I have been reminded over and over that we all have a story. And the best way to connect with a person is to ask them their story and to get involved IN their story. The best way to make an impact and witness to a person of Christ's love is to make your story something that they can see and be a part of, something that they can be included in. To feel valued, to feel desired, to feel needed - to make it known that their story matters to you and to your own story.

I met this kid named "A" who ironically enough is friends with Jamie and the other guys from To Write Love on Her Arms. He was there the week that Renee went through her week-long detox with the group. He was there when the t-shirts were made and when the whole thing exploded into something huge. He is friends with the band members who were responsible for playing each night - the nights that Renee was giving up her blades and drugs. (for more of the story of Renee and TWLOHA see: www.twloha.com)

"A" made me cd's of their music. I love it. :) Not a surprise, really. We met him at a thrift store. He is nothing like the kids here - but I can't tell what's going through his mind about Christ. But... as I hear more of his story, I will learn. And then, maybe we can build enough trust that I can tell him mine.

Going to the girl's home this afternoon. I have been a few times before. I think this will become a regular thing for me. I spoke with Kim about it and I really really break for these girls. Their stories... so much brokenness. What if I can be one of the ones to tell them that the story does not have to end that way? That their broken and wounded and hidden places can be brought to light and healed by the only Perfect Healer.

Been reading about Helen Mar Kimball Smith Whitney. Talk about a mouthful on the names. I thought my real name was long. Sheesh. But her story is becoming important to me. Mainly, because she is my character and I would love nothing more than to prevent more women from sharing a story like hers. I physically feel ill when I study about her life. It sucked that much. But maybe... by telling her story and telling mine, God can rescue some of these women. Freedom.

"Open up your broken heart. There's a light inside." - Tenth Avenue North.

New song up on my other blog - fits nicely with this topic: My Words