I typed the address into my GPS as I sat in my car in the grocery store parking lot with a trunk full of groceries. My heart was full of joy, uncertainty, and fear. I drove down a secluded alley in a not-so-safe part of town and pulled up to a gated door covered in faux greenery. I reread the directions over and over again making sure I had the correct address. My heart was ready to give! This is what God had been preparing me for. This is part of His plan. I was taking part of the proceeds from my book sales to feed several women who are going through one of the most difficult times of their lives. This place is a crisis center for survivors of domestic violence. This place will be the start of my ministry.
I want to thank you for opening your hearts to my ministry. I want to thank you for allowing God to use you.
I found “The Mary Parrish Center” online and immediately felt the urge to fill out the attached volunteer application. I knew this was something God was calling me to do.
In the past, thinking of a moment such as this, I had excitement! I was ready and willing to do whatever and go wherever God called me to do. But to my surprise, I sat with a heavy heart.
It would be a few weeks before I heard back from the company after submitting my volunteer application. During that time, the enemy tried his best to steal my joy. One thing that I have recently experienced is how hard the enemy will try to stop you from doing what God has called you to do. Now that I am telling the world my story, I have learned that I have to put on the full armor of God daily to defeat this fear.
Fear is something I am very familiar with and when I think I have overcome this, the enemy finds a new way to attack. He is out to steal, he is out to kill and he is out to destroy me and this ministry God has called me to do. I know that writing the Word of God on my heart and responding with Gods truths will make the enemy flee. So many times I have had to say out loud, “Satan, get behind me in the name of Jesus Christ!” I love that the enemy trembles when he hears my Father’s name. I love that no matter what I am facing I can call out the most powerful name, Jesus, and my heart will fill with peace.
The enemy does not want me to tell my story.
People who are reading this book are feeling the presence of God. They are being encouraged in their faith. I have had so many tell me that this is one of the most inspiring books they have ever read. No, I am not bragging on myself. I am bragging on how wonderful God is because He wrote this book. Every word on every page was placed on my heart by Him. He gets all the glory here, and I am just His servant. One thing I want people to understand is that this book is not about me, this book will not make me famous or well known. This book is about the power and love of Jesus. I have not received any profit from this book. You see, I am already famous and well known in my Fathers eyes and nothing of this world can bring me greater joy than that. When I receive a message from those who have read my story, and they have been encourage to grow closer to God, I know that was His plan for my story.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me serve the women of the Mary Parrish Center. For more information about the Mary Parrish Center or if you would like to volunteer, I have attached the link to their website below.
On November 29th, I will be hosting a Spa Night for the ladies of The Mary Parrish Center with the help of a friend. I am excited for the opportunity to serve these women and give a message of hope. Help me pray that hearts will be changed and these women will be covered in protection and strength as they continue their journey.
Broken. Wounded. Healed. 