A Safe Place to Sleep
By Debby Haralson, Chief Operating Officer
I will never forget one of my first interactions at The WellHouse. It was my job to interview a woman who had recently joined our program.
My first question: Where did you live before coming to The WellHouse?
Her response: Behind the library.
My (naïve) follow up: Was it an apartment behind the library?
Her (patient) response: No, it was just behind the library. A few of us would set up tents and towels and sleep there.
She slept behind the library. I slept in a comfortable bed that night, but I remembered her.
Recently, I spoke with another woman who has been flourishing at The WellHouse for almost a year.
My question: What is one thing that The WellHouse should always have on hand when new women arrive?
Her answer: Shoes! I walked around in flip flops with holes in them for a year before I came to The WellHouse.
She walked around in shoes with holes in them for a year. When I put my shoes on to walk the dog this morning, I must admit, I thought of her.
The mission of The WellHouse is to honor God by providing rescue and opportunities for restoration to women who have been sexually exploited through human trafficking. All who love the women of The WellHouse wrestle with this call every day.
My Heart: Thank you, God, for her. Thank you for every woman who has made her way, against all odds, to The WellHouse.
My Mind: There are so many more victims of human trafficking! God’s children are sexually tortured, repeatedly, day after day. Where are they sleeping? Are there holes in their shoes too? Are they praying for help?
Conversations like these remind us that the battle against evil rages every night and every morning. I commit to serve and to give today because I believe that a safe place to sleep and shoes without holes are just the beginning of God’s unfathomable restoration.