God's Dreams are Bigger then Mine
As some of you may know, I am part of a new ministry called
Restored and Renewed. It is a vision that exceeds something much grander than I
ever thought I would be a part of. It was not an already existing project that
was up and running but one that we are starting from scratch.
The people that make up the board are not the typical people
you would expect to see leading this charge. Alisha, the founder of R&R was
given this vision twelve years ago when she herself found freedom from
emotional, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. She saw the need to build a
living community where victims of abuse and their children are provided with
everything needed to be restored and renewed. The hope is to have both short
term and long term programs that provide housing, resources, Spiritual healing,
and practical education. She discovered there were 7,872 women turned away
from shelters in Tarrant County alone due to lack of space. She has spent countless
hours working with the founders and volunteering her time at Safe Haven in Fort
Worth, the Gatehouse abuse facility in Grapevine, abuse victims, local abuse
advocates, police departments, and so many more. She sees and understands the
depravity that comes from learning to survive one day at a time and is
compelled to not just accept the statics but to answer God's call on her life
to do more. Then there's Shauna. She left her corporate job to start a nonprofit
organization that offers free counseling to the community. Not only are they working
with clients through spiritual guidance during seasons of unbalance, unexpected
difficulties and life challenges but they also offer a safe environment for
those who have been wounded by the institution of the church as they seek to rebuild
their relationship with God. In offering Biblical discipleship, counseling,
workshops, and Bible Studies to the public, they are so much more than just a
counseling center. Although these two ministries are separate, you can see how
the importance of having well trained Biblical Counselors involved in R&R
is instrumental in moving forward. Cathy is a registered nurse with 25 years of
experience in women's and children's healthcare. She is so valuable to R&R
because not only does she offer the wisdom gained from her training and
experience of meeting the physical needs of the women we anticipate
encountering, but she has the heart of a prayer warrior. Every interaction I
have had with her, I can tangibly feel her Spirit and expertise. That gifting
is so important and we are incredibly blessed to have her as part of our team.
Vikki has a background in Victim Assistance and has worked with the justice
system for many years. Her experience in this particular area is so rare
because she brings a new perspective to the table. She gives insight into areas
we may have otherwise missed, particularly when working with the police
department and court system. Next I want to introduce Katie. She is a beautiful
young woman who has brought so much love and compassion to our group. She too
has a great understanding about emotional abuse and gives a voice to so many
out there that are overlooked because many are under the assumption that abuse
can only be visibly seen. But in fact, it is the soul that bares the greatest
scar. The brutal weight one carries to overcome society's judgment and the
feeling of being financially trapped in an abusive relationship is what convinces
women to stay where they are. Then
there's me. If you have read some of my past posts, you know that sexual abuse
is in past. Although it happened many years ago, the lasting effect tainted how
I saw myself and interacted with those around me. It was only by God's
supernatural healing I overcame depression, mistrust, and suicidal thoughts. I
have always had the support of my family, close friends, and most importantly
my intimate relationship the One who redeems. But many aren't so lucky. It is my
greatest hope to be a part of something that actively seeks to serve and love
on the broken hearted so they too will be inspired to find freedom through
God’s Word and renewal process. It is then that we excel in our purpose and
understand that pain doesn't have to limit us but can refine us.
Why am I taking the time to introduce the amazing people to
you? Well we are having our first fundraising event in just a few short weeks.
For those of us involved, to say this is a step of faith would be stating the
obvious. We have nothing to offer up here except our complete and total
devotion and obedience to God. We are literally just a few short months out
from the concept phase, as we plan and orchestrate our kickoff event that
perhaps should take a year or longer to plan. BUT, God has arranged time and
time again confirmations of His promise that says we are not to rely on
conventional means. He is in control and will continually put people in our
path to help us in ways that show His mighty hand in this ministry. However, at
the same time, we must be open, available, and vulnerable to put ourselves out
there to ask for what we need. And right now, we would like your support.
So many people are coming together to put this event on. We
have a beautiful location with a full buffet dinner included, an amazing
speaker that will share her personal experiences, an indie style singer/song
writer playing her acoustic guitar, a photo booth, a professional photographer,
silent auction/ raffle that will display some pretty impressive baskets and
gift certificates (which could give you an early start on Christmas gifts
should you win), and the chance to see and hear about a one of a kind ministry
in the making. Besides the fact that this is a cause that is near and dear to
our heart, it will be a fun night. How often do you get to get dressed up in
semi-formal attire, wear a mask (if you so desire), and spend an evening
rubbing elbows with the most humble people I have had the privilege of meeting?
So grab a group of friends for a fun night out or your spouse for a special date night and come celebrate with us! I guarantee you won't regret it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you
join John and I as we start this wonderful adventure together with you.
Beautifully written
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