Never Give Up Hope: A Mom's Perspective

One of our moms decided to write down her thoughts and experiences since coming to The Sheepfold. I thought I would share with you what she had to say. This is in her own words. English is not her first language, so please be understanding of grammar and punctuation.
(The following is used with permission. All names and indentifying information have been removed.)

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Being @ the Sheepfold

The Sheepfold is a big blessing from GOD. When I and my daughter first came in here we were welcomed with true love. I remember when (House Manager) showed me my room. There was a small bag with lotion, body spray, and a welcome card that made me cry that there's good people in the world and it's not just on T.V. or movies.

I've been going through a lot of emotional stress because of my big fear of the court dates. Every one of the house managers were ready to leave everything they are doing just to give me the time and hear me out.

I remember (House Manager) actually cried with me when she was praying for me. I was amazed how beautiful of a heart she has to feel for others. I've made a promise to her that I will have to fight the battle inside of me and put my trust in GOD. Putting my trust in GOD isn't just a sentence, it's a lot of work.

Now I'm feeling much better because I'm learning to resist the bad scary thoughts inside my head and take control over them. Still I struggle sometimes, but it's working when I constantly think about GOD. The Bible studies are very helpful. It helps me hear and learn from other moms and I don't feel alone.

My self-esteem was down when I first seen (Sheepfold Staff) and the office for the interview. I put myself down and she said something to me. It's stuck in my head till now. She told me "Don't say you are nothing. I'm so precious in God's eyes and there's a special reason I'm here for." That was the first time someone says that to me. When I remember her saying that, I remember God's love and think to never give up hope and be better and wait for His guidance to what He wants me to do.

@ the Sheepfold I learned to be comfortable with God and talk to Him as a real loving father. I am no longer worried about covering my hair and facing east when I pray. I now pray anytime, anywhere. Sitting, standing, in front of the T.V. or what-ever. :-) It feels good and not terrified if He's not pleased with the way I'm praying.

I feel so safe in here. I don't feel alone or miserable that I'm away from my husband. Even though I'm not close to the moms here, but I feel their love and I love them too much and just feels so good to sit around them even I don't talk much.

Being @ the Sheepfold is a dream Come True. Mainly reason is the beautiful hearts and patience of all the house managers. I don't understand how they have all this love to offer when they have been doing this for awhile and should be a routine to them. They treat all of us with a lot of LOVE. It's hard to describe it. They care so much about all of us, even little things that doesn't mean much to me they care about it.

I'm so blessed to be in here. No more words can describe. I pray for the whole Sheepfold office & managers that God watch over them at all times and shower them with His blessings. I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to (House Managers) for what they are doing for me, my daughter, and all the other moms.
God bless you and be with you. :-) I love you all from deep inside of my heart.

My favorite verses:

Psalm 109:26, 27

Help me, LORD my God; save me according to your faithful love. So they may know this is your hand and that You, LORD, have done it.

I love this verse, especially when I go through a hard time and others step over me or back-stab me. Instead of taking revenge I run to the Lord and cry out to Him for help and ask Him to never let the enemy to laugh at me and to help me by showing his powerful glory so others will know I am not alone and GOD is here to protect me at all times.

Psalm 25:1, 2

LORD, I turn my hope to You. My God I trust in You. Do not let me be disgraced; do not let my enemies gloat over me.

I use this beautiful verse as a prayer when I feel worried and afraid inside of me. I remind myself that I have a GOD that I trust. No matter how bad things are He'll never put me down because He only wants the best for me. I use this verse always also to remind myself it's not what I want, it's what HE wants. My needs are for temporary, but with patience and trusting in GOD I will never be down. Things might be not the way I want sometimes, I always have a battle with my fleshly needs but GOD wants to teach me lessons on being patient and trust in Him.

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Thank you friends for your prayers for this ministry, it's managers, staff, volunteers, and all our shelter families (past and present). You are so valued and your prayers are heard! God is good.
You are not alone and YOU ARE LOVED!