I grew up writing poetry on the beaches of Southern California. I have published works of fiction and non-fiction, taught creative writing to adults, and invested my time and talents in the social service area.

Since 1997, I have worked with the Nashville School Sisters of St. Francis at Project Reflect. Our mission is empowering children and youth through education and education reform. I assist founder and executive director Sister Sandra Smithson on a wide range of projects that include development, general administration and education reform for the State of Tennessee.

Working and living in community with Franciscans, I have regularly witnessed the Holy Spirit at work on behalf of the poor and those who serve them. None of us is perfect, but God perfects our work through his grace. In problem solving, when everyone wins, you know the Holy Spirit is in the mix.

All of this has helped me live out my Associate Relationship Agreement which states;

I, Joan Anderson, join the School Sisters of St. Francis in living the Gospel through:

• a focus on charity. The Great Commandment that Jesus gave to love God and neighbor requires both internal motivation and external works. St. Paul said, "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not charity, I am no more than a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal."
• I desire to continue to work on my internal conversion to charity toward all people while I continue to serve others in need alongside the School Sisters of St. Francis.
• I believe that my association with the School Sisters will support my own conversion and I pray that my presence will support theirs.
  
  

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