Diamond Necklace

For over a year now I've been involved in Recovery @ Grace Church as well as the step studies. I started as a participant and now lead in both. For those unfamiliar with our Recovery and step ministry, let me explain.

Recovery is a Christ-centered repentance an reconciliation ministry. My Pastor first introduced this ministry during the end of the year of 2009. He stated that everyone has something to recover from. Not just alcohol or drug addictions, but loss of a loved one, abuse, pride, envy...you get the idea. This is a place for anyone who is hurting or struggling with something holding them back from pursuing the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. It's a safe place to work through struggles. The people here are loving and accepting, with the goal of leaning on the Lord for truth and healing. We are not here to fix anyone, just simply a safe place where you can truly examine your heart.

Step study is also a safe place where you study the scripture while someone walks alongside you. It's 18 weeks and aims at identifying your struggles and learning to apply biblical truth as you embrace your new identity in Christ, Jesus. You are intensely involved in scripture daily through homework. You go through a personal inventory, one you work through with your sponsor. It's here I learned truth about myself and God's love for me.

Both have a non-specific, gender-specific groups. Both include biblical teaching, that has and continues to bless me tremendously. I continue to reap blessings by both these ministries. To watch the lives of others be touched by God is breathtaking. This weekend at our church picnic, 5 members of recovery and step were baptized.

Though these ministries I continue to struggle well in a safe place, I am blessed, and I, as a leader, continue to learn God's truth through those I serve.

This weekend, one of the women in my step group shared something I thought was absolutely beautiful. Spoke to my heart. a perfect example of how I learn through others.

Have you noticed a jeweler places a beautiful diamond necklace on a black cloth background? Have you ever heard the statement, "diamonds are a girl's best friend"? (Hold that thought).  The diamond necklace alone, we can all attest to it's beauty. But, once placed on the black background somehow it becomes far more radiant.

When we are in the midst of our brokenness, darkness overwhelms us (the black background), Jesus is the diamond! In our deepest darkest moments, Jesus, our best friend, radiates His light/beauty/love so brightly, we can't help but see truth and hope, feel love and acceptance. Even outside of our darkness, looking at Jesus, His light always radiates.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what He has done has been done through God. John 3:21

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
John 12:46