We didn’t always have money for food. My parents did the absolute best they could, but our financial circumstance was not always ideal. Growing up in a big family is expensive, and sometimes hard decisions need to be made. Sometimes that hard decision was between paying rent or buying groceries. Paying the water bill or feeding the family. Impossible choices.
During these hard moments, the Lord always provided for us. And sometimes, that provision looked like visiting the food pantry. Allowing yourself to be exposed in such a vulnerable way is hard, especially in a society where your worth is dependent on how much money you make. The fear of other people’s judgement always loomed over us, but we did what we had to do.
In those difficult moments, we learned to lean into God. He was our ultimate provider when we didn’t have enough on our own. And choosing to let go of pride and allow others to help is a hard thing to do.
My mind flooded with these memories as I stood in the food pantry next to my squad mates. Part of our ministry for this month would be volunteering twice a week during the holiday season. Suddenly, those moments of struggle no longer felt like an unfinished chapter. I did not go through these hardships for nothing.
We spent the next day handing out groceries to hungry families. Families similar to mine. They did not have enough, or maybe they just found themselves in a tough spot. Tears swelled behind my eyes as I filled shopping carts with bags of food. As the night ended, the final count came in. 392. God provided for 392 hungry families. How lucky was I to be the hands and feet of Jesus?!
Sometimes, we go through hard times. And sometimes it feels unfair. But there is so much beauty to be discovered behind our pain. Isaiah 61:3 says that He will make beauty for our ashes. My family struggled, but He has brought everything full circle. My family had to rely on food pantries to eat, and now I get to serve at one.
The once unfinished chapter is now complete. Each week I serve at the food pantry is another finished sentence, another example of how God turned my circumstance to His glory. What areas of your life is the Lord wanting to redeem?
So lovely, so well written; thank you for sharing your heart my friend, a.k.a warrior!!!! You’re incredible.
Wow, what a great “completion of the circle”!
You are doing a great work Hannah. Thank you for sharing!
SO proud of you Hannah! Not everyone learns from their struggles. But you have and God is and will use you mightily! We miss you! Sending hugs and prayers!????
Hannah, what a beautiful testimony! Most definitely, our painful experiences in life are what we will minister from. So proud of you! I have your little World Race card with your picture on it right here on the wall in my office so I can remember to pray for you.
Wow! This is a beautiful testimony. In your writing, I could feel the compassion and understanding you had for those who you served.