Stories matter, the silly small ones and the long thought out detailed ones. Our time in Haiti has been full of sharing stories of Jesus and sitting down to listen to the stories of the people in the villages. Stories are important, and I am so excited to share a story of my new friend.
Irose Denete. She is radiant. She is joyous. She is empowering. As I was walking through the village of Titayen, Haiti sweet Irose caught my eye. As I sat amongst her and her 12 children she began to share her story. She was pointing and naming children faster than I could follow along, but she eventually claimed 12 of the children as her own. In September, her sister passed away leaving behind her 8 children. With 4 of her own already she graciously became a mother to her sisters 8 children as well. After losing her job a few years back, I asked how she provides for the family. Irose looked me in the eye and confidently told me that “the Lord provides food when we need food. We rely on Him only”. 12 kids. Divorced. Mourning. Unemployed. Yet trusting the Lord with every need she has. She truly showed me what it means to be fully faithful. Irose was excited to share that she too was a missionary. She showed us her volunteer ID for the women’s prison where she works on Saturday mornings. Irose understands, Irose fully and completely understands what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Irose is a vessel.
Taylor began to speak Proverbs 31 over this woman
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Wow. Irose fully embodies each and every word of this scripture. Truly a women after the Lords own heart.I pray to become half the women Irose is one day.
Radiant. Joyous. Empowering.
