I doubt that there are many who do not remember where they were on 9-11-01. I also doubt that the feelings of fear, anger and hopelessness felt on that day cannot be quickly summoned again if somewhat prompted. However, in watching all of the special coverage of the 10 year anniversary yesterday—I saw something amazing. A story about a tree. In the middle of the tangled, charred, deformed metal was an uprooted, charred, deformed tree. Nursed back to health, loved and tenderly replanted, the Suvivor Tree stands tall again–budding and blooming– a lovely reminder that no matter the horror—hope endures.
It was a great reminder to me that many of the women we serve have seen horrors beyond our comprehension. They have lived their own personal 9-11. They come to us uprooted, “burned” and feel beyond fixing–the very air they breathe filled with the toxic dust of hopelessness. It is our privilege to lovingly use the Word of God to soothe the wounds, to nurse them back to a place where they are healthy enough to bud and bloom. We want to give them hope—hope that only comes from knowing Christ as Savior so when they leave us to be “re-planted” elsewhere– they, like the Survivor Tree, will root themselves deeply in the Word, stand strong and offer hope to all who see them.
Ecclesiates 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Everything.
I am so thankful for all of you at Shepherd’s Gate. You loved me despite my all my mistakes and sinful life. I found hope, love and strength there. You will never know how much I am grateful for ALL of you. ALL of you are truly amazing, wise women of God and I am honored and priveledge to have been able to go through the process of blooming with you. Thank you!