2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
“3 Praise be to the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all
comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can
comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Thirteen years ago, I learned my 16 year
old son Marc's battle with cancer was about to end. The doctors said there was
nothing more they could do. As hard as my dear and close friends tried to
understand my pain and anguish, they couldn't. They had never lost a child. I
needed a friend who understood. Then I was introduced to Pam, a mom who had
lost her 16 year old son to cancer the year before. Pam understood and was able
to walk with me (through email) during those last agonizingly painful months.
She was a source of support, strength and
comfort because she had navigated the path I was on. Her friendship was
priceless, and the amazing thing is, she said being there for me proved helpful
to her healing too.
God is so good!!!
This is the idea behind Hand of Hope. All of us have faced challenges in life that
leave us wanting someone who understands, that we can talk to. Maybe you have
gone through a divorce or had an eating disorder or have lived with drug abuse
and or alcoholism. Maybe you had an abortion when you were a teenager or lost a
husband or have faced severe health and/or financial challenges. The list of life's challenges is endless and
the ability to comfort others with the comfort God has provided for us is
priceless. We invite you to consider offering a “hand of hope” to a hurting
woman. Hand of Hope cards are available
on the Heart Life table in the ministry hall. All information provided will be kept in
strict confidence. Offering a Hand of
Hope does not mean you are making a huge time commitment. We only ask that you agree to meet one time
with a hurting woman.
Come to our Hand of Hope Orientation on
Sunday evening, March 3, 6-7 pm to learn how you can offer hope to a hurting
woman. Amazingly, God may use this to bring healing and redemption flowing back
to you.
Childcare is available upon request.
0 comments:
Post a Comment