Archive for the ‘Abandoned Women’ Category

Beth, the lady that we have been highlighting through this session, is still with us and we are glad to see her progress. 

She is even volunteering to help out with projects that we are doing. She is still guarded about certain parts of her life. That is alright, we are not here to pry into their lives, instead we are here to be available if they choose to share and then support them.  Our goal is to provide life skills to help them become self sufficient.

You know the old saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” That is not true, words can hurt us! When you’re in an abusive situation, those words can sting like daggers to the heart and soul. If you are not aware, you will reciprocate with hurt words or pass them on to your innocent children.

In the session, “Silver Boxes”, the ladies are shown how their words can affect others. They will discover how the words they choose to express to others could determine that person’s destiny. 

As the ladies continue to strip away the negative images of themselves, they are being built up with the encouraging help of Joshua Resource Center.  We use the materials from the book Silver Boxes,  by Florence Littauer, to challenge the ladies to communicate their words to others as silver boxes with silver ribbons around them.  It is a good reminder to everyone that we should always speak positive and uplifting words to improve our relationships.

Final Week of Self Esteem Program- Help for abused women

Today we finished the “Healed Without Scars” self esteem program and what a change in lives.

”By faith, you must capture a vision of yourself as released from the place where you have been anchored in your emotions, a vision of yourself healed  without scars from the wounds of life, a vision of yourself fulfilling your purpose and living in God’s provision” David G. Evans.

That message has been received by the ladies. There is a peace and a new hope in their mannerisms.  One of the ladies expressed that she feels like a true child of God and sees herself worthy to receive His favor.  Hope is all about wanting something better in the future, but if an abuser is continually telling you that you don’t matter and that you don’t deserve a bright future, you begin to believe it. Freedom comes when the light of God’s truth is shone into that dark place and by faith you begin to see a vision of yourself whole in Christ.

Self Esteem Program- Help for abused women

“Working at JRC is like God sits me down in front of a stage and lets me see what He’s doing” that is what one of our volunteers  said. We all find satisfaction in watching JRC participants’ blossom as they gain new life skills and self-confidence. Beth has been at treat to watch. She doesn’t seem like the same lady that was here just a few weeks ago. I understand there is a long way to go, but to watch it happen before your eyes is awesome.

Self Esteem Program- Help for abused women

She is back and looking good. The first thing she did today was give me a hug. She said that she felt love here. She said she was seeing things differently. Even though her boyfriend didn’t cherish her, she was seeing that God cherished her. And even though she messed up, He would still cherish her forever. What a break through. She told me that she prayed to God and that she was at peace.

Self Esteem Program- Help for abused women

Beth didn’t seem too happy week. She is still with her boyfriend who doesn’t like it that she is coming here. But, Beth is still here. She said that this was her favorite time of the week. She loves the class and would come back no matter what. We are all hoping that we see her next week. We don’t want to see her lose ground. We feel that she does want to be self sufficient.

Self Esteem Program- Help for abused women

Beth is slowly coming out of her shell. She smiled and even laughed today at one of the silly jokes someone shared. The other ladies are including her in the group and she likes it. I am glad that she is in this class about emotional healing. I am beginning to see a change in her self-esteem. She is starting to wear nicer clothes and she has tied her hair back so we can see her pretty face. I believe that God is doing an inside work and we’re seeing the results.

Self Esteem Program-Help for abused women

Today we started the “Healed Without Scars” book again. This book is a great book and has touched many of our clients. Beth, the lady that we featured in the postcard mailing did come back to us. She walked into group the beginning of the year. She is a very quite lady who sits in the back. Sometimes I make eye contact and I can see the hurt in her eyes.  It will take time I know from experience, but God is patient with us so I can be patient with her and be there when she is ready to share.

Come watch Rebecca Estes from CarMax interview with Live at 5 below

click on this link Poster child for JRC…  

To see a new sparkle of hope in a woman’s eyes……………

Seeing her hold her head up higher and being able to look you in the eye when she talks……..

Watching her walk across the stage receiving her GED diploma…………..

Hearing her child say “Mommy, I am proud of you!”………………..

Empowering women!  “restoring hope and dignity – one life at a time”