Tuesday morning when I arrived at Freedom Home I received the news that Mary's* trafficker had been convicted and sentenced to thirteen years in prison. We laughed, we hugged, we cried, we rejoiced that he faced justice.
Mary came to us about two months ago under police protection. Everything about her screamed "FEAR!!" She couldn't go anywhere by public transportation in case someone would see and recognize her. She was in hiding in our home.
I observed that not only did her physical body hide in the home, but so did her emotional self. She remained quiet and withdrawn. We loved her. She lived among us, not as part of us. Eventually she began to open a bit.
There were days when her nerves displayed twisting hands, pacing feet, and sad face.
There were days a smile came for a moment.
Most days were filled with quiet withdrawal.
Tuesday she finally smiled a real smile.
The truth came out that she had been very brave in giving vital testimony to convict the trafficker. Now she doesn't need to fear him if she goes out in the street.
Clearly it was time to celebrate.
I came home and with the help of my daughters, and friend, Darcy, together we made a giant pan of apple/pear crisp. Perfect for a fall celebration. After dinner our family drove to the home and surprised everyone declaring that we were there to celebrate Mary's good news that day.
I cannot count the times Mary came to me and said, "This is for me? This is to celebrate me? This surprise is for me? Thank you, Thank you, Thank you."
Yesterday I conversed with one of our workers who said that Monday and Tuesday she'd spent a lot of time talking with Mary. Mary told her she celebrated everything in her life. She loved to celebrate. And celebration always meant a hangover the next day. She wanted to go out and celebrate this new news with a beer or two.
I had no idea of this conversation when we decided to take the party to the home. That is the little things the Holy Spirit speaks to us, instructing us how to act, and it is the little ways we show others that life can be different. Mary was thrilled with being able to celebrate and for the first time celebrated something good in her life without getting drunk.
To me that is another victory in her life and another reason I celebrate with you today.
Today as we celebrate with Mary will you pray that she will be delivered from all the fear in her life and that God will continue to heal hear pain?
Thanks for believing with us.
Thanks for celebrating with us.
