6 months ago, I left abusive family relationships with this verse in my heart – “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” – Psalm 27:10. I left everything I had ever known in faith that God will somehow provide for me. I didn't have anywhere to go. I had some money saved up, but not enough to sustain me long term. After a few months of living in my car, the money started to dwindle. I sold what I could, but it was usually only enough to feed me for one day. I began to lose my hope. At times, I even felt abandoned by God. I knew I had done the right thing by leaving, but I didn't understand why the pain wasn't ending. It was like I had only traded one kind of suffering for another. Just when I thought there was no way out for me, God provided me with everything I needed. Sometimes in very serendipitous ways that no amount of rational thinking could dismiss as mere coincidence. It was like God was holding my hand. I now have a safe place to stay and loving people looking out for me. And today, I came home to find an envelope on my pillow. It contained some cash and a 2 gift cards, along with one of my favorite Bible verses: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11. It is difficult to put in words how much this meant to me. Not just the money, which will help me with my physical needs, but for the renewed sense of hope and faith that I now have not only in God, but in God's people. A lifetime of abuse left me with a distorted view of the world. I found it very difficult to open up to or trust anyone. It was even difficult for me to accept help from anyone for awhile, because I had never known help that wasn't conditional. The amount of unconditional love and support I have received in these past few months has healed my broken heart in ways that I didn't know I could be healed. Living through what I have lived through, I can tell you by experience the most valuable thing you can give to someone who is suffering is hope. That is what this gift represents to me, and I cannot thank you enough for it.
Thank you. I love you.
Gabrielle
Nashville, TN