As I look in the kitchen of our new home near Santo Domingo, I am drawn to a beautiful woman who is glowing. She is humming a little song as she washes the dishes. This sweet Dominican lady introduces herself as Iris. We bond instantly and I will never forget this woman with an incredible heart. I have to share her story because it is important. Each person’s story is IMPORTANT. Iris grew up in a decent home with eight brothers and sisters. Her father was never around. She had to fend for herself many times. At age thirteen, she got pregnant and had her first child when she was fourteen. She has shame, but I only see purity. This is part of HER story. What makes her special. What makes her the beautiful, strong daughter of God that she is. It also shows how God is a forgiving God and when he looks at her, He sees who she IS, not what she WAS. God sees who we are, and we are valuable, pure, and forgiven to God. Thank God.
Iris had two more children with no sort of man to raise them. The so called “fathers” were emotional absent, verbally abusive, or physically absent. She went through much loneliness and pain. She has always been a hard-worker, a loving mom, and an independent person. When she turned 28, she found God. God changed her life and gave her purpose. He brought her hope, love, peace, forgiveness, and direction. She learned more about God and started taking her kids to church. Even though they did not grow up having an earthly father, God became their father. God took care of the kids, God took care of Iris. God is continuing to deepen her love and trust. She now has a joy that is unstoppable. Iris is 39 years old and has three grandchildren. She has no husband but God is enough for her. She is no longer lonely, she still works hard, and she is making a difference. I am so blessed to have met her. To laugh with her, sing with her, clean with her, cry with her, and speak truth with her. This is Iris.
Iris is a valuable child of God, just like YOU!
