A Little Push . . .

It has always amazed me here how much a little encouragement can do for someone. Now don't get me wrong, I know that is the case all over the world. However, for people who may not necessarily always hear encouragement, I find such empowerment in it.

Today I was working along side "Hope" who was suspended from school for a certain incident. I knew scrubbing the walls of a nasty old house was not at all what she had in mind when I asked her if she would be interested in helping me work on a house for our summer staff. Quite honestly, I was shocked that Hope agreed to help when I asked. I knew this would be a challenge though for her, because 1) she doesn't like to get dirty and 2) she's never done anything like this before. She complained for the first 3 walls out of 4. The truth of the matter is that she didn't know what she was capable of doing. "We're never going to finish this. My back hurts. I want to quit. I'm not doing this anymore. I'm leaving. I'm never saying yes to anything else again." To each statement she voiced, I came back with encouragement. "Hope, you're doing such a good job. Look at the difference you are making. I am so proud of you. You're doing great. Almost finished. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU." I just don't know if Hope hears that enough.

By the third wall, Hope realized what she had done. There was pride. There was joy. There was empowerment. For a job so little, I learned that encouragement to Hope was everything. In the midst of scrubbing and more scrubbing I told Hope, "I know I tell you this all the time, but Jesus loves you. He really, really does. Do you know that?" "Yes, I do know that Steph." My prayer is that Hope will one day come into the presence of and join in a life with the Almighty Encourager. He hears our cries.

Love Deeply.

Search & Rescue

I wanted to wait and blog today, because I had a specific story to share with you guys. If you have read my blogs in the past you know about my friend "Layla," who I met on the streets over the summer. It has been a journey in itself building our relationship. Unfortunately, she lives a lifestyle of prostitution and is a crack addict. It has been a beautiful thing to see how the Lord has worked in our friendship. From someone who used to turn and walk away from me during the summer, "Layla" will now engage in conversation with me. It's quite interesting actually. The corner she sometimes works is across the street from our office. We will at times just sit and pray for her. I actually walked into the bar the other day looking for her. She was sippin on a cold one through a straw! It was a great picture.

All this being said, I went to speak to a parent yesterday at a local church. She was serving food to local people in need. The first person I saw when I walked in the door was "Layla." She looked at me and said hello. She was almost a little standoffish though, so I continued on to the parent. After speaking to the parent, I wanted to say goodbye to "Layla." As I walked up to her I saw tears and tears just rolling down her face; she was all alone. I sat down and began talking to her. Our conversations always get back to her bringing up her lifestyle of addiction and prostitution. For the next hour or so, "Layla" really opened up to me and shared some information about herself that she has never shared before. We ended up driving around looking for some good fried chicken! On "Layla's" request she wanted to meet today to sit down and talk about rehab and getting professional help. We were to meet at 1:00.

Unfortunately, "Layla" did not show up. My friend and I went on a "search and rescue" mission as we call it here; looking in every bar and ally, and hangout spot I have seen her before. We didn't find her. I was reminded today though of how God stays in pursuit of His children. I will see "Layla" again on the streets and I will love her just the same. "Layla" needs help, she needs Jesus. And if we as a body of Christ give up on people that God has directly put into our path, what hope do these people have? It is the pursuit of our Lord that encourages me; His love story that continues on and on. Please be praying for "Layla" to find her identity not in crack or prostitution, but in the true and pure love of Jesus Christ alone.

Love Deeply

A Day Late ... Sorry

So, this post is going to be all over the place, no real theme, sorry. This past week has been full of ups and downs. God has been softening hearts that we have been praying for, in addition to opening doors where we least expect it. Praise Him! Unfortunately though, I have also faced some real issues concerning injustice and racism. I wish I could go into detail about that situation, but I am going to pass. Quite honestly, it makes me sick to think about, much less type about, and I would just rather share it in person for anybody who is interested. With all that being said, God is always encouraging me with His goodness and faithfulness.

I am loving building solid relationships with the kids in our community. There are a handful of girls that I really try and pour into. Today I hung out with my future mentee (hopefully) and I also spent some time with another seventh grade girl. One of them has been working on her anger issues, but had a little fallback this week. We went to the track, walked around and threw the frisbee a little. It is always such a blessing to take kids out of the community, if you will, and spend quality time with them. I see different individuals when I do this. It's very interesting. We had a good talk. She always seems to talk through her anger and come to realize she is in the wrong. She is a great kid, just some heavy issues. Then there is my little mentee ... she is crazy! In a good way! I think we feed off of each other. I also think I was probably exactly like her when I was younger. We both love sports and just hanging out. We went to the park and played a little badminton and the frisbee version of P.I.G. It was tons of fun. I love seeing these kids grow!

I find myself loving what I am doing more and more. I love people. I cannot deny that. I love the challenge. I love being a servant of the Most High God. Nothing makes me happier than seeing God work in the lives of those around me when they don't even know it! We are so very blessed!

Love Deeply!

So, I Had A Question Asked to Me ....

Last night I met a couple through my friends here in Aliquippa. We were all hanging out watching the NCAA championship game. During commercial breaks we had small talk. The couple and I were getting to know each other by asking questions and so forth. They knew I was in Aliquippa, working under Aliquippa Impact, to serve the community in hopes of advancing the Kingdom. Then they asked a question that really caught me off guard. "Steph, so what do you ultimately want to do in your life?" I kind of laughed sarcastically under my breath, and then replied, "THIS." "This is what I want to ultimately do."

I have a passion to serve people; their physical needs, emotional needs, and most importantly their spiritual needs. I have a yearning desire to help people find and not only experience, but live out a life of freedom, joy, and true love. I have a burden for people who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God willing, I want to be the bridge between those who are lost and Jesus. I find pure honor and privilege in having the opportunity to be Jesus' hands and feet. This is what I want to do with my life. Yes, THIS IS IT.

My goals and dreams used to consist of playing and winning state championships and national championships, and being the best I could be for my teammates and those who fought next to me in the battle. Now I find myself dreaming and praying for broken people to come to Christ. To see that the battle has already been conquered by the cross is a victory in itself. I am just a humble and broken servant, who has been redeemed by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. "What do you ultimately want to do with your life?" I want to serve . . . to serve all.

Love Deeply.