Darkness and Light

This week is bracketted on both sides with groups visiting Linwood House, and in between we have the women from the Downtown Eastside. Both weekend groups work directly with the marginalized as well. This directly involves the necessity of walking in the dark places with those we are all called to minister to. The light becomes more obvious, more drawing in the dark places.

So Grandma and Dorothea have been busy baking and preparing cookies, the rooms are ready, and Sue and Jen have been busy planning and preparing special activities and treats for the women this week.

In this midst of this, one of the women whose heart is hugely involved in the work with the women from the downtown eastside, and usually arrives with this group coming today, is critically ill in hospital. She has some complicated medical problems so please pray for her. Pray for our team - we will miss her help this week. It seems dark but we are seeking the Light that brings the shalom, the One who is Shalom.

Right now here on the coast the weather is dark - dull, rainy, foggy patches, cold and damp and it feels dark.

Last night at Happy Hour another story was shared, a gift offered to our group. M's story holds dark and light and the beauty of seeing her hold it out to us was enhanced by the fact that another knew the same story of dark and light and it gave her courage to know there is a safe place to tell that story.

Darkness causes fear but the Light allows us to know the presence of the Father that cannot exist in anywhere but Light.

Pray for us all as we walk beside these wounded women who will be at The Journey this week.