The Lord has a way of taking what we think we need or want and blesses us with something even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.
Moving to Louisville I knew I would be working at a center for crisis pregnancy. I thought to myself, “Perfect, I have experience doing this”. I was comforted by the idea that, although it would be difficult, I knew what to expect for the most part.
*Cue Jesus and his plans*
While I was able to spend some time as a receptionist at the crisis pregnancy center and I am thankful for every minute, I was able to move into another department of the same ministry. Women are given opportunities to get their GED, go to parenting classes or Bible studies, and have free childcare provided while they attend. But through the intentionality of the ministry, it is more than just a place to gain knowledge. They can come here for community, for support, for friendship. It’s a safe place to grow, to learn, to be known and to be loved.
[pullquote type=”left”]There hasn’t been a magic formula, it just happened through showing up and loving the families right where they are.[/pullquote]Working at the education center full time, I’ve been able to really form deeper relationships with the women. There hasn’t been a magic formula, it just happened through showing up and loving the families right where they are.
I think we sometimes look for these spectacular moments to really see Christ show up but I think we are able to see him even more through ordinary moments.
[pullquote type=”right”]I think we sometimes look for these spectacular moments to really see Christ show up but I think we are able to see him even more through ordinary moments. [/pullquote]I get the privilege of loving their kids while these mothers are studying to pass their GED. I get to eat lunch and just sit and share a meal with these wonderful women. We get to laugh – a lot. We get to talk about pain and struggles. We get to share about real life. As I sit in the daycare room as a child lays back on me during nap time, I can just close my eyes and say prayers of blessing and healing over these precious ones and their mamas.
These “ordinary” moments are so important because we’re doing life together.
This work is definitely different than what I thought I came for. I am interacting daily in real life with these women. I’m seeing them come in daily despite life struggles so they can continue their schooling and try to stay in community. They are pushing back on what is coming at them. They keep getting up and they keep walking forward and they encourage me to do the same every day. We learn from each other. They are so brave and so incredibly strong. I am honored to do life next to them.
It’s because presence is what matters. It’s so crucial. Truly making yourself available for whatever you are called to and being willing to care freely, and thus showing the love of Christ in a real, tangible way. Just by being present.
Take a look at your life. Are you being present? Are you willing to have your plans interrupted? Are you willing to make yourselves available to be used, however the Lord would choose?
[pullquote type=”left”]Being present doesn’t require perfection. It just requires showing up.[/pullquote]We’re not going to be perfect at this. But that’s the beautiful thing – being present doesn’t require perfection. It just requires showing up.
Just show up.
Annie Hysong is from Ellsworth, KS and made an impact by serving at A Woman’s Choice & Necole’s Place during the year of 2015/16. After serving for a year with LTN, she decided to stay in Louisville and is currently living with her fellow LTN alumni.
