I generally do not like to post a new blog so soon after one has been posted. If you have not read the last post written by Linda under this one please take the time to do so.
For those of you who don't know, I work as a Case Manager at the Salvation Army homeless shelter in downtown Indy. I have been in this position for many years and one of the benefits is getting to know some of the ladies who stay at the shelter very well. I met a special lady about 3 years ago named Sandy. She was one of the funniest people I had ever met. She had me in stitches every time she was in my office. Sandy struggled with alcoholism for almost 2o years. I had watched her fall time and time again, each time trying desperately to start over and stay clean. What broke my heart the most about Sandy was that she believed in Jesus; she had trusted Him to forgive her sins. Sadly, the relationship stopped there. I watched helplessly as Sandy lived her life in bondage. I could almost see the chains that wrapped around her keeping her in a real-life prison where she was unable to live the life God had planned for her. She fell prey to the lies of the enemy, "You'll never be able to stay sober. You are worth nothing. Your life will never amount to anything. God could never use you. You will never be free. You would be better off dead."
Girls, my heart is breaking as I write this. I received the news today that I have feared for years. Sandy passed away suddenly this Wednesday.
Ladies, if you ever hear me say anything, hear me say this; Jesus came to set us FREE. If we are believers in Him, we DO NOT have to live our lives in bondage! ANY bondage! The bondage of addiction, of depression, of guilt and shame as Linda spoke so powerfully about last Monday; ANY bondage!
If you have never done the study "Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life" please consider doing so with Ignite this summer beginning June 8th. This incredible study teaches believers how to live FREE in Christ.
Life is short girls. Let's not waste it living in bondage, let's live it to the fullest. Let's live every moment of our God-given lives FREE - to His glory.
I love you all dearly.
Paulette, I was hoping for a different ending as I read, as were you as you watched and prayed all those years. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Thank you for sharing and for the reminder of how short life is.. how we just don't know if we'll have one more day. We have GOT to live free.. and we've got to get this through our stubborn skulls and deep into our hearts, don't we?! It's what He died for.
ReplyDeleteLove you a gazillion and praying for you!
Oh Paulette....I am so sorry to hear this. I know how personal the job is for you and how connected you get to some of the ladies. I am praying for you this very minute. It is incredibly sad that believing the words of Satan is sometimes easier than believing the words of our Jesus. Why is that? He makes it so easy, yet we continue to make it so hard. I must agree with Linda, we have GOT to live free. BREAK FREE AND BELIEVE GOD!!!
ReplyDeletePaulette, I'm so sorry to hear about Sandy! I sure her life touched many others at Salvation Army and there must be a lot of sadness at the realization of where things can end up! There are many other Sandy's out there making choices every day. Your ministry of reminding them of the freedom they can have thru Christ is so vital to each of them. I will continue to pray for you as you give your all to others for His glory!
ReplyDeletePaulette, I hate to hear this story and your blog post is so right on. Sandy is lucky to have your prayers for her time on earth. We are all so lucky to have one another to turn to and I am thankful every day for people like you who make a difference in the lives of others! Prayers and praise to Him!
ReplyDeletePaulette, You know Satan can make us believe some pretty ugly things about ourself. He can take so much from us in so many ways. But he is not going to win this battle!!!
ReplyDeleteThe lost of a friend is never easy, I am sorry for this. If it is any consolation you still have all of us to make you laugh!!!
hehehe Oh by the way it is 80 degrees and sunny here in Houston!! Love ya
Oh Paulette, I just now read this blog. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Sandy. I know you have an incredibly overwhelming job and it's hard to not get attached to those women. But do you realize how huge of a differenc you have made in the lives of so many women, including Sandy?? Girl, you allow God to work through you. You are exactly where you need to be! Those women find comfort and peace through you because you allow the love of God to work through you. May God provide you comfort during this difficult time. Love you dearly!
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