This Mother’s Day, we had the privilege of hearing from a dear friend of City Central, Shirlee Lamoureux. Through her powerful testimony, we see how there are moments in life when pain feels overwhelming. Some wounds are deep, formed in childhood, through abuse, rejection, abandonment, or loss. Yet even in those places, God sees, knows and heals. God is a Redeemer. He is the One who takes brokenness and brings healing, who takes sorrow and gives joy, who takes ashes and creates beauty.
God Meets Us in Our Brokenness
After much pain in her young life, Shirlee encountered the love of God and in His presence, healing began.
She surrendered her damaged heart to God. She chose forgiveness toward her mother and toward those who had hurt her. Forgiveness is the intentional decision to release resentment, revenge, and bitterness against someone who has sinned against you and allowing God to heal what bitterness cannot.
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
3To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
Notice the exchange God offers:
- Beauty instead of ashes
- Gladness instead of mourning
- Praise instead of despair
This is the heart of God. He does not waste pain. He redeems it.
Faith That Perseveres
But here is the difficult question many believers wrestle with:
What if the answer to prayer takes years?
What if we never see the outcome we prayed for?
Will we still trust God?
Will we still pray?
Will we still believe He is working?
Shirlee’s grandmother prayed faithfully for her daughter—for sixty years. Sixty years of intercession. And yet, she never lived to see the fulfillment of those prayers.
Never underestimate the power of persistent prayer. A prayer offered in faith is never wasted before God.
Living the Gospel
Though Shirlee’s mother remained an atheist for much of her life and refused to acknowledge the pain she had caused, Shirlee chose a different path. She chose to live out this well-known statement by Francis of Assisi:
“Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”
Shirlee demonstrated the love of Christ through patience, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. Over time, God began redeeming their relationship.
And in the final chapter of her mother’s life, something miraculous happened.
Her mother gave her heart to Jesus. She repented. She sought reconciliation with her family. The very woman who had once rejected God encountered His mercy before the end.
What a picture of redemption!
God answered the prayers of a grandmother long gone from this earth. He restored relationship. He brought salvation. He turned ashes into beauty.
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
Maybe today you are carrying ashes of your own- grief, disappointment, betrayal, family pain, unanswered prayers, or years of waiting. God sees you and beauty is coming.
Discussion Questions:
- Shirlee surrendered her pain and chose forgiveness. How can bitterness prevent healing and restoration in our lives?
- Shirlee’s grandmother prayed for 60 years without seeing the answer in her lifetime. Why is it important to trust God even when we cannot yet see the outcome?
- Is there someone you feel led to pray for consistently, even if change seems impossible?
Application Questions:
- What areas of your life are you still trusting God to redeem?