On Tuesday, I had the privilege to go to the first session of Women’s Groups in Ocean View. As we gathered, we began to share stories. It was my job to think of questions to ask the women to begin to open up and share with one another. I am so thankful Sarah gave me this task because I love asking questions. More than loving to ask the questions about others, I love finding out the answers. Because I believe when every answer is given there is a story behind it. A story of life that makes the person who they are. Some of the stories shared were funny yet others wrenched my heart. One of the questions I asked was, “What is a childhood memory you miss?” Multiple women discussed times in their lives in Simons Town, Nordhoek and other areas before they were kicked out of their homes and sent to Ocean View. My heart ached because I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like to be literally kicked out of your home and community and sent to a barren area which was forced to become home. My heart also overflowed with joy because here in the Methodist Church there is now a weekly place where these women can gather and share their stories. They no longer have to feel isolated and alone in this journey of life. They can now come together and do life together. They now have a place where everyone can share their story together.
As I heard these women share their stories, it got me to thinking about my story and what has shaped me. It made me recollect the many broken parts of my life and struggles which were painful and brutal at times yet God used to create something beautiful. It made me think of the numerous wonderful times in my life full of happiness, joy and love. Tuesday night made me realize we all have a story. Stories which God continues to use to mold us, shape us, undo us, and transform us if we but let Him.
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