Don't Lose Heart

At 7 years old, he is curious, kind, and inquisitive. During a recent Family Dinner, he said “Jamie, sit next to me!” I could write several pages on the power of that simple, “you belong” invitation in and of itself. As I engaged with others around the table, I felt his little hand tracing some tattooed words on my forearm. He read the words aloud and said “what does this mean?” I explained that the words “do not grow weary” and “do not lose heart” are from one of my favorite Bible verses. It’s a reminder to not give up and to remember Who is with me.

What he doesn’t know is the depth of meaning those words hold for me. Dark moments in my past of wanting to give up on God’s gift of life itself. Untruths that still try to resurface like “I’m too much” and “I’m not enough.” While sad moments from the past and current struggles do inform and point to the goodness of God’s steady, faithful presence in the midst of it…those moments are not what is most true of my life.

What is most true is that I am God’s beloved daughter and these words from Galatians 6:9 remind me that because of His strength, I will not grow weary or lose heart. 

At 7 years old, he too has experienced hard moments in life. Moments where I know he needs the reminders that he belongs, that he doesn’t have to lose heart, that he can rely on God’s strength when he begins to feel weary. This Greenhouse for People continues to bring all of us broken and beloved people together. Around a simple table that invites the deepest parts of us to be met by each other.

Jesus, thank You that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thank You for this little guy reminding me of Truth that I need so desperately every day. Thank You for allowing us to continue to be present in a space that invites wholeness through each of us bringing our brokenness without shame or rejection. Thank You for making this a place of real and lasting community. I’m so grateful for Your presence that reminds us to not lose heart and for Your hands that uphold us in weary moments.

Amen,

Jamie, Homes Director