December 1, 2010
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
This morning in Suti Sana devotions I asked, “Why would God announce his grand plan for the universe to a bunch of smelly shepherds?”
“Because Jesus came to save the poor and humble too,” the girl next to me stated confidently.
Half a year ago, this same girl entered Suti Sana every day smelling like she hadn’t showered in a week. Her finances were a hopeless mess, and her kids were constantly sick. She didn’t know how to stand up to her live-in boyfriend who is twice her age, so she ended up spending the little money she had on him while her kids went hungry.
Over the months, we nearly pulled out our hair trying to reach this girl on all levels: hygiene, nutrition, finances, and her spiritual state. Over and over again, she would fall flat on her face, almost getting kicked out of Suti Sana several times. In our meetings, when we started talking about her, we would all shake our heads and sigh, “Not again.”
And then, slowly, we noticed signs of improvement. She came to work in clean clothes and brushed hair. She brought her son to the Casa de Esperanza for tutoring. She stood up to her boyfriend and told him she couldn’t afford to buy him restaurant meals every day. And she started participating more and more in devotions and worship.
I’m not sure if she understands all that salvation can be for her. But I do know that, just like a bunch of rough shepherds stumbling into a birthing room, with a few goats and llamas possibly in tow, God works in odd ways. Small, slow and mysterious ways. And she is on the path towards the manger.
Lots of love in this Christmas season,
Cara