Innocence Lost

I met a girl today at work, a young teenager, barely sixteen years old, who's life is worlds away from my own in every way---yet I found her in a valley similar to one I have crossed. She was sexually assault at the public pool at which I'm working, by another patron a few years older than she. Being the most senior female on duty I was tasked to stay with her and offer what support, assistance, comfort I could. I was present throughout the afternoon while the unfortunate young lady had to repeat her side of the incident to numerous police officials, park rangers and detectives. Each time she began to shake more, whether from being dressed only in her wet swim suit and towel, or from the realization of what had almost occurred.

How to comfort? What to say? Mostly, I said nothing. I simply prayed. Prayed for wisdom. Prayed for this young lady as her innocence was being taken from her yet again by this sin laden world. Prayed for peace that I may remain calm in the situation. Prayed that my own emotions would stay in check.

You see I've been where she's been-a place of confusion and shame after a trust has been broken.
When a young girls innocence is tainted by the perversion of another human, How do you heal? How do you learn to trust again? How do you return to life? Through those weeks and months I had to walk the valley, I held tight to the Great Physician. His faithfulness and truth brought stability to my life that no man could shake. As I clung to His promises and comfort He lead me to paths of righteousness-In all the aftermath and throughout the trial I believe I never sinned against my antagonist. God removed any bitterness, hatred, and disgust from my heart and gave me a pity, forgiveness and love. An operation of that caliber is truly the work of a Great Physician! It was no accident that I was in a position to help comfort and heal another by displaying the Grace He has given to me. All Glory to God for His infinite wisdom! Amen.

never know a good bye...

"I cannot say good-bye to those whom I have grown to love, for the memories we have made will last a lifetime and never know a good-bye...”

Dear Friends,
As I contemplate separation this quote comforted me like one of your hugs. Knowing that being separated in distance does not mean forgetfulness or distance of heart is a great comfort. As Anne of Green Gables would say, "True friends will always be together in spirit." For the Christian we are told "Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them..."
Humans were not created for separation. We are created with eternity written on our hearts so no wonder Good-byes cause an ache in our core! For those who have recieved everlasting life our goodbyes are only 'till heaven'. I praise God who is the God of ALL comfort, that I can trust His direction in my life. He has me where he wishes me to serve, and I trust the same for you!
I want you all to know that your friendship has brought warmth to my heart and your memories etched an imprint on my soul. You will not be forgotten, you will always be loved!

A White Rose



The red rose whispers of passion,

And the white rose breathes of love;

O, the red rose is a falcon,

And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rosebud

With a flush on its petal tips;

For the love that is purest and sweetest

Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

- J B O’Reilly (1844-1890) -

This poem that has been one of my quotable favorites for quite sometime. It was recalled to my mind recently after watching "The Phantom of the Opera". I'm sure you all have seen it, and many rejoice at the 'good conquering evil' resolution while others lament that the Phantom was not the victorious hero winning Christine's love. It intrigues me the comparison between lust and love, selfish-passion and selfless devotion, a red rose and a white rose...

Rain

IT rained most of the day today.
Normally for me that would be a reason for complaint as I am very much a warm sun and blue skies kind of a girl, but God has been teaching me much about my tendencies to complain. In a recent camping trip, we spent 48 hours in wet elements. If we found it wasn't raining it was because we were entering into the clouds themselves. What a dreamlike though...walking in a cloud!
Those days were outwardly dreary and bleak yet as a body of believers our group persevered and encouraged on another. We were cheerful, exuberant, and light-hearted even as we conquered peak after peak only to find yet again the clouds denied us a view of the valley. It taught me a great deal about the control we have over our attitude, and the power attitude has to determine our experience. How easily those five days could be remembered as the worst of my life...the rain, lack of sleeping, rigorous hiking, inconvenience of daily tasks...yet the attitude of joy and praise that my group adopted made it one of the most memorable ;) spring break I could ever ask for!

All that to say that today I found the rain pleasant, comforting, and quite romantic. Sitting on my bed as the clouds cried a concert of raindrops, I couldn't help but praise the God who bring forth rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. All His works are perfect, All His ways are just.
He alone is worthy of Praise!