17 March 2009

Purpose Driven

It’s always been a dream of mine to help women of any age over come the effects of abuse in any form. As one who’s overcome sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, I feel strongly that I am a testament to others that they, too, can overcome those things in their lives.

Back in January, I spoke with a neighbor who’s setting up a Women’s Ministry that will help women in various stages of abuse get help and I told her I want to participate. To date, I haven’t been a part of her ministry, but know that I will.

This past Sunday, I was invited to attend a church service which was devoted to Women’s Ministry and I was blessed to receive an amazing sermon delivered by my friend and mentor. I was almost moved tears as she so eloquently and powerfully delivered The Word. After the service, I waited to speak with her while she spoke with a young lady who was apparently going through some things. Now, I’m not one to just start speaking to people I don’t know; much less “minister” to them, but the Lord moved me to speak with her and boy was I blessed with some words of comfort, support, and inspiration to this young lady. The words just flowed like water from my mouth and I could see that she was receiving them in spite of her circumstance. Her mother listened in and thanked me for speaking with her daughter. Two other women heard me speaking and they asked how they too could begin the healing process in their lives. I spoke to them with limited information as to their respective issues and each woman thanked me for my words of direction, inspiration, and support.

As I sat with my friend after the service as we waited for lunch, the Pastor’s wife began speaking to me and said that I have a good spirit and thanked me for speaking with the women. I told her, it was my pleasure and all I wanted to do was show them that they could overcome their circumstances if they believed in themselves and began their healing process with forgiveness of themselves. After about an hour of conversation with my elders, I left for home nourished and fulfilled with the word of the Lord and the joy of knowing that I made a difference; even a small one.

Come Monday, my friend informed me that the women of her church were more than impressed with me and would like me to come back to the church and do a workshop or some other form of instruction for women. Naturally, I was stunned, but ever so grateful for having been in the right place at the right time. I told my friend, I would do whatever they asked of me as I would be doing the Lords work and also fulfilling a dream I’ve had for a long time. She also told me that the young lady's countenance was completely changed after my speaking to her and she even mentioned it during her welcoming speech for the afternoon service. My last visual of the young lady was a sad face, with tear stained eyes, but to hear that she was smiling and exuding positive and good energy that brought amazing joy to my heart.

We live in a world where love often takes a back seat to the hurt, pain, suffering, etc., which occurs all too frequently. I know from personal experience the damage this infliction can do to a person’s spirit and if I can touch even just one life, I know that the purpose of my suffering was not for naught. Everything we go through is a learning lesson good or bad and while what I endured was particularly painful and damaging, I made it through to the other side and it’s made me the woman I am today; a woman I love and celebrate.

As I perused my bookshelf last night, I found many a book that I can and will use to create a lesson plan for a workshop I will hold. I know it’s His will that I do this and look forward to the many tears and joys that will come of this sharing. We all have a gift that we can give or share to another and I hope that each and everyone of us takes the time to find it (if you haven’t already) and use it purposefully.

I wish I could remember where I found this quote, but it speaks to the direction in which we need to live our lives: “My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention”.

Have a truly; truly blessed day y’all.

Love to live; live to love!

10 comments:

chele said...

This is wonderful news. I'm happy for you.

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hello there!

I am just SOOO happy that God led me to visit your blog today since I don't usually get over here very often!

Once I saw your testimony, my soul rejoiced!

God will use you to speak to women in many ways and perhaps you may even want to start a blog that just records all that God has given to you to speak to hurting women.

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

T.a.c.D said...

i think we tend to forget that our stories are powerful and that all it takes is words...

people genuinely WANT to be inspired and you just being you is inspiration alone...

i too am glad you were there at the right place at the right time and was able to shine your light on those women...

i can't wait to hear about the workshop

Blu Jewel said...

@ Chele - thanks my dear. I'm happy too.

@black woman - thank you so much for stopping by. as i progress into this purpose, i will consider blogging it as i think it's important for women to have resources that are readily at their disposal.

@ T. C - Aww shuck! Thank you honey for your kind words..."you just being you is inspiration alone..." I want to make and be a difference. i agree that people do want to be inspired, but don't always know how to get it. well, if the Lord can use me as an instrument, then so be it and I'm proud to do what he's given me voice to do.

love to live; live to love!

ChpterReads said...

I'm very happy to hear about your news. God uses us as mediums to speak to others and he is using you to shed light and inform others that they are in good graces and have help and someone whose been through what they've been through, you are blessed and highly favored, and you're going to do absolutely wonderful in your workshops. many things are going to happen for you.. I believe it and claim it in Christs name..

keep spreading the good news, and enlighten others with your good spirit.. Be blessed.

BZ said...

WONDER-FULL!!! You are truly an inspiration, sis. I'm really happy that you're able to use your experience and strength to enable others to begin their own healing process, owning the responsibility for their happiness and well being.

If you're ever in the market for a book, I found You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay to be of particular help. Just thought I'd share.

Love you!
BZ

Blu Jewel said...

@ Liryc - I truly do believe that God is speaking through me and has sent me on this journey to help others. Thank you so much for your kind words and positive thoughts for me. I really appreciate it.

@ BZ - Thanks doll! I truly do want to be an inspiration and help others. I love Louise Hay and have read things of hers in the past. I'll look into the book your referenced.

Keith said...

I think this is wonderful Blu Jewel. By helping Others, you also
help yourself in the process.
You were in the right place in God's Time..This was a wonderful testimony.

Believer said...

Blessed, and sharing what the Lord has already cultivated in your heart for the instruction of others. Glory!

God keep the treasure safe until its appointed hour to change the heart of the hearer.

Everything added to our lives will be used for a greater purpose.

Blu Jewel said...

@ Keith - You're so right. Each time I share my story, I'm afforded an opportunity to continually release what I've endured and I'm able to help another in the process; which is my main focus.

@ Believer - I feel so blessed to be in a position to be there for others. Years ago, I asked "why me" in regard to what I'd been through, but never lost my faith and will to make it. I may not have achieved some of the personal/life goals I'd set for myself, but at least I climbed the mountain and can shout from it. I'm so looking forward to being a catalyst for others to climb the mountain too.

Love to live; live to love!