Rubies Or Pearls

Two times last week we went to visit the girls in a local battered women’s shelter.  The girls in the shelter were all around the age of 12.  My mind was overwhelmed with Harper.  Her heart.  Her self esteem.  Her self worth.  Her beautiful, infectious spirit.  All I could think about was what if these things had been stripped away from her…her heart, her self esteem, self worth & spirit.  We weren’t told all the details about their stories…their stories are their own and theirs to tell, but it was obvious these girls had not been loved, cherished and valued as they so deserved to be.


We were able to bring a lot of supplies for the girls and the home.  We painted their nails, crafted with them and took their photos with a polaroid for them to keep.  My friend Brooke is a hair dresser and brought her tools.  She was given permission to cut and fix each of the girls hair if they wanted her too.  Each girl wanted to participate and Brooke had the privilege of cutting and fixing each of their hair.  And we had the privilege of watching her work.

I could have sat in the corner and cried a river.  It was just incredibly beautiful to watch Brooke work.  She took her time.  She combed and brushed and parted and measured and cut and remeasured and cut some more making sure each haircut was just right.  Evening out, thinning, taking inches after inches after inches off.  She braided and fixed and adorned with pink hair clips.  And each girl, shy and timid and reserved, just beamed.

I watched as my friend Ashley swept up more and more hair.  A simple task, but one she jumped at to do without being asked…she saw a need and acted.  I watched as Miranda painted nails vibrant coral and sparkly purple, taking her time and putting on coat after coat after coat making sure they were evenly painted.  I listened as Dawn volunteered to share a piece of her story with the girls praying they would hear the message of hope in Jesus.  Such simple tasks, but done in love.


We prayed over the girls individually before we left each day…no interpreter, just one on one.  It was humbling.  I have about one million questions for God about this world.  Lots of whys and hows.  So much heart ache and devastation for a young child and I’ll never understand it.  It makes my stomach hurt and my heart to beg God to come back and take us all home.  Make everything as it should be.  Cover over all the hurts of our world.  Wipe away every tear.  Rebuild our hearts.  As we prayed over the girls I just begged God to allow them to know, some how, some way, their value in Him…that they are precious and loved…far more valuable than rubies or pearls…absolutely priceless.

We thanked the girls for allowing us to spend time with them…for allowing us to come into their home.  It was an honor.  I know it’s not easy to invite someone into your place, especially when there is deep brokenness.  I hope they genuinely knew how grateful we were to spend some time with them.

 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people!  He will live with them, and they will be his people.  God himself will be with them.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever.”

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”  And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”  Revelations 21:3-5

4 Comments

  1. Oh my. Thank you, Laura.

  2. I have tears reading this. I am thankful for what you (all) did for them. They see God in you, I am sure. I sure do.

  3. Trish Scott says:

    What a beautiful testimony of your time spent with these girls. I am sure it will impact their lives in ways you may never know. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to see each make over. Even if for a day, they got to feel super special and loved. What may have seemed small to you all might be life changing for them. God bless you for your willingness to serve & witness.

    Reminds me of the Audio Adrenaline song Kings & Queens.
    “Boys become kings, girls will be queens
    Wrapped in Your majesty
    When we love, when we love the least of these.
    Then they will be brave and free
    Shout Your name in victory
    When we love, when we love the least of these
    When we love the least of these.”

    Thanks again for you witness and for making me want to be a better person. Love you!!!!

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