Somedays, I think I’ll quit!
I know there are many women in my community who need to experience healing from past sexual abuse. I bet there are many in yours as well. I also know that Restoration Ministries has the resources to help them begin this journey. But let’s be honest—it’s terrifying to even think about starting a group, let alone guiding women in something so deeply personal and painful.
Believe me, I get it.
There are days that I want to throw in the towel and say, “This is too hard,” or “I’m not qualified for this.” In those moments of struggle and doubt, God quietly whispers, “I’ve got you. There are women desperate for healing, and I will guide, protect, and strengthen you for this difficult calling. Let ME do this through you.”
It’s in these moments that I often reflect on the story of the parting of the Red Sea.
The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for 400 years. When God finally provided a way out, they followed His call, full of hope and expectation. But that hope was quickly tested. Exodus tells us that God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines--even though it was the shortest route—because He knew they would face battles that might drive them back to slavery. Instead, He led them into the wilderness…directly towards the Red Sea.
“How could You do this to us, Lord?” they cried, “It would have been better for us to remain slaves in Egypt.”
To them, the Red Sea was an insurmountable barrier. But it was actually a setup for deliverance—a divine moment designed to strengthen their faith and destroy their enemies. What’s more, Scripture tells us the sea itself trembled when it saw God (Psalm 77:16 NLT). Perhaps, it was this holy fear that caused the waters to part, revealing a hidden path of dry ground beneath.
“Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, a pathway that no one knew existed.” Psalm 77:19 (NLT)
And lest we forget, the challenges did not end at the Red Sea. Pharoah changed his mind about letting the Israelites leave Egypt. Exodus 14:9 (NLT) tells us, “All the forces in Pharoah’s army—all his horses, chariots, and charioteers—were used in the chase.” The Egyptian army was within eyesight, closing in as the Israelites camped by the sea, intending to bring them back to Egypt.
But God was with them—and He had a plan far greater than defeat.
In awe and reverence, the Red Sea fell to its knees before the presence of the Almighty. It rolled back to reveal a dry path, a divine passageway no one could have foreseen. And when the Israelites had safely crossed, the sea returned to its place, drowning Pharaoh and his entire army—those who had sought to oppose God’s perfect plan.
But the miracle didn’t end there.
Imagine the silence that blanketed Egypt in the days that followed. The nation had just endured the ten devastating plagues sent by God—the last and most harrowing of all, claiming the life of every firstborn son. Now, an even deeper grief settled over the land: the unimaginable loss of an entire generation, swallowed by the sea. While Scripture does not specify the full toll, one can only image the devastation: grandfathers, fathers, husbands, sons, and potential future spouses and fathers…all gone. It’s a heavy, sobering picture. Yet, it stands as a resounding testament to the fullness of God’s deliverance.
So now, dear friend, what about you?
Is God tugging at your heart to start a Restoration: Beauty From Ashes support/study group in your community? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the size of the task, the “mighty waves” of uncertainty, fears, or self-doubt? Starting a group like this is no small step—it’s brave. And YES, IT’s SCARY! But the enemy would love to keep women trapped in shame and silence. He wants to convince you that healing is impossible, that you’re not equipped, that the sea won’t part.
But I believe God is calling you to take a posture of worship—to humble yourself before Him, so you can watch the struggling seas part. He wants to lead YOU in bringing His miraculous healing to women who are longing to be free!
I know, because I’ve been there.
Still, there are days when I want to give up. Days of weariness, silence, and doubt—when the struggle feels pointless. But every single time, God shows up. He reminds me that this calling—to help women heal from the pain of sexual abuse—is His plan for me. He’s made a way for me to create the materials, record the videos, and make them available for you to use. All you need to do is say yes.
The older I get and the more I witness God’s faithfulness, the more I find myself saying: “Bring it on. Let it rain. Let the wind blow. My God is the God of the universe, He will part the waters, and make a path that no one knew was even there!”
If you’re considering starting a Restoration: Beauty From Ashes group, I invite you to explore the leader’s guide on the homepage of https://www.restorationbfa.org/
I’m here to help. You can message me on Facebook with specific questions or on the ministry page. I know it’s scary—I’ve been there! But I also know the God who calms the storm and parts the seas. And He will guide you.
Don’t let fear keep you from saying yes.
PS: If you love classic Christian worship music, let God encourage your heart through songs like “Let the Wind Blow” by The Imperials or “Let It Rain” by Michael W. Smith. May these anthems stir your spirit and remind you of the God who reigns over every storm.
-------------------------
For women who have experienced sexual abuse and who appear to be “doing life” while knowing they have many deep wounds, the Restoration: Beauty From Ashes program might be the help they need. It is not a replacement for professional licensed trauma therapy nor is it recommended for those who have experienced sexual abuse within the past year.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, I encourage you to check out the restorationbfa.org website. Perhaps, you may feel led to speak with your pastor or women’s ministry leader about offering a Restoration group at your church. If you are met with resistance or don’t have a church home, I encourage you to start a group on your own. All the resources that you need: books, videos, and a leader’s guide to help you get started are available on the website. If sexual abuse is your experience, please don’t suffer in silence; and if God breaks your heart for hurting people, be the one who speaks up and offers hope, help, and resources.
