Beauty from Ashes
There is a popular hiking destination dubbed “The White Cliffs of Conoy” along Lancaster’s Northwest Rail Trail that offers a stunning view of the Susquehanna River. An idyllic forest envelops the landmark, so visitors can enjoy the splendor of God’s creation in every direction. However, the 30-foot cliffs that jut out of the woods are made of remnants of limestone and dolomite deposits from a long-abandoned quarry. They are a stark reminder of the area’s industrial history. Many hikers have no idea that they are standing on industrial waste that piled up for decades. This lovely spot is a vivid and literal picture of how only God can give us beauty from ashes!
The beauty of God’s restorative work is also on display in the lives of our clients. When Lila started attending parenting classes, she was celebrating nine months of sobriety. She shared that she grew up going to church, but when her dad passed away, she rejected God.
Lila had attempted to numb the pain of grief with drugs and alcohol. Her addiction became a big part of her marriage dissolving. Layers of shame piled onto her heart, which led to a downward spiral of behavior that landed her in prison.
Reaching her lowest point, Lila called out to Jesus from her jail cell, and she felt Him lift her up from her despair. Since that time, she has been released from prison and has cleaned up her life.
First Peter 5:10 states, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Lila is not only grateful for the parenting lessons she is receiving at the center but also the feeling of belonging to a healthy community. How awesome to see God’s beauty from the ashes!