| Grief weighs heavy on the hearts of many at this time of year; and naturally, this grief finds its way into the counseling center. Whether you are 8 or 80, grief is confusing and many questions remain unanswered. As counselors, we also don’t understand the reasons for the devastating realities that hit our clients and their families that enter our space. The question that our clients often struggle with in these devastating moments is why. Why this? Why me? Why now? The unwanted stages of grief often bring on feelings of denial, anger, bargaining, and depression. Many people wonder why they are feeling this way. Wouldn’t it be natural to deny something that is not good, but cruel? Wouldn’t it be natural to be angry about a tragedy that wasn’t supposed to happen? Wouldn’t it be natural to miss a loved child of God so deeply that you would do anything to bring them back? This is heavy and this is sad. I believe grief is the natural way that God has designed our bodies to wrestle with the disappointments and discouragements that result from a fallen world. These cruel realities are contrary to the character of our good God and Father, so of course we dislike them. Our grief reminds us that we are not home, but that we will be one day. God promises that He is in the process of restoring what has been lost and redeeming what has been broken. According to John’s vision in Revelation, we have this to look forward to:
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” Revelation 21:3-4.
We have this hope for the future. We are reminded that God’s redemptive story is not complete yet, but is in process. Today, we wrestle in between the “here and now” and the “not yet”. One thing I know for sure, is that our lives are not a waste and our tears do not go unseen by Our Father. He loves us too much to let us be content with this world, and our dissatisfaction reminds us that our fullest satisfaction is found in Him. |
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| We are currently seeking a married couple for a full-time house-parenting position in our boy’s home. No prior experience is needed, as training will be provided. Must be a mature Christian couple that has a strong desire to share Christ’s love with the teens and their families. Applicants must be married at least 3 years with no more than 2 children of their own. While modeling a Christian family, we ask the house-parents to provide care, nurturing, and structure for up to five teen boys. They are supported by a five-person treatment team all focused on helping one another serve the teen and family in need. To apply, candidates should email their resumes with a cover letter to Steve Lowe([email protected]), Executive Director and we will contact you.
Click here for job posting |
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Jenn and I have been house parents at the Joy House for just over three years now. We are very grateful for the opportunity to care for teen girls and witness the Lord’s work in their lives. Since our first year here, we have had the blessing of many volunteers bringing meals and crafts to the home in order to fellowship with us and build community with us and the teen girls we serve. In particular, one volunteer stands out in her consistency, intentionality, and influence: Mrs. Penny Beaty. She has been volunteering in our home since late 2021 and has been faithful to come monthly with a meal, craft, and word of encouragement during each of her visits to the Joy House.
Mrs. Penny connected with us through our mutual attendance of Trinity Church in Marble Hill, GA. She, like my wife, has a heart for young ladies and seeks to live out a Titus 2 lifestyle in which the mature believing women teach God’s Word and ways to the younger, both for His glory and their good. Mrs. Penny has blessed us with many delicious Texas-style meals, as well as many homemade desserts to top them off. Additionally, she always brings crafts, many of which include painting, sewing, sculpting, jewelry-making and other forms of art and creativity. Most importantly, however, Mrs. Penny brings wisdom from the Word of God and shares what the Lord has taught her from life, marriage and raising three girls of her own.
The girls anticipate her visits and often ask when she will come next, showing how she has become a beloved mentor to each resident we have had stay in our home. Before coming to the Joy House, some of our residents had been consumed by social media and had their faces constantly buried in a phone; however, through precious connections with people like Mrs. Penny, who pour out their time and love, we have seen many of them make new or reestablished connections to personal interactions. Their eyes have been lifted and their hearts transformed. |
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Have you ever considered introducing The Joy House ministry to other friends? We’re looking for some existing partner/friends who would like to host a dessert in their home and invite 6-12 other people to hear about The Joy House. Over the years, I’ve found this is a great way to personally interact and share the ministry. I’m looking for ways to continue growing our partner base as we expanded those we’re serving.
These would include providing a simple dessert and beverages with a brief fellowship time. I would then share a presentation regarding The Joy House, providing time for our guests to ask questions after the presentation.
If you would be interested in hosting a dessert please reach out to me via email: [email protected] or via phone at 706-253-7569. Thanks so much for your consideration and I hope to hear from some of you. |
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