“I grew up in the church, never hearing what surrender was. Growing up in a broken home, my father was a drug addict, in and out of prison. My mom raised four children on her own and ran a business. I grew up broken, lost and heartbroken. I was always chasing love, as my father was nowhere around. I was a little girl who turned into a codependent woman. I was angry, hurt and a victim of my upbringing. Why was I brought into a world where no one loved me and all I knew was pain? I strayed from Christ, many times throughout my journey.
About a year ago I hit what I like to call my rock bottom. I was tired of doing things my way, to no avail. I finally threw in the towel and looked up. I took Jesus by the hand and never looked back. My life now consists of laying everything at the feet of Jesus every day. Some days are easier than others. I cast all my worries, my hurts, my fears, my past, my present and my future at His feet. Sometimes I pick them up and am reminded of the scripture that says, “Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
At Redeeming Life Maternity home, I am always reminded of those times that I stepped aside and allowed the Lord to direct my every step. He always does it perfectly. Does He always do everything as quickly as I’d like? No. Even then, I trust Him enough to know that His ways are perfect, and we now have a history of relationship. So, when He takes me by the hand. I trust that He will not lead me astray.
It’s not always easy, especially when you’ve been in survival mode, but it’s so worth it. The peace that comes with knowing He’s got everything in control, is priceless. Today I stand on Isaiah 41:10, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand, and when I am afraid I take hold of my Father’s hand and walk in peace.”
As the women in the maternity home share their fears and struggles with our Redeeming Life Staff, we can minister to them and witness to His faithfulness and love. We are overcome with joy in those times when they see His hand at work in their lives, as they give Him control of areas in their own lives, surrendering it all to God.
God is at work in Redeeming Life’s maternity house. As the women who call this their home work hard to complete the program, they learn about Jesus’ love and care for them. They are part of a community of faith who support each other and point to Jesus’ power to redeem. The staff who minister here and the supporters across the country support these courageous women who chose to give life to their babies. May we all surrender to God and walk in His peace.
For more information about Redeeming Life’s maternity home ministry and how you can help write rescue stories for single pregnant women in crisis, explore our website, rlom.org, now.
Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries is headquartered in Sanford, Florida where it began in 2013 with a vision and a Christ-centered maternity home to help single moms in crisis pregnancy situations who courageously chose life for their unborn babies. Several years later, RL opened a transition home to allow moms and babies to live in a sheltered environment while continuing to build job skills and complete educational goals before living independently. An expansion into the Chicago area is planned for 2023 with an additional maternity home opening in the northwest suburbs. Redeeming Life’s program offers moms more than just housing with the inclusion of a life skills curriculum, support for education and job skill training, a family-like setting, and the personal and spiritual support to build a successful and independent life.