Clare Marie Ferguson's Blog
Joy and the Goodness of God / 03.05.09, 04:09 PM
There’s woman at my service site I have come to adore and admire. Partly because almost every week she is working to learn how to play a new instrument or has brought a book to share inspirational quotes with the other ladies, but my admiration really is for something much deeper. The woman’s name is Delores, but everyone knows her as Joy. I’m not if she chooses to be called that or if she just earned the name because of her character, but there’s no better title for this wonderful person I have gotten to know. Obviously homelessness is stressful and difficult situation for anyone, but she still carries with her a peace and joy that you know has to come from God.
I asked Joy one evening how she came to the Joshua Center. She told me a story that could really happen to any of us. Loss of job, savings ran out, and she was stuck looking to move into a shelter. But her story wasn’t sprinkled with complaints and bitterness. She explained that although she was upset with God for a little while, He reminded her that He takes good care of his children. They will not go hungry. So she trusted God to provide, and she came to the Joshua Center.
I listened in awe at the faith she placed in the love of our Father. I just wonder if I were in that situation how would I view God, as completely loving or as an absent provider? I think if I experienced her life I would be in a crisis of belief asking “Where are you God!?” But her trust is in God’s ultimate goodness; he won’t lead her to a place where he will not take care of her. In love God placed her at Breakthrough. He is with her every step of the way. I want to trust the Father like that. I want to believe in the Father’s love like that.
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Hi ClareMarie.
Being homeless and with several chronic mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual maladies myself, it really isn’t difficult for me to see the Divine Providence of Our Father working in my life.
It’s more amazing to me that, even when I fall and am slow to get back up, that He chose and still chooses to be the foot prints in the sand where I walk.
I often say that Our Beloved Father often seems to be with me the most when I am with Him the least.
I suppose this can be an example of Him being strong in our weakness.
Of course, if/when one does fall, it helps immensely to fall on our knees with arms wide open and not simply fall on our face or fall on our backs.
After all, He did come for the sick, sad, sorry, lost, tired, hungry, confused. . . and not necessarily for those who claim health and in no need of a doctor – a saviour.
Keep up the awesome testimony my sweet friend.
Keep in touch will ya.
By Marvin Cecil Gonzalez / Apr 13, 12:11 PM / #
I love this exerpt from your life and service with Mission year. what a beautiful snapshot into your heart! it was a pleasure spending some time with you during our visit. Thanks so much for being a great friend to my brother this year! May God bless you! ~delice
By Delice Herum / Jun 4, 02:09 PM / #