Caring for Women
Angela MillerWomen’s Support
I have been a part of Mid-Valley Fellowship since 2008. I joined the team as a co-leader for Taking Back Ground, and then joined the Staff in 2011. I offer support to women through support groups and individual counseling.
Over the past several years, it has been a great privilege to walk alongside women on their journey with God. I often describe the role I play in their journeys as a “travel companion.” God has them on a healing journey and He decides what it will look like. The role I play in cludes listening, praying, speaking truth, encouraging and cheering on, giving space for grieving and feeling, and accepting and loving! This role can be challenging at times as it’s a difficult thing to hear the deep hurts another has experienced.
I’m not really one to collect things. I like simplicity. Clutter overwhelms me. So, it’s somewhat of a surprise that I have begun a very small collection in the past few years. I don’t know if you are familiar with Willow Tree figurines, but I now own three.
Over the past several years, it has been a great privilege to walk alongside women on their journey with God. I often describe the role I play in their journeys as a “travel companion.” God has them on a healing journey and He decides what it will look like. The role I play in cludes listening, praying, speaking truth, encouraging and cheering on, giving space for grieving and feeling, and accepting and loving! This role can be challenging at times as it’s a difficult thing to hear the deep hurts another has experienced.
I’m not really one to collect things. I like simplicity. Clutter overwhelms me. So, it’s somewhat of a surprise that I have begun a very small collection in the past few years. I don’t know if you are familiar with Willow Tree figurines, but I now own three.
The Lord God has put his Spirit in me,
because the LORD has appointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort those whose hearts are broken, to tell captives they are free, and to tell the prisoners they
are released.
Isaiah 61:1
I received the first one as a gift from some friends when my husband, Scott, had his ordination service for the Pastorate. It was given to me with this explanation: “This figurine reminds us of the way God has created you to care for people’s hearts.” On the figurine, the angel is holding a bird very tenderly (pictured at right). This gift meant a great deal to me because I feel very strongly that God has purposed my life to care for hurting and struggling women. I have this figurine on my desk next to a verse that also is a picture of the calling God has on my life. Isaiah 61:1 has become one of my life verses. “The Lord God has put his Spirit in me, because the LORD has ap pointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort those whose hearts are broken, to tell captives they are free, and to tell the prisoners they are released.”
I know those are the words written by the prophet Isaiah as God spoke them to him. The words ring true for me as I have experienced God using me to comfort the brokenhearted and to speak God’s truth into the lives of women. I count it a privilege over these past 7 years to be a part of the healing work God is doing in women’s lives. I often am in awe that He chooses to use me to help direct others to Himself - the great Healer. I step into obedience with a great knowing of my need for the Spirit of God to show up, and He always does.
This past Christmas, I received another figurine. On it, the angel has arms outstretched. To me, it looks as if she is celebrating great freedom. This is a powerful picture to me of God’s heart and desire for all who come to MVF for support. He wants to free people to be the men and women He has created them to be. Lots of things occur in life that can trap and cripple individuals. That is not the end of their story if they are willing to allow God to restore to them what was lost.
I am encouraged when I hear women thank me for listening, praying, and speaking God’s truth to them. I am most excited to hear women say, “thank you for pointing me to Jesus.” This is my heart’s desire every time I meet with a woman. Honestly, I don’t have much for anyone, apart from God working through me, so when I get the satisfaction of knowing I have pointed anyone to the only One that can give them what they need, it is a truly great thing.
I know those are the words written by the prophet Isaiah as God spoke them to him. The words ring true for me as I have experienced God using me to comfort the brokenhearted and to speak God’s truth into the lives of women. I count it a privilege over these past 7 years to be a part of the healing work God is doing in women’s lives. I often am in awe that He chooses to use me to help direct others to Himself - the great Healer. I step into obedience with a great knowing of my need for the Spirit of God to show up, and He always does.
This past Christmas, I received another figurine. On it, the angel has arms outstretched. To me, it looks as if she is celebrating great freedom. This is a powerful picture to me of God’s heart and desire for all who come to MVF for support. He wants to free people to be the men and women He has created them to be. Lots of things occur in life that can trap and cripple individuals. That is not the end of their story if they are willing to allow God to restore to them what was lost.
I am encouraged when I hear women thank me for listening, praying, and speaking God’s truth to them. I am most excited to hear women say, “thank you for pointing me to Jesus.” This is my heart’s desire every time I meet with a woman. Honestly, I don’t have much for anyone, apart from God working through me, so when I get the satisfaction of knowing I have pointed anyone to the only One that can give them what they need, it is a truly great thing.
April 2015
So brush off any dust and dirt; rise, take your place of honor, Jerusalem. Loose the chains from your neck and raise your head in freedom, captive children of Zion.
Isaiah 52:2
Isaiah 52:2
Women's Ministry Office