Desperation to Restoration

Amid life's turbulence, there are moments when faith is tested, and hope seems fleeting. For Elizabeth Edwards, facing the unexpected departure of her husband and the daunting reality of homelessness, the journey seemed insurmountable. Yet, it is often in the darkest hours that the light of faith shines brightest, illuminating a path to unexpected blessings and new beginnings.

Several years ago, Elizabeth began to hear the Lord say to her the words of Isaiah 43:19: "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Little did she know those words would become the anthem of her next journey.

It was a time of upheaval when her husband made the painful decision to leave, abandoning not only her but also their three daughters, and their shared faith in God. Left to navigate the storm alone, Elizabeth found herself grappling with the harsh realities of a world where the cost of living soared, and her safety nets seemed out of reach.

From the day her husband walked out, Elizabeth embarked on a relentless pursuit of stability, using her break times at work to reach out to shelters in search of a roof over her family's heads. Despite facing repeated rejections, she clung to her faith, drawing strength from the parable of the Widow and the Judge in Luke 18:18, determined never to lose hope.

In her darkest moments, a glimmer of divine intervention emerged through the words of her Pastor, Apostle Dale Osborne, who delivered a message of assurance: "God has prepared a place for you." With renewed hope, Elizabeth pressed on, trusting in the unseen hand guiding her steps.

Divine providence manifested in the form of a connection to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries. “A lady gave me the number to GBCH&FM where I contacted Marketta Stepp, Palmetto Campus’ Family Care Program Coordinator, who sent me the program application paperwork to complete and put me on the waiting list for a family apartment that would soon become available.”

With her belongings packed and her daughters in tow, Elizabeth embarked on a journey guided by the assurance that God's plan was unfolding. Arriving at her brother, Leroy's, doorstep, Elizabeth found unexpected solace and support, a testament to the bonds of family and the blessings that often arise from adversity.

Soon after, the anticipated call came with her approval for placement at Georgia Baptist Children's Home. Stepping into the furnished apartment, Elizabeth’s heart overflowed with gratitude as she witnessed the tangible manifestation of God's provision.

“I got a call from Marketta letting me know that the apartment was ready. The girls and I went over to see the apartment and it was fully furnished with added toiletries! The Family Care Staff had set the apartment up to welcome us and my children were so overjoyed by the accommodations that they ran throughout the apartment screaming and laughing with joy.”

Within the nurturing environment of GBCH&FM, Elizabeth’s faith blossomed, propelling her towards unforeseen heights of success and self-discovery. From employee to business owner, from uncertainty to stability, she found herself on a trajectory of growth and independence.

As she reflects on her journey, Elizabeth acknowledges the pivotal role played by GBCH& FM in her transformation. It was here, among the embrace of community and the guidance of mentors, that she found the strength to rebuild and the courage to embrace her newfound purpose.

“Here at GBCH&FM, God built my faith and took me from glory to glory,” Elizabeth explained. “He allowed me to understand that being at GBCH&FM was to help me stay focused and to be led by His Spirit. Here I have grown and succeeded more than I ever have in life. I went from being an employee to being a business owner. I preached my first trial sermon at my church. I have learned to balance my life through self-care, and during my stay I was also able to save up enough money to be able to buy a house. I’m getting ready to do that soon.”

As Elizabeth looks towards the horizon, she does so with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that what the enemy intended for harm, God used for her good. In the journey from desperation to restoration, she found not only shelter but also the abiding presence of God’s love, guiding her every step of the way.

“I thank God for this place of refuge where restoration takes place and God's peace greets me at my apartment door. The Family Care Staff have always offered support, building me up and giving me good Godly counsel and Marketta gave me the push I needed to walk into success. I am thankful that what the enemy intended for harm, God turned into a testimony of His goodness and grace. I look forward to walking into my new beginning with confidence. Thank you, God for GBCH&FM!”

Elizabeth’s story serves as a source of encouragement to all who find themselves facing adversity, reminding them that even in the darkest of nights, the dawn of a new day awaits, radiant with the promise of God's unfailing love and boundless mercy.