“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).

I heard a preacher once talk on this verse, and it gave me great hope!  He said that when he studied the Scripture more thoroughly it seemed to say that those things that brought us mourning would give us joy, and things that looked to be ashes, God would turn into beauty. I found this hopeful, but never realized how God could take my ashes and despair and transform them for His glory.

I have experienced much pain in my life...some due to my circumstances and some due to my own poor choices. I remember at one point in my life not wanting to tell others that I was a Christian because I thought that it would bring dishonor to God. The Lord showed me that He didn't need a "perfect-looking" being, someone who had it all together. Rather, He valued me as work in progress so that others could see His work in my life. 
As a mentor I have been able to share some of my experiences, pain and even mistakes with others. I have been able to pray, cry, share and care for others in a way that I never thought possible. It is amazing that even through e-mail there is a sense of God's plan and His love and care. My schedule is busy; I work full time and have a family to care for.  Often I have had little time for anything else and have felt like I've not had much to offer.  This ministry has given me opportunity to share God's love, His care and His plan with people -- to pray with them and love them. And it easily has worked into my busy home schedule. 
The support for volunteers in this ministry is tremendous...care, prayer and love are so very evident to me. 

I'm so grateful for this opportunity for God to make the ashes of my life into beauty.