The Restorative Power of Love

   We were walking through the puddle-ridden dirt roads after the afternoon's heavy rains. We had one agenda… to take Don to visit with each of his sponsored students in the short block of time that we had. However, as we walked down the tiny alley, I felt that familiar tug of the Holy Spirit upon my spirit. 

    There are days when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are walking into divine appointments are you are about the see the Lord pour out His love upon His children. 

   At the spur of the moment, I shouted "Buenas," and walked through the tin gate. I knew that the family was grieving and feeling hurt. They had lost a sister and aunt that week. Because of all of the Independence Day marches, everyone was in other places and their loss went unseen. I knew that they were hurting, but I hadn't see the depth of that hurt. Cadence, Don, and I entered the house. We told Rosa that we just came to see how she and her family are doing. We hugged her. We prayed over her. We listened as she talked about her sister- the way that she raised her like a mom, how she still came to visit and check in on her. We let Rosa know that she was not alone in her grief. She was seen and she was loved. I felt love's restoration power in that home- the power to heal relationships, to cover shortcomings, and to mend broken hearts. Our visit was short, but I knew that something powerfully beautiful was taking place. 

    As we left Rosa's home, we continued down the tiny alley heading towards the sponsored students homes. I had no intention of stopping again, I saw Francisca in her yard washing clothes. She smiled brightly and waved. I smiled back and asked about her husband. Edwin has been getting weaker and weaker over the past few months as chronic kidney disease fervently attacks his body. She asked if we wanted to come in and visit him. I looked back to Don and Cadence who both nodded and the three of us walked through the tin gate. 

   Edwin's eyes connected with mine and he whispered, "Lisa." It was the only word he said. As we laid hands on him and began to pray he groaned in anguish, but no sounds came forth. Wordlessly, he sobbed. Edwin is dying. It may not be right now, but he is dying of kidney disease. (Edwin pictured left on a day when his health allowed enough strength to sit up and read his Bible.) 

    After praying for Edwin, I hugged Francisca. She began to sob in my arms. She has been carrying this burden for so long. She is strong and full o fjoy, but she is hurting as she faces the prospect of losing her husband and becoming a single mom. She needed a moment where she didn't need to be strong for anyone. She needed to cry and be comforted. 

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit." -Psalm 34:17-18

    The Lord is so present in their home. Today He was holding His daughter, drawing her close, loving her, and comforting her in her grief. 

    Today wasn't the day that we planned. It was full of unexpected visits and divine appointments. It was heartbreaking and real, but beautiful in the way that the Lord was loving His children. I'm thankful to see the restorative power of His love.