All the things I have gone through – abuse from my marriage, drugs, alcohol, being arrested, going to prison ... I finally see where "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." All these things were necessary for me to be the person I am today – what an amazing blessing. The sense of fulfillment is indescribable, but oh, it is so worth it! God is in the business of trading ashes for beauty, and He has done that for me.

We had an awesome team of volunteers. I was blessed to get to know Mandy, who shared her testimony Thursday. The girls sat on the edge of their seats clinging to every word. She gave them hope, since she once wore white and was in the same seats they sat in 10 years ago. Janice and Joy (mother/daughter team) hit it off with the women as they sang and used sign language to perform “Jesus Loves Me.” (Of course, the signing was meant for five-year-olds but brought joy and laughter to all the women in the room.)

The praise led by Sandy and Jordan was once again amazing. Jordan shared a song that she wrote, which touched the heart of one of the toughest Officers. God is so wonderful, using the gifts He gives each one of us to His glory.

When I walk through the gates of prison, it is my hope that God will use my experience, strength, and hope to plant seeds in the hearts of the women we minister to. What I find, though, is that these women inspire me to live a life worthy of my calling. They challenge me to get into the Word more, to memorize the actual address of the scripture I use to fight the lies of the enemy, and they quickly point out when I am guilty of self-criticism: “Bow down, that is a lie – it is written….” 

Fifty women were chosen to attend Warrior Weekend.  In order to attend the class, they were required to memorize 17 Scriptures. Prior to the weekend, they completed the workbook “Untying the Lies that Bind.”  They had agreed to other things also, such as avoiding TV for the four days of the class. There was a commitment just to be chosen to attend the class. The first day, they came into the room with heavy hearts and not much excitement. Sandy would teach a lesson, and then we would break into small groups. 

It was amazing to watch as God lifted heavy burdens off these women. One girl in my group was determined to cling to the guilt of the loss of her son six years prior. She cried in small group as she shared how she was angry at God for taking her baby, who died after 76 days.  She said her guilt and anger was, in a strange way, a source of comfort for her. By the last day of the class, she shared that she was letting go of her anger and her guilt. She had such a beautiful smile. There are so many stories of similar to hers.  I praise God for touching each of these ladies in a mighty way. All 50 women graduated the class!

I thank God daily for allowing me to serve on the team of Set The Free Ministries.