Staff Blog from Abby Johnson
WHC Program Coordinator
This October, I will celebrate two years working at The WellHouse. During my time here, I have had the opportunity to work in a few different areas. For the majority, I have had the honor of working with WellHouse Child, our children’s program, serving female survivors ranging from 11-17 years old.
I serve as the Program Coordinator, and it’s the best! To celebrate two years working at The WellHouse, I thought I would share what I’ve learned about God through my work with survivors.
One of my favorite things about working here are the Chapel services we have once a month. They are always so powerful. I’ve been a part of hundreds of worship services, yet it feels like the presence of Jesus is tangible in a very special way during these times of worship. It’s a particular feeling that had me wondering why I felt the exact same way each time the Chapel music began to play.
During our January Chapel service, the Holy Spirit whispered to me to answer my curious heart. He said, “Abby, the glory falls thick and powerful in a space like this because a desperate sinner meets a merciful Savior.”
I thought about this statement for a while and came to this conclusion: Jesus’ mercy towards us is never changing. He is always eager to display His mercy towards us. It is our own inability to recognize our desperation for a savior, that limits the glory outpouring in our lives.
This is something that the residents at The WellHouse display so beautifully. It teaches me and convicts me every day.
Residents at The WellHouse have walked through unimaginable tragedy and trauma. Of course they are sinners, as we all are, but they have not allowed this to harden their hearts! Instead, they desperately cry out for glory, as they come to know the only One who can truly heal them.
They beautifully humble themselves to be exalted by Him. Their worship is the most beautiful sound!
One of our girls at WellHouse Child has Psalm 30:1-5, 8-12 hung up on her wall.
“1 I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.
Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
To you, LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
“What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.”
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.”
I pray that we would all become more like the residents at The WellHouse! Those who are not afraid of their desperation, but those who embrace it. It is in that risky space where sinner meets Savior, and the glory falls thick and powerful indeed!