youth are not the only ones who have noticed this man’s incredible accomplishment. Queen Elizabeth herself honored Rodney by presenting him with the “Queen’s Award.” Rodney’s birth in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, qualifies him as a subject of the crown. It is a high honor to be recognized in this way by one of the most powerful women in the world.
Despite his global recognition, Rodney has remained humble. 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.”
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.
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