She has already spent 11 years there, and still has 13 to go, but she praises God every day for His goodness. She thanks Him for giving her the opportunity to know Him and that she can wake up every morning putting all her trust in Him. She doesn’t hesitate to give away her whole life even though it’s confined by walls of concrete and barbed wire.
Her health was severely threatened. For 16 years she has been there, and the majority of it, her hyperactive menstrual cycle caused her to bleed so much she didn’t even have the energy to make it through a full day. Recently, however, her health has began to strengthen. Her skin is no longer ashy due to loss of blood. Her faith never faltered because of this suffering, but she praises God for the slow restoration of her health.
She lived alone and had no one to hold her accountable to do good. Like most of us, self control is something she lacks. One would think she would be bitter and hopeless, yet she praises God for bringing her back a third time. She knows God will use this time to re-teach her the things she has forgotten. The light is all she can see, and no darkness can dim it.
Today we visited a women’s prison. These are 3 of their stories. As I listened to each of them speak, my spiritual jaw hit the floor. Initially I thought I would pity these so-called “bleak” lives upon entering them, but instead, I was almost envious. Their faith astounded me. It would have been incredibly easy for them to wallow in self pity, but they had chosen to cling to something so much higher than themselves. I reflected on my own life and thought about how often I had thrown around blame or unceasingly pursued the “fix it yourself” method. Countless memories of sheepishly approaching God as a last resort filled my head. Now these women are not without fault, for they ended up in prison somehow and I’m sure they too have experience with the same memories I had just recalled, but it’s the way they have stood back up after falling. Not on their own, staggering as they rise, but picked up gracefully by their loving Father who has placed them on the solid ground of his steadfast love and mercy. His own faithfulness that is more vast than the ocean itself was reflected in a snippet of their testimony.
I have a thing or two or thirty to learn from these women. We didn’t get to talk much because of the language barrier, but them merely speaking about their own lives had an impact on mine I’m sure they will never know. It’s funny how God takes us places letting us believe we are bringing the good news to others, when He really just wants to share some of His goodness with us. God calls us to give, but through that giving we receive so much more. It’s this life only God can provide that fuels the desire to share it in hopes of everyone else having life at this extent as well.
The World Race has been full of both stumbles and revelations (the former usually leading to the latter – surprise, surprise!!!) Today I experienced a true definition of the Gospel: God revealing crowns atop the heads of what society would consider to be the lowliest. I feel like I should know by now that this is what God does. The Gospel is full of these kinds of examples, and I myself have even witnessed situations fairly similar to this one, but God knew I needed a blunt reminder.
Lately I have lost sight of my purpose here. I have found myself succumbing to the temptations of coasting through ministry. Failing to thoroughly seek out the way God is asking me to shine His light in each particular situation. It’s not enough to solely be joyful in my actions, which is what I always try to justify as competent. My best friend Regina gave me 9 verses before I left – one to be read on the first of each month. The last 2 verses have proven to be very relevant to God’s workings in my life, and I know this month will be no different in that sense. The notecard marked “December” read:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9. I need to be attentive to the Spirit always, and act courageously on its nudging.
I’m sure it wasn’t easy for the women to share their struggles to a group of over – privileged American teenagers (and one 21 year old…s/o Taylor) today. But they did it anyway because this life we are all searching for, the one that can only be attained from God, requires us to put our obedience above our fear.
Here’s an oxymoron I hope you take with you – I’m striving to be like the women in prison.
The final deadline to be fully funded is in January… and I am only $372 away!!!! If we are being real I have dreamed of the day when I was this close! I would love to be able to say God provided 100% of the cost of my trip, without having to pull any money out of my personal savings. If you feel called to donate just click on the “Donate!” button at the top of this page. Anything helps – even if it’s only $5 or $10!! Thank you so much. I would not be here without the support of every single one of you, whether it be spiritual or financial or both!
Praying for all of you and I hope you are letting God do amazing things through you this season!
Love,
Olivia
