She excitedly signed up for her first creative writing class. “I always wanted to learn to write!” Now, she is faced with the dreaded blank page in her brand new notebook. Pen on the table, fists in her lap, doubt in her eyes. “I can’t do this,” she murmurs, partly to me but mostly to herself, “I had so many ideas and now I have none. I’m just not creative, I guess.” Every assurance in my mind (“Same, girl.” or “You can do it.”) sound empty, even unspoken. I pause for a single moment. I pray in that pause. When I open my mouth to respond, an old friend’s words to me emerge. “Hey, girl, remember Genesis?” She gives me an odd look, but nods. “God is the Creator of all things, right?” A certain nod, along with an expression that clearly asks “Where are you going with this?” “And, you are made in His image.” Her eyes widen as a new understanding dawns. Her fingers touch her pen, hesitate, and almost withdraw. Almost, but not quite. “You were created to create. You were built for this.” The page, slowly at first and then faster, begins to fill with story. She smiles. So do I. God smiles, too. (fb)

Our residential program is built around three phases: inviting hope, igniting joy, and inspiring love. In each phase, we witness sacred transformations—birthed from a survivor’s willingness to heal, the redemptive work of the Holy Spirit, and the steady love of a community walking beside them every step of the way. Today, our program coordinators are sharing reflections from inside the journey—what it looks like to see hope rise, joy return, and love restored. 💚 (fb)