G.I.R.L.S. Ranch plans to partner with Doors of Hope
Maridel Williams is the founder of an amazing organization called Doors of Hope (www.opendoorsofhope.org), located in Murfreesboro that provides hope to women who are incarcerated. I had the privilege to meet with Maridel to share my heart for hurting girls and see if there was a way she and I could partner. I knew I would love her when I walked in the door and she gave me a big hug and offered me a cup of joe. “Done and Done,” I told myself. She oozed Jesus.
As you guys know, I have a heart for girls who have been abused…specially sexually. Did you know that:
- 2 out of 3 females incarcerated have been sexually abused and
- 2 out of 3 of the women incarcerated have children under the age of 18.
- Over 50% of juvenile female offenders have been abused, either emotional, physically or sexually.
Gosh, these stats just break my heart. Since 67% of incarcerated women have at-risk children under the age of 18, G.I.R.L.S. Ranch can partner with Doors of Hope to bring healing to the entire family, with the goal of breaking the cycle beginning with this generation of children whose mothers are currently serving time. One way of potential partnership is for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch to facilitate a support group for these children, specifically addressing how their parent’s absence while incarcerated have affected every aspect of their lives.
I am in the process of creating a simple survey for these mothers asking how I can best support their daughters. It’s been really neat to see some of these women attend my church, The Refuge Murfreesboro, once they have been released. I anticipate some big things happening here in Murfreesboro.
I have also been able to experience what it means to be a “godmother” through Doors of Hope. I have been paired up with a young lady who is currently incarcerated. It’s been a very cool experience. Jessica and I have really bonded through letter writing. She has been very upfront and bold with me regarding her desire to know Jesus and the hurt that she is carrying around with her. I’m honored to be her friend and look forward to her release date that is just around the corner. Developing a relationship with Jessica has just reinforced the need in Rutherford County for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch….a faith-based intervention that meets the needs of vulnerable young girls.
I’m honored that I get to live a little life with Doors of Hope. I had been praying that the Lord would provide me with a mentor and He has not only done that through Maridel, but He also provided a sweet friendship.
We are officially a member of the Center for NonProfit Management!
FROM HURTING TO HEALING
As I continue to be transparent with you guys…because I have learned it’s the only way to truly live in freedom…I’m asking for prayer this month. Please pray that in the seasons of “waiting” I would be intentional with my time I’m given each day. As a visionary, I can get caught up with the big picture. My prayer is that I would be responsible with what sweet and gracious Jesus has given me today and that I wouldn’t be fixed on the tomorrow or the “what if’s” of it all. Below was something I wanted to share. It’s an excerpt from Sarah Young’s, JESUS CALLING
“Give yourself fully to the adventure of today. You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life. Do not give fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My presence.” Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 31:13
