You haven’t seen beauty until you’ve seen a heart changed by Christ. If you hang out long enough in the rooms of recovery you will witness miracles. And if you remain steadfast in spreading the good news, in time, the beauty of the blossom rooted in the Spirit will grow out of a non-believer in your life.

Her beauty is a fragrance that can’t be described.

Our circle is busting at the seams. I arrange the perfect number of chairs, one for each of the young mothers in search of hope. Then I notice the girl lingering outside the circle. She is the new girl.
Apprehensive.

I get up to relinquish my chair and choose to stand next to her. Blocking her escape, I can tell that she isn’t comfortable. She surrenders and takes a seat on the ground, inside the circle.
Defeated.

I don’t know her story, but life hasn’t been good to her. If it has she wouldn’t be here, stuck in a circle, surrounded by a group of young mother’s who all claim to be saved. Each mother takes a turn, sharing a word that resonates with them, the girl is speechless and passes. I watch her and then it’s my turn to share.
Hopeful

My word for her is hope.

The Beauty of Hope

She is a rare beauty, not one that demands your attention. The kind of beauty that isn’t seen on the surface but simmering from within. It’s the kind of beauty that you discover in the rooms of recovery.

It’s the kind of beauty that lies dormant until a life event happens. When defeated by your own actions and start to feel the rumblings from within. A seed planted burst into action, discovering a new path forward.

The young mothers melt into the circle and wait with anticipation. I watch as the girl on the ground eases back between the others. She is reluctant to join in, yet encouraged.
Inspired.

I offer my chair and she takes a seat. I stand outside the circle and observe. The young girl is moved as the others share their stories of experience, strength and hope.
Curious.

I don't know if she has ever experienced the Spirit working in her life but watch as she starts to welcome Him in. The others pray over her. Her tears begin to fall and she is visibly moved. She soaks in the power of prayer.
Filled.

The Beauty of Being Chosen

The girl isn’t placed in rehab because of her choices. But because God intervened. She doesn’t realize the gift she is given and the trip she is about to embark on. She is set apart from the others and is given the opportunity to flourish.

A week goes by and the young mothers return to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I watch with anticipation as each mother enters. A Christmas party is planned and everyone is filled with the Spirit of Christmas.
Encouraged.

A young woman appears and it is the girl. No longer is she scared but at ease. She takes a seat comfortably at a table with friends.
Relieved.

One by one, each selects a word that resonates at the moment. I continue to wait with anticipation and it's her turn. She says blessed.
Anointed.

The Beauty of the Process

Have you marveled at a flower, one day it’s a bud and the next a full blossom? It’s as if life took hold and the flower is living at it’s fullest. It’s a process that happens without notice.

The Holy Spirit works the same way in the lives of believers. It’s not something that you can put your finger on but a feeling you get around certain people. They radiate hope.

It’s a process. It isn’t something that is earned but a gift.

The seed is planted.

Not everyone is raised in a Christian home. Faith and religion are learned behaviors. It takes people who are willing to share their faith, by sharing their experiences, strength and hope.

Not one person can make another person a believer. But by hearing how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of others it provides hope. There is no need to propagandize, just share.

It only takes a mustard seed of faith.

The seed is fertilized by the Spirit.

Then a life event happens. It could be induced by our choices or an illness that’s out of our control. There is a desperation and cry for help.

The heart is vulnerable. It might be in need of strength to overcome tragedy or in need of forgiveness. A new way of life is about to blossom.

The Holy Spirit takes root.

The flower needs nourished.

Faith is something that comes and goes throughout the journey of life. It doesn’t just exist but needs nourished. Faith grows during times of struggle, not just when life is going well.

The Bible provides historical truths that encourage and instill a relationship with God through Jesus by the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Others who are further along their walk, clergy men and women, sponsors who have worked the steps in recovery all provide continued support.

A thirst will develop and light is needed to cast out the darkness.

The flower returns to the Earth.

Eventually we all die. Our physical life on Earth is temporary. By developing a relationship with Christ and nurturing it on a daily basis we can live life to it’s fullest.

Our physical bodies return to the Earth and our Spiritual bodies will reside in heaven. It’s about how we choose to live out our physical life and how we want to be remembered.

What is your legacy, your testimony of faith to be passed down generations to come?

We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows.

Job 14:2 GNT