During training camp, I was selected to be one of two squad coordinators for Beauty for Ashes. This ministry is dedicated to bringing God’s restoration, hope, and healing to suffering women through ministry. I had the opportunity to receive training on how to reach out and minister to women while on the World Race.
I walked into the training room not sure what to expect, but I felt God pulling me towards this ministry. I was greeted with a table full of crayons and drawing paper. The leaders explained that it can be hard to write out the messages and feelings we receive from God. Many women also have poor writing skills and coloring restores confidence in women’s storytelling. My inner child was excited with the idea of picking up a crayon and coloring the messages of the Holy Spirit. We were told to pray and ask for God to speak to us. Anything we saw, whether picture or word, was to be put on the piece of paper in front of us . I closed my eyes and welcomed the presence of the Holy Spirit. Earlier that day, the Holy Spirit put an image of a sunrise glowing behind two hills. I stood among a group of people, basking in the warmth of the new day. All of us started dancing and singing out praises to the Lord. As I sat in the training room, I was reminded of this vision. On my paper, I scribbled two green mounds. Then a yellow blob peaked out from behind the hills. Soon oranges, reds, and blues filled the sky. As I drew my vision, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.
After a few minutes, we were asked to share our pictures with someone next to us. Normally, I would cringe at the idea of sharing my feelings. However, I was excited to tell Kelsey about my picture. I spoke about the dawn on the new relationship I was starting with God. Crayons, these simple pieces of colored wax, allowed me to be intimate with God and vulnerable with my squad mate. If I, the lock box of emotions, could be opened by this method, then this ministry could work miracles in healing for other women.
I invite you to try this method of prayer. Grab a box of crayons–I know you have some buried in the bottom of your closet. Find a piece of paper and pray the Holy Spirit’s message be revealed to you. Sometimes, the meaning of the image or word doesn’t come right away. The second time I tried this prayer I thought of Spongebob jellyfishing in Jellyfish Fields. I couldn’t shake the image no matter how hard I tried. He kept prancing and dancing around in the field without concern for the jellyfish. It wasn’t until I tried speaking about it with my teammate did I finally understand that God was showing me that I was afraid of being caught by Him. Regardless of my tough exterior, my emotions are as delicate as a butterfly, and it is completely true that I fear being hurt by completely surrendering to God. I sometimes ignore God’s plans for me because I think mine are better. However, I now know this is something I need to work through. All it took for me to realize this was a bizarre image of Spongebob. Take a moment to have fun and color! Maybe you’ll see God work through a cartoon character.
As I head on the World Race, I will have the opportunity to facilitate God’s healing through women’s retreats. I might host a tea party, a picnic, Bible study, or day-long retreat. I am not sure what God has planned for these next 11 months, but I’m excited to share them with you.
****In order for me to be the hands of God, I would need funding. Please consider joining me in this ministry by donating!
