Graduation marks 4 restored lives
We. Love. Graduations.
Though they can be "hard" because the personalities and personhood(s) we have been so used to from 6-7 months prior, we got so comfortable with their presence...so much so that we can think, "What will the house be like once they are graduated?"...YET, we know Hearten House is only a season. A snippet of time, but in the midst of the "snippet" in the grand-scheme of it all, it's so precious but also necessary to release and cheer on. Whether our women join the Aftercare program (AKA Day Program), or not...we fully trust God has given the women the tools to carry on with or without the option of what we have set in place when graduating.
In the midst of the season, we have entrusted the women in the hands of our Abba because it is HIM to chose their beds, it is HIM who breathed life into their existence, it is HIM who captured their hearts. In the midst of HIM capturing their hearts, they have captured ours and its difficult to imagine the house without them, but it's beautiful to know that He blessed us with them and them with us and then there's the time to let go in order for their wings to flap away into where the next season lies with their new life...the life they fought so hard to attain in order to walk into the NEWNESS of all their hard work.
These 4 women have came in one way and left an entire different way. When God gives us new names, it truly is new. From what we could easily define ourselves as "hopeless", "helpless", "empty", "discouraged beyond words"...then walking into the doors of Hearten House, choosing to work God's program and leaving with new names.
Tonight these beautiful women had words spoken over them by many that reminded them who and Whose they are. When the times come that are hard and difficult, pressing and discouraging...those words and those beyond will forever stick in their being that the God Who saved them from the depths of despair, will keep them in perfect peace as their minds are steadfast on Him.
The love and complete adoration of their new lives was undeniable. Tears shed. Laughter given as vulnerability is what we adore.
The journey these 4 ladies have traveled before Hearten House, in between their time, and then what will come is forever and always God's story. HIS-story makes history look different and we couldn't be any more prouder to watch it all unfold.
If one could only know of the journey it took for these pictures to be captured, one would be so astonished. To have the honor to know the "in between". It isn't easy. It's beyond challenging, yet ever so rewarding.
We give great honor to you, sweet ladies, and forever are touched by each one of your lives as they were ever so preciously, delicately, and ORDAINED for each of us to meet each one of you...
For such a time as this. Rise up, sweet Esthers. Be the difference God has called you into being. We stand with you, cheer you on, and forever will be you home.
