My heart was broken. Yet my heart was full. Sometimes, you have to know sorrow to truly appreciate joy.
The week that we met with the new women was FULL. After meeting 19 of the 20 women for over an hour each and hearing story after story of tribulation and sorrow my heart broke for them. Tears were shed. Hands were held. Hugs were abundant. We were thankful to be able to pour love into them through the truth of the word…but most importantly to just sit there with them where they were, a Job 2:13 moment.
When we left the first house visit these words were going through my head, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my savior, all the day long.” (From the hymn Blessed Assurance) Even though heartache was prevalent, we ended the time with worshipping God…knowing that we are blessed because we are washed in His redeeming blood.
On the morning of the 22nd, Hearts of Hope (HOH) listened to the song, “When Love Sees You” as part of our morning devotional. It was an introduction for us to what this day, “scrapbooking day”, would hold. The first time we listened to the song, I just soaked in the lyrics. The second time, I thought of these women I met. I had their pictures on my phone and as the words of the song played, I prayed over each woman.
The day with the women began with learning names, as this was their first time meeting each other. They placed name tags around their peers’ necks…and I saw it as a rite of passage. That you, my sister, are seen. You, my sister, are known. Sister, we belong.
Then there was a time of praise and dancing followed by Glenda sharing some
of her story and her scrapbook. The real work began after that. The ladies chose a spot at the table, were introduced to the materials (stamps, paper cutters, stickers, etc.) and they began. The HOH team mingled throughout them, encouraged them, and cut lots of paper!
This was an opportunity for the ladies to write down their life… to write down things they may never have shared with others… a time to start healing.
Some of them talked with each other. Some kept to themselves and diligently worked. They were sharing their stories. Sharing their wounds. Letting go of control and handing God the pieces. Our presence there was to pour love on them.
We fellowshipped over lunch and gave them a little gift before they left.
Don’t we all have a story to share, a scrapbook to make, even if just in our memories? The good, the bad, and the ugly that we carry with us. Little snippets that add to a complete life. Sometimes we think we have to carry burdens or moments alone. But the truth is, God carries them with us. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart: and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30
God came for your story. God came for your wounds…. To show you what love sees, when HE sees you!
They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. They began to call out to him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him, they took the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. Mark 15:17-20
“The son of man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.” Luke 24:7
This is HIS Story… of torture. Of death. Of resurrection…. so that YOU may have LIFE and life abundantly… to show you what love sees, when HE SEES YOU! So tell Him your story. Show Him your wounds. Hand Him your pieces. Give Him your life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
When you confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
