No need for words...

Me and Stacey

A toothless smile, outstretched hands, no hesitation, no fear. Our eyes met and a connection sparked to life. Hope emanated from within her and her eyes begged me for only one thing: love. We stood hand in hand, swaying back and forth as the music of the Lord filled the room, though the voices that echoed around me were but a muffled melody amidst my own thoughts and words of the Holy Spirit: “Look at her. She is my child just as you are. This is love. Love that is innocent, courageous, joyous, zealous, simple, embracing, pure, captivating, vivacious, warm, hopeful. This. Is. Love.”

           

Seeing her surfaced another reason why I am here. This feeling of reassurance that I am meant to be here, whose origin I cannot describe, enveloped me in a warm embrace as her laughter filled my ears. Simultaneously, tears filled my eyes as my heart was overwhelmed with both joy and sorrow. How long had it been since I had been completely detached from myself and consumed by such pure love? Too long. Far too long. But by the power of God’s grace and mercy, that changed today.

Although our encounter lasted less than an hour, the little girl that I met at a church service this morning made a timeless impact towards my perspective on love, purpose, and life. The church service was in association with Place of Hope, which is Hannah’s (one of my 19 awesome housemates) service site. In short, Place of Hope is designed to empower women and their children in crisis to get back on their feet and move forward.

Today was my first time going there and needless to say, it will not be my last.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 

1 John 3:18

Lovingly yours,

Janelle