Saturday, June 2, 2012

Giving Back


Linking up with Charlotte Spiritual Sunday and Laura Beholding Glory

"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light"  Norman B. Rice

I went to the women's prison yesterday. It's a place I don't like to go. I find it gloomy.... oppressive....dark.  But I go b/c I want to give hope....

I talked with some of the women...heard their stories....shared mine. Terrible things happened to many of them...rape, abuse...trauma.  Many live with shame and guilt...and the fear of not being able to make it on the outside. Life's been hard. Too much of a fight. 

I thought about my own life....I know...nothing is too hard when He comes on the scene....I'm not sure how He does it.....but somehow He takes the hurts...the pain....all the tough stuff....and turns it around. More that than....He even uses it for something good. 

As much as I don't like going into the prison....I come home humbled...and a bit changed. It's a funny thing about giving back....it leaves me with this  incredible feeling. So I've decided.....I'm going to keep going back to prison to shine His Light. 

Carry your candle.....run to the darkness. Go light your world.
 

19 comments:

BelovedBomber said...

I love that song! It has been one of my favorites for awhile! I use to play it every day on my way to teach in the inner city. God smiles every time you take your candle and run in to that dark prison!

Debbie said...

I'm not getting the video to show, but I know the song and it is one of my very, very favorites.

"Frustrated brother... see how he's tried to light his own candle some other way.She how your sister... she's been robbed and lied to... still holds her candle without a flame" I relate so well to that both personally and as a sister.

The song literally breaks my heart and makes me want to carry the candle.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Are you involved in some kind of prison ministry...maybe one in your church?

Crown of Beauty said...

Dear Nikki
I have never heard this song, but I love it, and I love the candles!

You know what, your book that my childhood best friend Cynthia ordered to give me for my birthday arrived earlier this month. However, since I was away for a whole month, I was able to pick it up from the post office only the other day.

I read it the whole night... until I finished it. I couldn't put it down. It is an amazing story. I really love you already, just from being my blog friend... but after reading your story, I have a deeper understanding of what you have been through. What an amazing God we have, truly amazing.

Much love
Lidia

Tea said...

Your post is very inspiring.

Dulce said...

Hi Nikki!
My dear friend (Sarah)

Been missing this reading you (have just re opened My Duality Blog...)

I am so glad your getting that strong, that far... as visiting a dear one in prison...
This has a blessing meaning--- yes it does.

God Bless YOU !!!

Hugs

D.

Nancy said...

Isn't it interesting that all of God's rules are opposite of the world's and when we do it His way, giving to others, we always receive more than we gave....

A wonderful inspiring post....

Wanda's Wings said...

There but for the grace of I could be there. God protected me even before I knew Him. I will always praise Him for what He has done in my life.

highheeledlife said...

Wonderful post... and you are an inspiration for giving back. May your days on those visits be filled with light. You are making a difference and showing these women that anything is possible with a little belief and faith. Hugs to you my friend..xo HHL

Chatty Crone said...

That is huge going to a prison - what a ministry you have going on. Glad you are home and I love that song. sandie

joy said...

The song brings hope for everyone. Lovely. Thank you for giving time to visit the prisoners. I am sure they experinced God's love through you. Keep it up Sarah.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Amen....this goes with my post today, work in the mission field God has called each of us. Thanks for sharing your mission field and for being His hands and His feet to the prisoners.

Connie Arnold said...

It's so good to shine the light of love in the darkness of the world and give hope. God bless you!

Nana Jul said...

You could light up the darkest corner of any place in this world! I bet you couldn't even count the number of lives you have already touched...including mine!
You really shine bright sister!
So proud of you cuz to keep going back takes courage and knowing the ONE who will keep you!
Love,
Julie

Saleslady371 said...

Prison is such a dark place. Thank you for taking that light of hope there and sharing.

Sharon said...

What a wonderful ministry, Nikki. I just know that you help those women. You glow with the Light of the World - and you know how He can come into the deepest darkness and shine like the SON!

GOD BLESS!

(Sorry I've been MIA lately - packing and moving from a house I've lived in for 28 years has been a FULL-TIME JOB!)

Patrinas Pencil said...

Nikki, I loved this sharing. What a blessing you are and will be for those in prison. My dad started His ministry as prison ministry before going into full-time pastorate. A very rewarding experience for him.

I see you light up the room as you carry your candle in the darkness there.

Praying God's anointing on your words as you partake in sharing with these special ones that God has placed before you.

LOVED LOVED LOVED the song and powerful video. I loved it so much, I put it on my page as a reminder and a call to GO into the darkness and light up yur world.

Love Kathy Tricoli too.

hugs,
Patrina <")>><

Charlotte said...

I am blessed by hearing of the ways God is using you to shed his light to those who have no hope. You are a blessing to them and a blessing to us who read about it. Thank you for sharing so faithfully with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte

A Plain Observer said...

it's a tough place. I have thought about volunteering, I feel bad for them and I also know some must be there and never come out.
I agree with you, God shows us how to help people. I dont like to say he uses us, rather that we serve a purpose.
;)