Lakshmi is one of the most endearing 16-year-old’s you’ll ever meet. She and her sister lived next door to Jireh Children’s Home and came over for every English lesson or Bible Study that we had. We adored them. They’re from a Hindu family and are earnest about learning more about Jesus and soaking in time with the Jireh kids. They are loved and welcome there. Something important to know about Lakshmi is that she can’t walk. Her feet are crippled up under her and she scoots wherever she goes with her hands. Up and down stairs, in and out of doorways, on the dirt outside. But she goes, she’s determined and she doesn’t let it stop her.
All of us spent time with her at different points. I was super interested in her, because I know God has something special for her. Vanessa & I had a ladies’ bible study one day to share sweet things about women and what it means to be a woman of God. We shared a lot of HIS love for them and how there is SUCH special purpose for their lives, in each and every day. And she just sat there in awe of the fact that shes loved as much as she is. That was probably one of my favorite days of ministry getting to pour into these sweet ladies that society doesn’t prefer and give much attention to in most scenarios. Teaching them that they are of great value, that they are daughters of the King and they have a voice!
Before we left, we prayed for her. I’ve never seen someone light up so much. We prayed for healing. We prayed for her life and poured the promises of God out before her, knowing that she needed that life. Knowing that there is HOPE. And that God does heal.
She adored that moment. She loved being and feeling loved.
Nothing drastically changed in that moment. But we were challenged to not wait til the end to pray and sing songs of deliverance over her. And we saw a sweet lady cling to the hope that is to come.
That night, as I left Jireh house for the last time, Lakshmi met me outside and handed me green hair pins to say thank you. Sweet green hair pins, covered in glitter, with flowers. And I cried because I knew that she felt loved and appreciated and in return I felt that too.
Thank God for sweet, endearing moments and reminders of love and HOPE.
