TODAY
we went to a Women’s Center associated with 6:8 Ministries. Though we were only
there a short time, the faces I saw will not leave my mind.
The
women ranged from about 18-27 years old and each had a unique story. Most of
them were there trying to beat some sort of addiction. Drugs and alcohol were
prevalent themes in their stories. All of them were seeking sobriety, safety,
and a comfort in something Greater.
One of
the 18 year-old girls shared how she had been sexually abused from the age of
5-15, and how she had been eventually kicked out of her house and had gotten
involved with drugs. She had only been at the center for 3 days and the pain
and doubt in her eyes still hung over her like a shadow. After all the women
had shared their stories with us, we were given the opportunity to share some
of our hearts with them. One of my teammates spoke up and looked at the young
18 year-old. With tears in her eyes she told the girl that she had a similar
background of sexual abuse and spoke of the deliverance she had had. She
embraced the girl as a sister and they both shed tears for their pain and loss.
But the tears of my friend also held hope; a new hope that God had given her-
that he would heal, show mercy, and restore her with his love. My prayer is that
our new young friend will also experience such grace, through her new
understanding of who God is and how much he loves her.
Just
the fact that all these women have come to the center, and are ready to change
and heal, is beautiful. It’s not easy to admit that you have a problem or that
you cannot control your own life.
Even in the darkest times though, God is sitting there waiting for you
to turn to him. “He gives beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for
mourning, peace for despair…”
When
sorrow seems to surround you
When
suffering hangs heavy over your head
Know
that tomorrow brings
Wholeness
and healing
God
knows your need
Just
believe what He said
He
gives beauty for ashes
Strength
for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace
for despair
When
what you’ve done keeps you from moving on
When
fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know
that forgiveness brings
Wholeness
and healing
God
knows your need
Just
believe what He said
He
gives beauty for ashes
Strength
for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace
for despair
I once
was lost but God has found me
Though
I was bound I’ve been set free
I’ve
been made righteous in His sight
A
display of His splendor all can see
He
gives beauty for ashes
Strength
for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace for
despair.
-Crystal
Lewis
