For the last two days I’ve been thinking about the life of one of the residents here in the park. Her story is heart breaking because it is far too common. Many people living in poverty or with a lower-income are there from lack of education, lack of self-worth and/or lack of family support. Generational sin is played out in there lives, many touched by addiction, abuse, abandonment and illiteracy. It is for these reasons that God brought me to Woodland Village. May* is one of the many people for whom God moved me to Woodland Village.
At 15 years old May (*not her real name) found herself living on her own. Her mother made it very clear that she was not wanted. Only the older son was wanted. School was not a priority growing up. She went about 2 days out of each week. Her mother said that so long as she could cook and clean, May did not need any more education. A husband would support her. (I can hear you groan with me in foreboding). For reasons I can only too well imagine, May was fending for herself with little education and fewer prospects.
I don’t know all the details of her life, but at some point May found herself in a 20 year abusive relationship, raising her youngest son. Her self-esteem was low, and she had no financial ability to leave. She had a roof, food, and weeks at a time when her boyfriend was traveling for work which meant she had times of peace. So what if when he returned he was physically and mentally abusive? So what that she could not get her GED because he thought she was cheating on him when she went to class? So what if he recorded all her phone conversations for three years? So what…. Ah, the price too many women pay for shelter and food.
At last she left him. With little money, few clothes, no furniture, no rent history, no real skills, she found the courage to leave. She cleaned houses and was able to find herself in the very same apartment I now rent. Over time she was able to furnish a home and find some footing. Yet she is still handicapped by her lack of education (but not by a lack of intelligence, hardly!). Arthritis has gripped her hands which makes cleaning more challenging. She has a non-cleaning job that keeps her involved in people’s lives, yet because of frequent confrontations, she hates it. She is a great help to her granddaughter, who is herself living in the park raising a young son alone. May is a no-nonsense, direct yet compassionate woman who wants more from her life.
I believe that this is a critical relationship, one providentially orchestrated by God. It is May’s job to know everyone and it is her nature to listen. She is one of those who advocated I live here! Yet she has no relationship with Christ and there lies the greatest lack of her life. She believes in God, as many here do, but then the same can be said for the demons of hell. That does not mean they are followers of Christ or will see heaven. God has so much in store for May!
On Sunday May called me about a class on Sexual Assault Counseling she saw in the course catalog for the community college here. This is when I heard more of her story and when she opened up about her hopes. Here is the course description:
Interested in working or volunteering in the areas of Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault? This is your opportunity to participate in the two mandatory 40-hour trainings combined into one 60-hour training. This course, along with HUS 299-002, will provide the student with an understanding and knowledge of these specialized areas and the content required of anyone who wishes to understand, work, or volunteer within these fields. Upon completion of the two courses, students will earn both certifications. These courses are intended for students in any field and community members from all walks of life who want to learn to help others.
May would like me to take this class with her. What an opportunity that would be! It would be useful for me in my work but, much more importantly, with building relationship with her. My challenge, as is hers, is financing. (Paying my rent is hard enough!) But if this is how God wants to bring us together, I will find a way to do it. GOD will find a way.
I ask that you pray for May. Pray for the relationship God is building between us. Pray that the Holy Spirit moves in her life, drawing her to Himself. Pray that God does what He is most longing to do: bring redemption, renewal and hope to a lost life.
