Thursday, May 12, 2011

Hope in the midst of discouragement

The work of this ministry is always challenging and on occasion very discouraging. So a visit I had this past Tuesday with a graduate family was especially uplifting after a difficult weekend.

Last Saturday, one of our resident moms abruptly announced that she and her two young children were leaving the program. We were well aware that this mom had “hit a wall” in the painful work of healing and recovery. This often happens with our resident women as they address the life-controlling issues at the root of their homelessness. The normal response is either “fight” or “flight”. Unfortunately, this particular mother chose “flight”. Needless to say we were all greatly saddened and discouraged at the choice she had made.

Then on Tuesday, I stopped by to visit one of our graduate families. This mom proudly showed me around their new home and really felt it was God ordained that their spacious home was provided so she could help someone else in need. She felt good to be able to give back and help change the life of another. She and her son continue to work hard as they both finish classes this semester. They are on their own and filled with hope and a future.

It’s amazing how God provides hope in the midst of discouragement. I never forget the verse in Joshua 1:9 that I wore around my neck for years as a constant reminder to be strong and courageous and not to be overcome with fear and discouragement because He is with us wherever we go. What an amazing promise that brings light and hope to our lives! Until next week …

Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director

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