Projects worker Ruth shares her reflections as she continues to work with ladies across the communty who are on the journey to recovery.
As I sit here and think about the different ladies that are currently engaging with me my heart is heavy as many of them are still trapped in addiction and are struggling with associated issues like homelessness and mental health.
However, rather than focusing on the chaos, I am choosing today to hone in on the glimmers of hope that are flickering in the midst of the darkness.
A few weeks ago, one of these lovely ladies, in the midst of her pain and chaos reached out intentionally to encourage me and let me know she was praying for me. She said –‘I don’t think I’ve ever really prayed before for anyone – but I’m praying for you!’
It is so beautiful how our relationships with our participants are two way – we encourage them, and they encourage us. What a blessing this is! This lady is currently homeless, relationships are fragile, and she struggles with her mental health. However, her kind heart is shining in the midst of the darkness.
This morning, I met with another one of the ladies I support. I sat and had a cuppa and a chat with her before she went into her first recovery café organised by North West Glasgow Recovery Communities. I happened to bump into her as she was coming out of her first meeting with them, and it was so encouraging to see her with a massive big smile on her face. I was so proud of her for going along, because it can be daunting going to new groups – but she made the effort, and she was blessed by being a part of that group this morning.
I don’t know what tomorrow, or even today will hold for this dear lady – things are difficult in terms of her current living situation and her mental health – but seeing her come out of her meeting with a big grin on her face brought me so much joy – a glimmer of hope, in the midst of the darkness.
We thank God for these glimmers of hope, in the midst of the darkness and pray that he would help us to shine like stars for him – bringing His love, His light and His hope to seemingly hopeless situations.