If you’re joining me today, from the Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study Blog Hop, by all means, welcome! I’m so glad you took a few minutes out of your busy schedule to hop on over and say hello.
Have you heard the saying, a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, look at this picture and tell me what you see? Pause… and look.I took this photograph while our family was visiting Barcelona, Spain over the summer. I don’t know this woman but I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since the day I clicked the shutter button on my camera.
She was sitting on the steps of a beautiful basillica (church) in the center of town.
Although tourists were bustling all around, she never once looked up. A water bottle rested on her legs, supporting a worn out photograph of a little child. All of her belongings, settled right next to her in an old plastic bag. A small tattered cardboard sign that had Spanish words scribbled all over it. I couldn’t understand the writing but her pitiful appearance was screaming out one silent word.
Help
A crumpled up paper bill worth five euros was laying only two steps away. But, this woman was unaware of its presence because her eyes were positioned downward. She gazed towards the ground as if something had captured her attention, but nothing was there.
A woman broken.
A woman in need.
A woman who had not said “yes” to God.
Without a word spoken, her body tells the story. She has said yes to someone or something which has ultimately brought her to this place of despair.
Her sunken posture says, I am unworthy.
Her callous worn feet says, I am neglected.
Her sun drenched face says, I am forgotten.
But, what does her heart say? Are her hands open and positioned to receive all that God has for her? What is holding her back from having a relationship with the Lord?
My heart aches for this woman. My heart aches for any woman who has not lifted her palms upwards and said “yes!” to God.
I have been this woman. I have felt unworthy, neglected, and forgotten. You wouldn’t have found me on the steps of a bascillica. Instead, I was carefully tucked inside a cozy little neighborhood, hiding behind a mask and draped in a heavy black cloth of depression.
But, by the grace of God, I no longer am there.
Today, as I lift my palms upward and say yes to God, I am reminded of Jesus’ palms, that have my name engraved on them.
See, I have written your name on the palms of My hands. Isaiah 49:16
Sweet friend, if you’ve said yes to God, your name is there too – right next to mine – placed within a cross shaped scar that is sealed forever. Never to be removed or forgotten of by the Father. Oh, He loves you so!!
Will you trust Him with your hopes and dreams? Will you trust Him with your fears and insecurities? Will you position yourself to receive all that He has waiting for you today? Oh, how I pray that you do!
Sherri Chatman says
Leah,
That picture and story is very powerful.. It speaks volumes!
Sue Detweiler says
I am so thankful that Jesus came for the broken and the bound, and the least and the lowest. So now it is our turn to say “Yes.”
Veronica Herzing (OBS Leadership Team) says
WOW Leah thank you so much for sharing that photo. I too have been there were I thought I was unworthy, neglected and forgotten. I have had that posture that screamed that to anyone who chanced to look upon me. I never want to go back to that – great reminder to say #yestoGod!!!
leah says
Hey Veronica, I remember you telling me the story, when we had dinner together with a group of precious women a few years ago. God has done great miracles in your life! It’s been beautiful to watch the transformation take place and I know He still has so much more in store for you, sweet friend, as you say #yestoGod!!
Veronica Herzing, OBS Leadership Team says
OMGosh Leah, I can’t believe you remember that night – I will always remember it but I can imagine how many days/nights you have had like that.
It has been an amazing and emotional journey since that dinner almost 2 years ago. I am so thankful for all the people God has placed in my life and for His non-stop care of me.
leah says
Yes, I do remember, Veronica. That was a special evening for all of us and I treasured the conversations we had over dinner with such a sweet group of gals You included, of course!
Kathy Daché says
Leah,
Thank you for this poignant portrayal of the broken.
If she would allow Him, Jesus would make her more beautiful for having been broken. I pray that she will have the courage to look up.
God bless you
Kathy
leah says
Kathy,
Thank you for sharing your comments and I completely agree. Jesus would love nothing more than to restore her brokenness and make her spiritually whole. It seems like almost daily God places her on my heart and I’ve been praying for her salvation. I hope it becomes a reality in her life one day.
Sweet Blessings,
Leah
Crystal Storms says
Your post reminds me of the Amy Grant song “Father’s Eyes.” As you saw this woman on the steps, God gave you eyes to see how our yes to the world can lead to brokenness and sorrow but a yes to God leads to healing and restoration.
leah says
Hi Crystal,
I love that song by Amy Grant! Thank you for taking time to leave a comment on my blog today. I pray that God will keep His eyes fixed on you, every moment of every day, as He celebrates your life as one of His greatest creations!
Sweet Blessings,
Leah
Mary Bruin says
Dont ever doubt you’re not EXACTLY where the Lord wants you! What beautiful words and vision the Lord gave you, about the lady on the steps. I too was there on that vacation and saw the same scene, but ashamedly, I didn’t have the same thought. You dear friend, have been given a heart for women by the ALMIGHTY. He is using you to bless and nuture His children, right here, right now. Love you much, dear friend!!!
leah says
Mary, reading your comments brought tears to my eyes. Happy ones. Thank you for always believing in me and being such an amazing friend! Life just wouldn’t be nearly as fun or faith-filled without you!! When I think about some of the greatest blessings God has given me, you are always in the Top Ten!!
Love ya much, Leah
Jill Beran says
Leah, what a joy to see your heart on my screen!! And how timely to read your words…I too was once the woman you described – hiding, lonely and depressed. So thankful I said “Yes.” You’ve reminded me to say “Yes” again…we’re gearing up for ReNEWed Life on Sat. and this AM Satan was at work, taking me back to those feelings of unworthiness and doubt. Thankful for the Truth you’ve reminded me of here…saying “YES” and looking forward to all God will do in the days to come!! Would love your prayers…for the ladies coming, for Wendy Blight, for our team and all the details! Thank you Leah!!
leah says
Jill,
I’m so glad you said “Yes!” to God too! The ReNEWed Life conference this Saturday is a perfect example of how God can use us, to do His kingdom work, if we’re willing. Absolutely, I will be praying for you, the event team, volunteers, attendees, Wendy, and all things techy, so that everything flows well without any glitches. 🙂
The more Satan raises his ugly head tells me that this event is going to be life changing for many women this weekend. I’m believing for some new salvations and can’t wait to hear all about it!
Cyber hugs!
Leah