My heart is full, so forgive me as I try to spill out what's all bottled up inside, and maybe cry a little too. There is nothing worse than feeling like no one wants you. There can't be anything worse than feeling rejected by God after the death of your soul mate and then by being rejected by friends and even family who are supposed to love you. There can't be anything worse than being sexually abused by your father for 25 years. There can't be anything worse than someone coming to take your children away. There can't be anything worse than feeling unwanted by the entire world. There can't be anything worse than feeling unworthy of being loved.
When we walked into Hope Haven Home on Friday, faces were downcast, worn and skeptical of these 16 women who came to visit. They had been deeply hurt and didn't trust easily. We spent that day and evening just having fun with them: eating together, being silly, dancing, giving presents and singing around the campfire with s'mores. Saturday, we shared worship together and studied Psalm 139. We wrote letters to ourselves to encourage us and remind us that God knit us perfectly and for a purpose. As we got ready to leave, we prayed over them. There were tears and hugs and those faces were changed. They were loved. They didn't want us to leave. They felt God's love and maybe even a little closer to feeling worthy of it.
My perspective is changed. My pitiful little problems in life are put into a new context that makes them blessings that I should be thankful for. I have been protected in this life. Why? These women are just like me. They don't deserve to be homeless and to feel worthless to the world. My heart is burdened that women need to know they're worthy. Women need to know they ARE worthy of God's great love. Lamentations 3 may be the cry of a homeless person and verse 22 says this: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
There are so many hurting people around us. There are so many feeling desperate for someone to tell them that they are worth something. Look into eyes and ask for God to fill up your heart so that you can overflow into theirs. People need Jesus. People need to know that there is one, true, living God, and that He loves them.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; ...Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men [Jesus] in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isa. 43:2-5
