Daily Devotion

by Ann

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Many of you know that I left my abusive marriage when my children were quite little and had to start anew with very little. I left a life with financial security but yet I didn’t feel safe and secure. I didn’t want my children growing up and learning this behavior was acceptable or right.    It took a leap of faith that was tested many times.  One day though I felt like I had hit rock bottom. While my children and I were waiting for our laundry cycle at a laundry mat, I took them to the convenience store next door to get a snack.  We ended up eating convenience store pizza on the curb in front of the laundry mat.  Had I made the right decision in leaving? What kind of life was I creating for my family? 

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

The next day, my children asked me “Can we go back to the laundry mat and put quarters in the machine and have a picnic with pizza?”  My heart.  My children taught me it is not what you have in life but how you live it and who you share it with is important.  

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

It was a long road from Section 8 housing to where I am today and I made it with my faith and the support of GSLC. I was never alone.  My friends from my renewal group prayed with me at the Courthouse while waiting for hearings.  Other women took turns spending time with me and my children for afternoon visits. I used the food pantry at times I couldn’t make ends meet and needed a hand up.  We came to church and were reminded of God’s mercy and grace and love.  Over the years I was grateful to be presented with two separate gifts from Larry’s Legacy when I needed it most.  I have found strength in my faith and in my connections and friendships at GSLC.  The biggest blessing is that even though we don’t have family in the area, we have our church family.  My children are growing up feeling connected and cared for by so many people.  They have benefitted from Sunday school, VBS and other faith formation milestones and now really enjoy participating in Manna.  We have created bonds volunteering with other members and going to family camp together.  My children are thriving and happy.  I am very proud to say that we have created a beautiful life based on faith and family and are so grateful and proud to call GSLC our home. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.