Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight.
Have you ever been in a situation where you know what the solution is, but no idea how to get there? You know just what will solve the problem, but no way to get it? Your mind might spin, thinking “But HOW?” over and over again.
Now imagine being a young woman, bounced from one foster home to another, never fitting in or feeling accepted and loved, finally becoming an adult and now responsible for herself. With no family support, no money, little education and few job prospects, you know you need to earn a living and create a home for yourself. But HOW?
You take a minimum wage job close to the bus stop and beg for more hours so you can finally get a place to live rather than sleeping on friends’ couches for a few nights. The hard work and hustle are paying off and you are about to go full time. Full of optimism, you start hanging out with a guy who makes you feel special and begin to think THIS is how I am going to get ahead in the world.
Before you know it, you are taking sick days and your boss says to call when you feel better, but a sinking suspicion says that will be months. Nine months. You cry. You tell your friends. You tell the father, thinking he'll be supportive, only to find he's nowhere to be found. You look online for help and head to a clinic, where you hear about options. You're told there's one that makes this whole "issue" go away. Maybe this is the HOW you need, to get you to independence. It is a big decision and you have to make it. But HOW?
More crying, more friends with advice, more internet searches. All the while the voice in your head is telling you to have this baby, that you can do it. It’s just keeping a job, staying healthy, giving birth, parenting, working, loving….But HOW? is the question and you just don’t know.
For single women facing unexpected pregnancies alone, Redeeming Life’s maternity homes answer the “But HOW?” question. When a woman becomes a resident at Redeeming Life, she is welcomed into a family-style setting where she can identify and face each obstacle facing her and her unborn baby. From getting prenatal care to securing a decent job, this woman has the support and assistance she needs. She completes a program designed to help women set and meet personal goals, aiming for full independence. The program introduces women to the Christian faith through study and worship and surrounds them with loving care.
For Christians, the answer to life’s “But HOW?” questions should always start with Jesus, yet when life gets tough and we need help, do we begin with Jesus or try to solve things on our own? The program at Redeeming Life offers practical and spiritual help. Whether to a woman who has never learned about faith or to a person who walks closely with the Lord, these reminders from the bible can help us answer the “But HOW?'s” we face.
Trust in God's plan
The Bible tells us that God has a plan for our lives, and that includes the trials and difficulties we face. When life gets tough, it can be easy to question God's plan, but we must remember that He is in control and has our best interests at heart. As we trust in Him, we can have peace in the midst of any storm.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
~Joshua 1:9
Lean on your community
As Christians, we are called to support and encourage one another. In times of difficulty, it's important to lean on our community of believers for prayer, support, and practical help. As an RSO of the LCMS with a local host congregation, RLOM provides a supportive community for single pregnant women, where they can find the love and support they need to walk out their faith.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
~Matthew 18:20
Remember God's promises
The Bible is full of promises from God, and these promises can bring us hope and encouragement in difficult times. Whether it's a promise of provision, protection, or peace, we can hold onto these promises as we walk out our faith. Our faith is built on the promises of God, and we can trust in His faithfulness to fulfill them.
"For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
~Isaiah 41:13
Seek wisdom from God's Word
The Bible is our guidebook for life, and it provides wisdom and guidance for every situation we face. When life is hard, it's important to seek wisdom from God's Word and apply it to our lives. At RLOM, our deaconesses encourage women to spend time in God's Word, where they can find the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
~Psalms 32:8
Stay connected to God through prayer
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, and it's essential to our faith walk. In times of difficulty, we must stay connected to God through prayer, seeking His guidance and comfort. At Redeeming Life, we help create opportunities for women to pray together and connect with God in a deeper way.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6-7
Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries is headquartered in Sanford, Florida where it began in 2013 with a vision and a Christ-centered maternity home to help single moms in crisis pregnancy situations who courageously chose life for their unborn babies. Several years later, RL opened a transition home to allow moms and babies to live in a sheltered environment while continuing to build job skills and complete educational goals before living independently. An expansion into the Chicago area is planned for 2023 with an additional maternity home opening in the northwest suburbs. Redeeming Life’s program offers moms more than just housing with the inclusion of a life skills curriculum, support for education and job skill training, a family-like setting, and the personal and spiritual support to build a successful and independent life.
For more information, visit rlom.org.
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