That phrase, “Every Story Matters”, comes from another phrase we live by here at our two shelters. It is, “Every person has a story and every story matters to God.”
Stories matter because contained in them are the experiences and choices we have made during our lives. Each chapter can shape us and either prepare us for success or failure. We don’t believe that a person can rewrite their story, but they can begin today, writing new chapters that will be in line with God’s plan. When we get the mind of Christ, which has been transformed by God’s grace, then it becomes easier for us to see and understand God’s promise in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
This is especially important when it comes to forgiveness. Many of the men and women who come into our shelters struggle with unforgiveness. Bitterness has set in, and a course has been set for a lifelong battle with pain, resentment, and thoughts of revenge.
We believe that having victory in this area must happen before any new chapters can be written in their lives. It’s necessary to forgive because unforgiveness affects all our other relationships, including our relationship with God.
After teaching in chapel at Faith Refuge the other day where I had shared some principles of forgiveness with the ladies, I went into the room next to the chapel. Suddenly, I heard a sharp knock on the door, and I opened it. There stood a woman in our program who said, “Julie needs to talk to you.” Julie stepped into the doorway with tears pouring down her face. She could barely speak but when she gathered herself, all she could say was, “I’ve forgiven my mom.” She fell on my neck and said, “I’ve never felt lighter in my life. After all these years, I’m not carrying it anymore.”
