As a body of Christ followers, may we choose to be intentional with the power that God has given us. May we speak out against injustice and create spaces for those who have been harmed in the name of Jesus to be heard. May we not fall victim to the mindset that protecting the abusers protects the name of God.  And may we serve a God who loved us so much that he used his power in the most vulnerable of ways: offering his son as the living sacrifice for our sins. 

"Never in my life before have I voiced the words to call for an emergency line: “Peter, I think we need to call 112,” I told my husband. We do ministry in the country of Georgia, where 112 is the equivalent of 911. “Something is very very wrong." My legs and hands began to tingle. I positioned myself to rest on my abdomen as Peter read an article that stated that lying on your stomach should assist in breathing. It was at this time my vision began to fade. I could see, but only vaguely through pin-pricks of blue, red and yellow stars. There is not much I recall after that."

"For those of you reading this who have not experienced this type of loss, be prayer warriors for those who are. Know that pregnancy and infant loss is much more prevalent than we realize. If you have experienced this loss, my heart aches for you, no matter if the loss was years ago or recent. I pray that you experience God’s perfect peace. I have found healing in sharing our journey with others."

I could write pages and pages about the “lessons learned” during the last 19 months—about the ways in which the Holy Spirit moved and spoke, revealed and uncovered, shook and stirred myself individually and the world collectively. I have a feeling that on a crisp October day, with a big mug of coffee and a journal in hand, you could write pages and pages as well.