Action

"The Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk, it is living by God's power." 1 Corinthians 4:20

After four years personally, and about a year professionally, last week it was time for action. After talking and praying about it for so long, it felt big to finally feel ready to move, to walk forward.

Last Wednesday, I got up on stage and taught from John 4. And Holy Spirt was there and moving in the most powerful and precious of ways. I'm still like Mary, pondering it in my heart. It felt brave, and yet, just like any other Wednesday. I taught how this Samaritan woman had an Encounter with Jesus, and how He wanted her whole heart. How He called her to worship, even though "He knew everything [she'd] ever done!" I spoke to a crowd where statistically 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 6 men (probably more) had a history of sexual abuse or trauma. And I said, "we're creating a safe place, just for you, to heal."

It was time to stop talking, and take action. And it felt so good. And yet, so different than previous ministry seasons. Not big or flashy or public. But hidden, deep, sacred and small. But heart change happens in the deep.

Nine ladies signed up for the "Women at the Well" group, and I'm already obsessed. I'm voraciously reading the Word, books, with not just nameless faces, but with these nine in mind. But what blew us all away were the men. So many men stood up and said, "Me too." It was heartbreaking. And yet, so encouraging that this ministry is a safe place for them to stand up and share. One right after the other, saying "this is the root issue for me too. It's why I'm addicted/gender confused/struggling..." Lord, help your sons too, I pray.

And He's teaching me about forgiveness. How much these friends have to confront their demons and say, "I forgive you," and, like Jesus, realize "you didn't know what you were doing." That He calls my friends - and me - to such sacred soul work is a privilege. It's time for me to do the same. So bitter roots can't choke out what He's doing.

He's given me Isaiah 61 again in a mighty way. My husband gave that Scripture to me years ago when my 'set them free' journey began. And now that it's here, I was prompted to read it again yesterday because "Beauty for Ashes" is the title of a book of a sexual abuse survivor's memoir.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago....The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise Him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere." (Isaiah 61: 1-4a, 11)

Jesus ultimately fulfills this. And it is such a beautiful picture of what is happening every week - the poor, brokenhearted, captives are being taught good news, receiving comfort, being freed! He's replacing ashes and mourning and despair with beauty and blessing and praise.

And my favorite part lately: they are being planted. They will be like oaks of righteousness, for God's glory. When I left my previous position, He kept saying "I don't want you to be a magnificent tree by yourself, I want you to plant a forest." I didn't fully know what that meant or looked like then. I do now.

No big bang or unveiling. More like roots the deepest they've ever been. In moist and rich soil. More like a petunia petal unfurling, slowly in the early morning sunshine. But when finally open, it's undeniable.

My life, this ministry, is like a garden in early spring. Flourishing. Blooming. Plants are springing up everywhere.