Today’s scripture: Proverbs 3:27 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynnette Pullen-Bradford):
Last Sunday was World Mission’s Day at LifeJourney Church. We are asking for daily prayer to help support our Global Outreach programs. Today, we are praying for the Girl’s scholarships we provide through New Community Project, to give the girl’s of South Sudan a chance at a better life.
When I was a little girl, I was stuck in a life of abuse. I lived in a household rooted in fear, aggression, and brokenness. As a child, I felt trapped and hopeless. I wished so much that someone would come and rescue me from my neverending nightmare. As I grew older, it became clear that no one was coming, so I began to make a plan to get myself out. I considered running away, but I had no money. At my lowest points, I considered suicide, or maybe even homicide, but the Lord kept me. When I was in my teens, I realized that the way out for me was to go to college. I struggled to get through high school; there was so much opposition. It seemed that for every victory there was more defeat. But I made it through. I managed to get into college, but my struggle started all over again.
Literally.
I found myself in a dysfunctional marriage full of fear, aggression, and brokenness. I flunked out of college the first year and was abandoned by my then-husband. I wanted to give up. I was a homeless college dropout and a single mother. I lived a life of abuse and failure and feared I was doomed to repeat it over and over. But the Lord kept me. Somehow (it’s still a mystery to me), I was able to get back into college. Fast forward several years later; I graduated with Honors from a professional program and earned a degree in science. My income went up $40,000 instantly in just the first year. I bought my children a home in a good neighborhood and broke the cycle of abuse. I gave them the childhood that I had wanted for myself.
However, as I reflect on that, I know it would have never happened if someone had not paid the price for me to go to school. From civil rights leaders to women’s right activists, tax payers to legislators, educators to kitchen staff, people paved my road to redemption one stone at a time. They gave me the opportunity to not only get out, but to pursue a purposeful and meaningful life. I never want to forget that. I want to remember to lay stones on someone else’s path and make it possible for them to live the life God has for them. I’m reminded of something I read:
“Sometimes I would like to ask why poverty, famine, and injustices are allowed in the world when God, You, could do something about it…but I’m afraid You may ask me the same question.”
– Anonymous
Our church provides support to girls in the South Sudan who are at risk for being sold into marriage at a pre-pubescent age…stones on a path to a better life. Today, let us all join in prayer:
Prayer for the day: God, help us to help someone else. Direct us on how to use the resources You have entrusted to us. Teach us how to reach back and pull up our fallen and hurting brothers and sisters, particularly in a society that teaches us to step on and put down those around us. Bless the children who struggle to break free from all forms of abuse and slavery, give them resolve, and keep them in dark times. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.