Dear Friends,
Hello and greetings from Eugene, Oregon! I know it has been quite some time since some of you have probably heard from me last, and for that, I apologize. Life has been busy and chaotic-but through it all, God is good! Amen?!
So much has happened that I simply can not explain in the short amount of time that I have nor in one blog post, but I will try and touch on the basics. *Bare with me as I may be all over the place*
As you all know, I am in a Recovery program that is based through a homeless/wellness shelter environment here in Eugene. I have been at the Eugene Mission since the beginning of May and entered the Life Change program in June. The program is all about being afforded the opportunity to experience spiritual growth and healing, as well as emotional recovery in life. The end goal is that those of us who go through the program, will be better equipped to leave the mission with the tools to be able to reenter society, and to sustain reentry with a job and housing, and the greatest thing-It's all faith based! I must admit that I never thought of myself as one needing "rehab" or recovery, as I am not a drug addict or an alcoholic, but instead..I am an addict to other things. Through this program, there are four phases that I will need to go through within a years time in order to graduate. Currently, I am in the second phase.
Throughout my time here, I have learned what it means to be truly honest; not just to those around me, but also honest to myself. For so many years, mainly my whole life, I resolved everything into lies. White lies, big lies, stretched out lies....all lies, lies, lies. Before I became a Christian, I lied so much that I believed the lies that I told and I had no idea who I was! I compared myself to other people by trying to be just like them. If one friend said their favorite color was blue, then mine was blue too. If they liked a certain hobby, then I liked doing it too. It was in everything-I didn't know who Malarie was! I have always known about God and who He is, but I never truly accepted Him in my life until a year ago. Since then, God has put me on the most craziest roller-coaster ride of my life!
Being here in this program, God has shown me His true and divine nature. His love and His unending mercy that He has not only for me, but also for everyone. Christ has shown me what it means to be forgiven while forgiving those who have hurt me. I can honestly say that I can feel and see the change God is doing in my heart-and I can do nothing but give Him the praise and glory for those changes.
About a month ago, God opened doors for me to lead worship next door at the Women's Center where 65 women stay, most of whom do not have a relationship with the Lord. Throughout this past month, God has brought so many of them closer to Him and His kingdom. It is so beautiful to watch these women and to see God interact in their lives, even they don't see it themselves. So beautiful! A common saying around here is "Once an addict...always an addict." Well let me just say-that's sooo not true! God has forgiven and has made us all new, and that is something beautiful. Something beautiful that I like to call a Silver Lining.
My friends, I have found joy. I have found the meaning to life and have gained freedom; in all forms! I have gained Jesus as Lord of my life and have been made a daughter of the One True King who sits high in His throne in the Heavens...that is who I am. That is who I always will be.
I pray that you are all well and that you will continue to seek God in all that you do. May the Lord bless you and bring you peace. Much love and many many prayers are sent your way.
Your Sister in Christ,
Malarie
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