Monday, February 27, 2012

Dear God,

More and more I realize how faith can connect people together.  Like tiny dots on a page, faith can stretch its fingers from one person to another, linking them in a most beautiful way.  Although it's a great mystery in many ways, what I do know is you are the power behind the connection.

For years I have led women's retreats.  I have watched your power move from Friday night to Sunday morning as women made discoveries, received insight and truth, embraced your grace, and found a godly love that manifest itself in faith.  I have observed the development of a sisterhood where women, strangers at some level, formed a family, affirming one another, supporting one another, and urging growth, courage, and strength. I have witnessed faith at work when these same women became leaders in their churches and communities.  I have seen women overcome fear, grabbing hold of life in a brand new way.  I have seen Christ appear again and again as women ministered to one another when the realities of life were so painful, their suffering so deep, and their losses incalculable.  Your love was palpable in incredible ways.

I am confident that faith can indeed move mountains because I have seen mountains torn down, stone by stone.  I have seen raging rivers give way as a brave woman of faith took the first step and kept on going as she crossed to the other side where hope awaited her.  I have seen the chains of oppression drop as women reached out to freedom and breathed clean air for the first time in a generation.  Faith.

Generous God,
no one cares
for us
like you.
Every day
your love
reaches out
to us,
reminding us
how faith
can lead us
to healing,
beauty, acceptance,
forgiveness, mercy,
and yes,
even to laughter
and joy.
A life
with you
is faith
made real.

Love, Andrea