Momentum Building

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think…” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

When Pam presented her passion about meeting this need in women to me in May of this year, I do not think that either one of us quite realized just what God was going to do.  In fact, I think it is safe to say, that we have been completely blown away by God’s faithfulness and provision.   Since that initial lunch discussion, we have dreamed big and worked out numerous details.  We have filed forms, applied for this, researched that, and sought assistance from others in order to create Take Heart Ministries. 

These accomplishments are only logistics.  God continues to prove Himself to be faithful and true.  Over the past six months, God has done (and continues to do) such a marvelous work in each of us.  He has stretched our faith and reminds us that He is for us.  He continues to be faithful to prayers prayed long ago.  He is ever-changing our hearts as He continually draws us closer to Him by calling us out of the boat and onto the water. 

In a recent meeting with some important ladies, we discussed the foundation and intimate heart behind Take Heart Ministries.  It was at this time that God blew our minds again.  As we stepped out in faith, hand in hand as sisters in Christ and favorite friends chosen by God, to let God work through us, He did just that – in a mighty way!  Despite the fear found in being vulnerable and the tendency to be reserved in sharing our story of God's grace in our lives, we boldly stepped out in obedience to share what God laid upon our hearts to do.  After all was said and done, there was an immediate sense of peace and that still, small voice that said, “That’s all I required of you.  Leave the rest to me”.  As the affirmations came, the glory was His.   We gave Him what we had – which was only a little – and He was able to accomplish infinitely more than anything we could have ever asked or thought.   The mind blowing part is THIS is only the beginning.  I believe and am expecting God to continue to do more.

God was surely in the conversations, interactions, smiles, stories and lives of each woman there. The conversation had turned to questioning and defenses were written on faces, and I fought my own instinct to defend the situation.  But it was at that moment, I felt God’s hand over my mouth and my heart ease.  As I sat quietly and watched the conversation unfold, I waited for God to speak through us.  I found that as He quieted my heart, I was able to embrace His grace and timing.  When I spoke, it was not the aggressive, defensive attitude that I initially wanted to let out, but instead, it was God’s voice. We didn’t have to defend our passion, but simply remained true to it.  As we did, the evolution of the conversation changed and we were able to witness God working in and thoughout hearts.

Pam and I are beyond humbled and blessed to watch God use Take Heart Ministries.  We have committed ourselves to the work of God for no other reason than simply because He has called us to do so.  The heart behind Take Heart Ministries is to be honest with ourselves, with God and with others.  You do not know how you can help someone or maybe how they can help you, unless we are honest.  Break free from the chains of shame and guilt.  Rise out of the lies and brokenness.  Be brave, be free, and be honest. 

So, if we’re honest… I have never gone without.  Never been homeless.  Never known hunger.  I have never had to worry about whether or not I was going to have tampons for my period this month.  I have never felt shame because I couldn’t go to school when I didn’t have pads.  I have never known need. 

But, if we’re honest, I have made mistakes, I have lived in shame and guilt.  I do know what it’s like to be alone.  I have had an abortion, I have struggled with drug and alcohol addictions.  I have turned to sex.

And if we’re honest, I have battled depression.  I have struggled with low self-esteem.  I have fought God’s will for my life. 

But by the grace of God, I have been redeemed, forgiven and set free!   I have shaken off the lies and am no longer a slave!  I am a child of God.  I have come to know and accept that I lack nothing because of the love my Savior.  I am loved, accepted, complete and known by Him.

This is what we have been called to do.  To be the hands and feet.  To be the face of Jesus to women in need of love, restoration and hope.  To make a difference.   And what better way to say “lift your face from that shame and guilt because you are loved” than to meet the very real need by providing tampons and pads to women…women who have had their dignity and hope stripped from them.  Women who are hanging their heads.  If we’re honest, women just like you and me.

Our hearts’ desire is for all women to be free from the chains that are holding them down.  We want nothing less than for you to love others because of the restoration received through Jesus’ love.  Do you have a story?  Is your heart to give back because of what God has helped you overcome?  Partner alongside us, meet a real need, be the hands and feet of Jesus and restore the hope and dignity of women who are homeless.