Recently in Ocean View I have started up another Shine course. Shine is a course created by Hillsong Church with a goal to use Biblical principals to teach woman about their value, worth, and inner potential. It has profound principles, is full of truth without being overly 'Christian,' and just creates a fun and touching atmosphere for women to connect with one another and themselves. I absolutely love teaching it and the fruit that comes from each course.
The women I am teaching all doing various sorts of volunteer work in the community of Ocean View, as well as being from the community of Ocean View. To me, this means that these woman already know the life that comes from helping and serving others, and so I honor them already. What they don't always know is their own value and beauty, and already we have begun to uncover that in our time together.
Being around these woman has reminded me of the beauty in allowing your own light to shine. One of the women began to share her heart and her story, and how much her life changed after she came off drugs. She had been addicted for years and years, and now her new life in Jesus is completely different away from that lifestyle. She now serves the people of Ocean View alongside her daughter, determined to make those around her know the love of God.
I am stunned by how significant a life and heart can change when Jesus Christ shines His love on them. I am stunned by how much light comes out of this woman as she shines for Jesus. I am stunned to see her huge potential and in awe of all I know God will still do as He shines through her.
Time and time again as I spend time with friends, old and new, in Ocean View, I am struck by the fact that it is not I who is shining the light of Jesus on them, but them shining the light of Jesus on me. Through their lives and hearts I get to see a part of God that I have never personally experienced but am humbled and awestruck to know. Who knows what God has ahead for these women, and even for my own life.