A Lesson in Love
January, 2008 “H” decided to extend Christmas vacation. It was just a joke she said, but the school, local law enforcement, the State Bureau of Investigation and Home Land Security didn’t think so. They don’t take bomb threats lightly. She was expelled from school for 1 year and her parents were given a choice, send her to a juvenile detention center or have a parent or a court approved adult with her 24/7.
And that’s how I met “H”. Her parents did not want here just sitting around the house or at work with them, they wanted her to still go to school and receive help. Since I’m a court approved advocate/mentor it was recommended they call me. For 9 months we worked at fever pitch. During that time, many folks were skeptical that it would pay off. But, by the grace of God she received Christ as her Savior and began to transform into a different person. The judge cut 2 months off her sentence and told her she could go back to public school. The school reluctantly agreed. When her national standardized tests revealed she was now 2 years ahead of her grade level and her psychological examine came back there had been a change as well, she was admitted back into the school system in mid October. Presently, “H” is active in her church, mischief and drug free. In her own words,
“I’m living a life of true freedom. I thought I was free before, but really, I was chained to my addictions and wild, uncontrolled behavior. I now have hopes and dreams for a successful future. Thank you, Ms. Marsha! Thank You, Jesus!”
Today, there are 4 other “H’s” in our program. Girls whose lives have been touched by drugs, alcohol, home violence, rape, promiscuity, abortion, and even cancer, walk through the doors of our Learning Center. Some are cocky, some manipulative, some boisterous, some quiet, but they all have the same look of despair written across their faces. Eyes that say, “I just want someone to love me. I just want to be free from the pain that permeates my very being. I want answers to the ‘why’ questions in my life. Are you listening to my heart’s cry? Can you tell me how to be set free from my private hell?” I give them each a warm, reassuring smile and let them know I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does.
Their first day in the program I share my testimony, of how God redeemed my life from the pit. How He crowned my head with lovingkindness and compassion. I tell them that God is good, that He loves each of us unconditionally and that He can be trusted. I tell them my past doesn’t haunt me anymore. That all those past lies I believed and failures have been replaced by the Truth and I am forever free and they can be also.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul…who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1a,4,5
What lies are you believing today? Are you tempted to believe he doesn’t love you or know what’s best for you? Are you feeling ugly or fat? Rejected? Consumed by your own desires? Anxious about life? Believe the truth….He loves you unconditionally and desires the best for you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are accepted in Christ. He is enough and can supply all your needs. He can be trusted.
Identify the area of bondage you are chained to and it’s sinful behavior. Identify the lie that is at the root of that bondage and then replace the lie with the TRUTH. Breaking free from bondage usually doesn’t happen overnight. But I can tell you from experience in my own life and the lives of others that have followed these principles, it does work. The chains will be gone and you will be free!
Father, I come before you today and thank You for setting me free. Your Word is true. Your love has captured my soul and I am free! Lord, for those women who read this today, make Yourself known to them in a special way today so they will know You love them unconditionally.
Your Humbly Grateful Daughter,
|
??? Won’t you help point these girls to Christ and the hope that sets them free? Would you please pray for them today? ??? |
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com and her ministry site is http://snowbirdteamministries.blogspot.com
What a wonderful testimony. Yesterday I also posted on my blog about the lies we believe. I am praising God that “H” came to know Christ and praying that God would use you in a mighty way to reach these young ladies for the Lord. -Blessings, Laurie
Such an awesome testimony, bless you for sharing my friend.
Oh Marsha, What a beautirul and powerful post… So many people are wounded and bleeding. They are laying on the side of the road and we pass by…. We pass them by and we know the truth. I pray everyday for the Lord to put one of these broken people in my path and that they be open to listen… We know the truth and the truth sets them free. Amen. Awesome post. Love you!!!!
What a wonderful you ministry you have – being a light in the darkness!
My nephew is in a place much like those you described, but he just hasn’t found the way out yet. Pray for him, too??
These girls are so blessed to have you in their lives. I will be praying for your ministry.
Marsha, this is such a beautiful testimony of God’s goodness and His ability to transform lives. Those young ladies are blessed to have you.