Treblemakers Sing Their Way into Mississippi State
On an uncharacteristically warm winter afternoon, the Treblemakers, Palmer Home’s Children’s choir, gathered on the front steps of the historic Lindamood building on its Columbus campus to record their performance of the Star Spangled Banner. The group was “auditioning” to sing at a Mississippi State University athletic event. Maroon and white were the colors of the day, as the all-girls group declared their American pride and Bulldog loyalty.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and the girls stand out against the maroon theme of the crowd, having donned their red white and blue for the occasion. The ensemble waits excitedly for their moment in the center of State’s baseball diamond, and the anticipation of the crowd is tangible, despite the dreary skies. They’ve received the star treatment today, enjoying visits with coaches and players—bona fide celebrities in the eyes of the young girls. Their moment finally comes, and the crowd is immersed in the song as their sweet voices declare the land of the free, home of the brave. And brave they are.
Palmer Home for Children is a private residential children’s home that provides safety and care for kids who have nowhere else to turn. The vast majority of those standing in the choir have seen more than their fair share of the worst this world has to offer. Some come from addiction-riddled families, some from abusive homes, and others simply from unfortunate circumstances that have rendered their parents unable to care for them. Each smiling little girl in patriotic attire represents a life changed by the loving intervention of Palmer Home.
Just days after their sporting debut, the choir receives a call from Mississippi State’s Athletic Marketing team. Overwhelmed by the grand response from the community after the performance, they invite the Treblemakers to return and open for first and second round of the NCAA Women’s basketball tournament, hosted in Humphrey Coliseum on the campus of MSU. They will also be able to share a short video explaining the ministry of Palmer Home, demonstrating the rescue and restoration that take place there. It’s a wonderful opportunity, and the girls gleefully accept.
On March 18th, a tremendous crowd is gathered for the first round of playoffs, as the Lady Bulldogs face Chattanooga. MSU triumphs over their rivals that afternoon, winning by 10 over the Lady Mocs. The excitement of the team can only be equaled by the joy of a group of young girls from Palmer Home who have triumphed over even greater odds, stealing the show with their song, and stealing the hearts of all who they encounter.
