Spring is finally here! We at Safe Harbor are noticing the effects of spring through our flowers that are blooming in front of the house, our fountain in front of our gazebo running, and a freshly tilled area of our backyard that is awaiting vegetables to be planted in it.  But these changes aren’t the only ones being seen around the house,  there are changes going on in the inside at our Day Shelter as well.

Recently, a Beauty day was organized by our volunteer coordinator and day shelter director. Various hair stylists from the community arrived mid-morning with gear in hand to cut hair and make our ladies in the day shelter feel beautiful and changed on the outside! Our day shelter was temporarily transformed into a salon as chairs were lined up and mirrors propped up to assist our stylists. Representatives from Mary Kay were also here to do the ladies make up.

The ladies in the day shelter loved their fresh new haircuts and makeovers, and were very grateful to the stylists and make- up artists who volunteered their time and services that morning. The stylists also commented saying, they were so blessed by the time they had at Safe Harbor and loved being able to use their gifts and talents to serve the women of our day shelter.

We at Safe Harbor are excited to see what else this new season has in store for us! Welcome Spring!

Recently, I pulled into a parking lot to search for directions from my GPS.  It was dark, I was late for a meeting, and I was so grateful to see the little circle of light that “found” me and directed me to my destination.

Every day women walk through our doors searching for direction through some overwhelming situations.  They are in the dark, lost, confused, and scared.  Here are some comments from a woman in our Day Shelter:

“I have had to look to the Lord to ask him to guide me.  Sometimes I do not see the signs or chose not to acknowledge it.  When I feel like I am losing faith in life I turn to my family who guide me back.  With issues with bipolar and anxiety, I sometimes get off track with my life and faith.

With the help of Safe Harbor I have grown closer to God which has helped me see my direction better and you have all helped me to see that in the situation I’m in that I’m not alone in this and that to get back on track again, you all are here for support.  Thank you.” 

We all need a light to guide us on the right path.  Safe Harbor staff, donors, board and volunteers are happy to be here to point the way to Christ, and to offer hope along the way.

Occasionally, fairy tales and dreams really do come true…

At Safe Harbor, we get to witness the dreams of the women we serve change from the nightmares of dealing with their past into the very real hope that their lives can be restored and their families reunited and healed.

This Christmas, as throughout the year, our community has partnered with us to help these dreams come true.  Christmas gifts, cards, food, and financial gifts have poured into our home, and our walls have echoed with the laughter and joy of love – both receiving and giving.

These two little “princesses” are wearing their Christmas gifts while their mother, a resident of Safe Harbor’s Whole Woman program, is beginning to understand what it means to be a daughter of the King herself.

Meanwhile, for every person out there who wants to know if you can truly impact someone else’s life for good….Yes!  If you’re looking for a place to start, Safe Harbor could use your help, and you can partner with a whole community that is already making a difference for women, children, and families.

There is nothing quite so warming as the feeling of being home.  Even if it’s a welcome into someone else’s home at this time of year.  I just attended a party this weekend where the host and hostess had a warm fire going, hugs as we came in the door, a bounty of food, and a variety of hot beverages.  There were festive lights in every corner – inside and out, and the sound of laughter was everywhere.

As we approach the International Day of the Homeless – which is December 21 – let us contrast the timing of this memorial day with the day that comes 4 days later:  Christmas!  The 21st was chosen because it is the darkest day of the year and many homeless struggle more in the winter than in any other season.  Even the celebration of Christmas in our culture can bring further disappointment.  But the hope of Christ shines brightly, and we have much to offer those who feel hopeless, no matter their station in life.

Christ, the beautiful Rose of Sharon, bids us bloom, grow, and spread the truth of His joy and peace to our world “amid the cold of winter.”

Many thanks to all who have poured out their love and compassion on the women and children of Safe Harbor during this season.  May we all be challenged to go into the darkest corners we can find this week to shine the light and warmth of our King, in honor of His birth.

Our annual Celebrate the Harvest banquet was a tremendous success on so many levels!  If you missed it, please click on the YouTube icon on the right to view the video presented that evening – stories and comments from the women in our programs as well as from those who have been involved behind the scenes.

I am always amazed at the true generosity of others that is revealed at Christmas time.  I think those of us who are indwelt by Christ come the closest to exhibiting His character of love and good will at ths season more than any other.  So many people call Safe Harbor and other organizations working with those walking through difficult times wanting to know how to bless others during the holidays.

I believe I speak for most non-profits when I say that one of the best ways to help those in need at Christmas is to make sure they have access to needed services all year long.

One way you can do this is to make a gift to the charity of your choice at Christmas, and if you prefer, do it in the name of someone you wish to remember in a special way.

For a donation of $10 or more, you can give us the name and address of the person you’d like to honor, and we will send a special Christmas greeting along with a hand-made dove who carries the message of Peace and Joy from the women of Safe Harbor in his beak.  The dove is made from old Christmas cards and pages from hymnals, and is three – dimensional.

Click on “donate now” and make a comment in the appropriate section, and we’ll take care of the rest.  Or, you can always contact our office in other ways to let us know what you’d like to do.  Call us at 828-326-7233, email at info@safeharborrescuemission.org, or drop by our main office at 210 2nd St. SE, Hickory.

May you be filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and joy as you seek to step out of the stream of our culture and endeavor to cherish the wonder of Emmanuel – God with Us.