Light Show on the Dance Floor

I cannot help but be humbled and in awe at the same time.  I have met some of the most courageous women that I believe walk this earth.  Today, as they celebrated a new lease on life they have been granted because of the healing they have received from God while aboard the Africa Mercy, I heard more of their stories.  I recognize my own jadedness.  I have worked in hospitals in the developed world and faced my own angst when I see people utilizing our limited healthcare dollars in such frivolous ways, showing up in the ER because 20 minutes ago, they vomited,  . . . . one time, . . . and they want us to fix it NOW!  (And then they expect me to pay for it with my tax dollars as well.) 

For the past few weeks I have been caring for women who have suffered from shame and rejection, because no one wants to be around a person who stinks like old urine, and is wet because they constantly leak it, and perhaps even other bodily wastes.  Today, they told how they have suffered, not for the past 20 minutes, or 20 hours, 20 days, 20 weeks or even 20 months for that matter.  Some have  suffered for more than 20 years, one even more than 30.  One of the women told how she was hidden away in a room in her parent’s home for 14 years.  No one would have anything to do with her.  Imagine that.  I cannot.  I can only sense the incredible despair I would feel being totally cut off.  Despair for life itself.  I am awed that God would use me to bring them a glimmer, followed by a full-scale-light-show of HOPE! 

Because of what has happened to these women, through the ministering hands of Mercy Ship volunteers and a Healing God, they can celebrate a new beginning and praise.  What a happy day!

 Isaiah 43

18“Forget the former things;

   do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!

   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

   and streams in the wasteland.

20 The wild animals honor me,

   the jackals and the owls,

because I provide water in the desert

   and streams in the wasteland,

to give drink to my people, my chosen,

 21 the people I formed for myself

   that they may proclaim my praise."