In an excerpt from one of my favorite psalms, it says,
“those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.”
-126:5-6
I’ve meditated on these words a lot this past year. To me, the verses speak to every season in our live’s having a purpose. Even the hard seasons. Even the seasons that hurt. In God’s kingdom, our sorrow is redeemed with joy. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago, the morning my teammates and I ministered to women who are learning to sew, so that they may earn a more sustainable living.
We held a small Beauty For Ashes retreat, which teaches people how to tell their story through God’s perspective using art. After praying and painting, we gave everyone the opportunity to share. Women shared stories of abusive childhoods, hatred for family members that let them down, and the struggle of caring for a child with special needs. Women also shared of Jesus redeeming their hopes, family relationships, and dreams. Dreams of owning their own house and being self-sufficient financially, dreams of every one in their family knowing God.
I hold the moments of this day dear to my heart. There are parts of each of our lives that are marked with pain, and I don’t want to tie a bow on that. But I sincerely believe in the healing power of inviting the Holy Spirit into our brokenness. I witnessed this during Beauty For Ashes, with real women who were brave enough to share their deepest sorrows and greatest joys.
some of our moments-
Reading Isaiah 61:1-3, “to grant those who mourn in Zion- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes.”
Sharing my picture- I painted a lighthouse to show that Jesus has always seen me, even in the darkness.
playing with a happy baby while his mom paints.
Praying healing for Glenda’s (woman on the right) body.
talking with my teammates in the attic about the glory of the morning.
Photo credit: Aly Badinger
closing thoughts-
women,
you are captivating.
you are created out of the depth of the Father’s heart, for depth and connection.
you are an atmosphere changer.
you are resilient.
you embody gratitude.
your voice matters.
your prayers are a pleasing incense filling the throne room of God.
you have the gift of expression.
you are brave.
you are good.
love a fellow daughter,
Aidyn
