As we entered the small apartment with our arms filled with groceries for this widow and her children, we could feel the hopelessness she was feeling. This young Ethiopian Israeli had four sons from fourteen down to six months. Ilana was widowed by circumstance after her husband had beat her almost to death and now was in jail. She had lost a daughter and was still grieving. Being a new believer in Jesus as the Messiah she was trying to understand that God really did care about her situation in the midst of her heartache.

We came in and loved her as Peggy played the harp and the Lord's presence filled the room. As I held her she wept. I told her that it was a "Mama's hug" I was giving, in which she cried even more explaining that she had not had one in eighteen years! She was orphaned as well.

When we asked if there were any special prayer needs she had, she explained that her fourteen year old was the only believer in his school, making it very hard on him. We prayed for him and saw him as a leader God would use to touch many in Israel!

Ilana shared that her sister was very sick with cancer in the hospital. Not only did she want prayer for her, but she needed prayer also to be able to forgive her. Jesus so sweetly walked her through letting go of the pain and offense, freeing both her and her sister.

I cannot tell you of how the presence of the Lord filled the room! The baby that had been fussy calmed right down, and the two year old that had been crying, fell asleep in our arms as the harp continued to usher in His Shalom!

Ilana's last words to us as we left was, "I'm just flying, no words to say!"

We watched hopelessness lift as well as shame as His love made room for hope. Look at this special strategy: "Hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us." (Romans 5:5)

As we released the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, it lifted off shame and imparted hope! Maybe you also need that...Receive His love right now for your situation. If you are hanging onto unforgiveness or offense, let it go...simply let it go and trust the situation to God. It can be a bolder in your path stopping hope from coming that you so desperately need. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick"...and it is us that defers it many times if we hang onto junk others have done. Remember, hurting people hurt other people...they need to be healed too.

As Ilana forgave, light came to her countenance; she looked like a new woman! She was a new woman...lighter and happier...full of hope...and without shame.

As we piled into the van to deliver groceries to the next widow, an aroma filled the vehicle...the Lord was well pleased with us being His arms around Ilana and her children! We wept at the honor He had given us!