February 2019

f e b r u a r y

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Kelsi Deel as

GOD’S PERFECT LOVE STORY LOVING MYSELF

CHECKLIST

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This new year has certainly brought some change to us.

Sarah and her family have relocated, and Morgan moved homes. We are both embarking on this journey of making a new space. Ever heard of DIY? Well, let’s just say it’s something both of us moms on a budget like to do. You get something rusty and used, strip it down, and make it beautiful again. We have really felt God speaking to us during these DIY projects. He’s been gently reminding us that even when we go through a rusty season that leaves us feeling dried up and used, He wants to tear away everything that doesn’t belong and make us new again.

God wants to restore us to beautiful again.

We encourage you this month as you read this, to allow yourself to be God’s DIY. Take time to sit back and reflect on yourself. What do you need God to strip away, where do you need some “fixing up” and will you allow God to make all things new in your life?

Morgan Kawakami & Sarah Wilson Uncommon Girl Magazine Co-founders

contents february 2019

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LOVING MYSELF CHECKLIST YOU DESERVE TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL AND CONFIDENT TODAY & EVERY DAY!

UNCOMMON THREADS MEET KATIE HERRON FASHION BLOGGER AND FOUNDER OF VELVET CHAPEL BOUTIQUE. JONNA MCGILL GET TO KNOW OUR WRITING TEAM! JONNA SHARES HER FAVORITE THINGS.

UNCOMMON GIRL: KELSI DEEL MEET KELSI AND HEAR HER HEART BEHIND CITY OF REFUGE AND HOUSE OF CHERITH. UNCOMMON NOTES LETTERS FROM OUR READERS AND A RESPONSE FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE TOO.

WWW.UNCOMMONGIRLMAG.COM

Let’s face it. In an Instagram driven world, we can all be pretty hard on ourselves. In honor of Love month, take a few moments to shut down the gram and treat yourself to some self-love! You deserve to feel beautiful and be confident. not just Today, but every day!

Love the body God gave you Look in the mirror. What are your first thoughts? Are they positive or negative? Do you find that you tend to focus more on your flaws than you do the good? Take another look. This time look through the eyes of confidence. You look good, girl! Name one thing you love about your body!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Love your mind Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m so stupid,” or, “Man, I am so forgetful!” STOP! If you wouldn’t let someone else talk to you that way, then don’t allow those thoughts to run free in your mind! Put on the mind of Christ. He created you and He loves you! Today, every time a negative thought tries to sneak its’ way in, speak out loud the opposite!

I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly. Philippians 4:8

Love your space Look around your room. Does it feel comfortable? Clearing the mess and creating a space you love can change your day! Tidy up that corner of the room where you throw your dirty laundry. Maybe it’s time for some new curtains. You don’t have to spend money.

Simply make one small change to your space today that will make it feel clean, bright and new!

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Love your wardrobe Take a look in your closet. Is it loaded with pieces you love and feel good about yourself in? Do you find it cluttered with old, worn out pieces that make you feel uncomfortable? Trash them! Sometimes less is more. It’s better to have a few quality pieces that make you feel beautiful than a cluttered closet that makes you feel overwhelmed.

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Colossians 3:12-14

Love your friendships How do you feel about the relationships in your life? Are they adding value to your life or causing you heartache? If they’re not making you better, it might be time for a friendship re-evaluation. Side note: No mean girls here! Distancing yourself from an unhealthy relationship does not mean you need to be hurtful. Pray and ask God how He would have you handle the situation. Sometimes simply having a heart-to-heart chat with that friend can open their eyes to things they didn’t even realize were going on.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Love youR dreams If you could do anything in life, what would that be? Make a list of some dreams and goals. Do you believe that the things on your list could be reality? If so, what are you doing now to work towards your goals? If you feel like you’re constantly telling yourself you can’t, you will not. Change your lingo. Hard work and a “can do” attitude will go a long way in making your dreams a reality!

Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Colossians 3:23-25

Devotionals FOR AN UNCOMMON GIRL

W R I T T E N B Y: M O R G A N K AWA K A M I

THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR ME Today’s Verse: 1 John 3:1 “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it— we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.”

Growing up as a young child, I loved Valentine’s Day. My mom used to always get us little goody bags and such, along with my annual pairs of toe socks! Somehow, I also found it as an opportunity to get to ask for something I wanted. What child doesn’t like gifts?

My love for Valentine’s Day came to a halt when I entered high school and realized this holiday was reserved for boyfriends and girlfriends to bring gifts for one another. Looking back now I think how funny it was - who wants to carry around a giant bear or flowers all day anyway?

One Valentine’s Day, I found myself very surprised when my dad sent some goodies and balloons to me at school. At first, I was so embarrassed! My name was called over the classroom speaker, “Morgan Wilson, please come to the front office,” then, there I was carrying my gifts all around school. Balloons! Really Dad, where am I going to put these balloons all day?! I get so tickled even as I write this. Anyway, on top of all of that, I had to tell people who asked, “No. They aren’t from my boyfriend. They’re from my dad.”

1 John 3:1 says, “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it— we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.” On that February 14th, years ago, my dad was showing me a marvelous love by lavishing gifts on me. He was telling everyone, “Hey, this is my baby girl. I love her so much, and I want everyone to know.” I wish I could go back in time and be so proud to openly receive the public affection and love from my earthly father. Obviously, I can’t. But, isn’t it a wonderful fact to know that the most outstanding father there ever will be, loves us and calls us His daughters?

This Valentine’s Day, let’s focus on the marvelous love our Heavenly Father has extended to us. Let’s take our eyes off of the gifts, who got who what, and receive the greatest love of all.

God’s love. creation!

Today’s Prayer: God, help me to receive your love. Give me strength to get through each day, during a month where I may feel lonely. I know who I am. I am your daughter.

GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND THINK ABOUT IT, WRITE ABOUT IT: Write about a time when you truly felt God’s love in your life.

What happened, and how were you feeling?

UNCOMMON notes LETTERS FROM OUR READERS BIBLICAL ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS WALKED IN YOUR SHOES

W R I T T E N B Y: C H R I S T I N A S T A F F O R D

“I’M CONFIDENT, OUTGOING, AND FRIENDLY, BUT I OFTEN FIND MYSELF STRUGGLING WITH MY WEIGHT (EVEN IF I’M NOT OVERWEIGHT AT ALL) AND PHYSICAL SELF IMAGE. I KNOW, I KNOW, ‘FIND YOUR WORTH IN CHRIST’ AND ‘INNER BEAUTY,’ BUT AS EASY AS THOSE STATEMENTS ARE TO SAY, THEY ARE OFTEN HARD TO LIVE OUT. ANY IDEAS FOR HOW I COULD APPLY THESE SAYINGS RATHER THAN JUST TELLING THEM TO MYSELF EVERYDAY? S U B M I T T E D B Y: @ W O R D _ A N D _ S U N S H I N E Self worth and self confidence. The struggle I think every girl has faced at one point or another. Like you, I too am outgoing and have still faced the reality of looking in the mirror and feeling insecure or unhappy with what I see. If I’m being completely honest, no amount of words from me or telling yourself to “find your worth in Christ” is gonna be effective. Why? Because it doesn’t matter what I say or what you say to yourself or what the internet’s standards have to say. The only thing that matters is what HE says about you and if you’re willing to believe it. There’s no real way to “apply” these sayings, but you can live out the Word and walk in the truth it lays out about who you were created to be. God wasted no time on you, sis. He specially crafted you. It may take some time to walk in that confidence on

the daily, but take the time to read what God has to say about you. In those moments when you struggle, don’t be afraid to get frustrated with God. He can take it.

Reality check, He already knows your heart, so it’s nothing He doesn’t already know. But by pouring it out to Him, you’re allowing God the space and time to respond and exchange your thoughts and feelings with His truth. I challenge you now, take time to tell God how you feel and what it is you aren’t satisfied with about yourself. Wait and see how He responds.

“I am chosen, not forsaken.

I am who You say I am.”

(Who You Say I Am, Hillsong Worship) Your Sister, Christina Joy

A behind the scenes look at Katie Herron. Founder of Velvet Chapel boutique.

I N T E R V I E W E D B Y: S A R A H W I L S O N When did you start fashion blogging/social media, and what was your motivation for getting started?

I grew up a tomboy in Louisiana with three brothers, so I can’t say that I have always had a LOVE for fashion, but I was thirteen when I started to have ‘some’ interest. Which I am sure scared my Dad to death when I came out of my room one day to go to a school dance with makeup on and a cute outfit. (haha) Since then I have loved creating unique outfits, layering, and the versatility that clothes can have. It’s always so fun to dress up and feel good in the items that you have chosen for that day. An outfit can totally change your feel, attitude, and self-confidence. Ever since my teen years I have always wanted to own a boutique by the beach. Although I never lived at the beach, it was just something I saw in my mind but always felt like it was in the FAR FAR distance.

Years later, my husband and I moved to South Florida and suddenly the reality of having a boutique near the beach became a dream that seemed more attainable, even though it still felt very distant. Two years ago I decided on a name that I loved and we decided to go ahead and buy the domain for it. A year later multiple people from my church started speaking life into a dream they knew nothing about and finally I said, “why not?” Thats the day Velvet Chapel became a reality.

Where does your style inspiration come from?

Ever since the Lord stepped into my life when I was 17, I have tried to dress modestly while still remaining fashionable. I also love muted neutral colors. At this time in my life, you never know when that could change. So, right now I really am driven to inspire women to clothe themselves in a way that they feel they are honoring the Lord. Which is where the name Velvet Chapel comes from, it means a smooth place to worship, and I desire all women to be able to worship God in what they wear.

What have been your keys to success?

1. Honoring God and giving back 2. Having fun 3. Connecting with other people that have the same values or goals.

Who is your primary audience, and what do you think keeps them coming back to your account?

Our primary audience is our faith-based women, breastfeeding mothers (since I try to get many pieces that will work for this), and working moms. I think women love the fact that when shopping with us they are able to support a family, a dream, and give back to the community. It helps that we have amazing brands, that are great quality too!

Continued on page 12

I desire all women to be able to worship God in what they wear.

Do you see yourself as an “influencer,” and if so, what does that mean to you?

I do not really see myself as an influencer since my personal page isn’t really geared towards that. In my ‘real life’ social settings I would say yes. I wish I was better about it on social media, but lets just be honest... running a non-profit, a for-profit, homeschooling an almost four year old, and helping with a new church plant is a lot! It makes it hard to do much else. But in my real life social settings I feel like I do a really good job of talking to others about modesty, thus hopefully influencing them to make better day to day choices in their attire to honor God. Right after I received Christ into my heart I was still learning so much about honoring myself. I had a few people pull me aside and teach me about modesty. My eyes were immediately opened to what I had never seen before. It was truly like a veil had been lifted. I hope to in turn lift that veil for other women out there who have learned their fashion and worth from the world.

If you were to give someone advice who is thinking about getting into social media and the world of influencing, what would it be?

How about fashion blogging?

I would say find some bloggers in your local area or some that have the same general goals as you and bounce ideas off of each other, network, see if there are blogging events to go to...etc. Here is West Palm Beach our local bloggers host a monthly blogger event in which they get a local business to donate products or serves in return for reviews and posts about the product. These events are so fun and have connected me with some really awesome women!

General words of wisdom you live by?

I really don’t have any general words of wisdom that I live by. I am a firm believer in keeping your word and not being easily offended. I also love to read over Proverbs 31 and push myself daily to line up with the words in that verse.

Favorite quote?

‘Don’t be an idiot’ changed my life. Whenever I´m about to do something I think: ‘Would an idiot do that?’ and if they would, I do not do that thing. - Dwight K Schrute Tell me about a time when you really impacted someone’s life with your social media. What was the result?

So I mentioned earlier that I run a Non-profit as well, its called ‘Eve’s Victory’ and we send free care packages all over the US to women who have experienced a pre-term birth, NICU or PICU stay, or have lost a child whether through miscarriage, SIDS, stillbirth, or any other type of fetal demise. Having this platform and sharing my own personal stories of pre-term birth and miscarriage has given me the opportunity to pour into so many families lives with an encouraging word, a prayer, or a care package. Sharing my story was so scary and nerve wracking, but the end result of seeing women and families have hope and their faith restored has been a wonderful blessing.

Even in the midst of it all, God is good. Don’t hesitate to share your testimony, or talk to someone that has come out on the other side of where you are. That’s where supernatural healing can occur.

Ever since the Lord stepped into my life when I was 17, I have tried to dress modestly while still remaining fashionable.

Devotionals FOR AN UNCOMMON GIRL

W R I T T E N B Y: M O R G A N K AWA K A M I

IT’S JUST HOW GOD MADE ME Today’s Verse: Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

As girls, it seems we are always trying to keep up with what is, “in”. The newest clothing style, the latest makeup, hairdos; what everyone else is doing is usually what we want. I think this starts around middle school, and from what I can see, I am in my twenties and I still struggle from time to time! Growing up, my hair was curly and brown, I wanted straight and blonde. My eyes were perfect, I wanted glasses. I had clothes from Hollister, but wanted Abercrombie. The list always went on and on, and I constantly found myself living in a state of comparison.

I remember stumbling upon this verse one day, Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” When I read those words, it was like sun hitting my face for the first time. I found true comfort and rest in them. I was able to relax for once and really soak up the Word of God telling me, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Anytime I would find myself comparing or feeling less than, I would recite this verse.

Anytime I would look in the mirror and out of habit begin to pick out all the things I didn’t like, I would feel His gentle voice telling me, “You are wonderfully made. You are My workmanship, and you are beautiful.”

You are just that - wonderful and beautiful. His words declare it, and His words are unchangeable. The next time you feel yourself comparing, or find yourself feeling down about your looks, I challenge you to stand in front of the mirror and declare this verse over you.

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Today’s Prayer: God, please forgive me for living a life of comparison and being unhappy with myself. Help me to see who You have made me to be. Help me to know I am a part of Your works, and that You declare I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND THINK ABOUT IT, WRITE ABOUT IT: Take some time to reflect on this verse. Instead of focusing on the things you don’t like, write down all the things you love about yourself. Take a minute to be proud of who you are, and who God has made you.

Jonna McGill is on the permanent writing team for Uncommon Girl Magazine.

Aside from being a rock-star writer, she also holds the title of girl boss, pastor’s wife and mom of two!

Enjoy getting to know her!

Why did you want to write for Uncommon Girl Magazine?

Sometimes we do things just to do them. Other times we do things and think, wow, this is what I was meant to do. Writing is that for me. It has been my biggest passion as well as my biggest fear. The passion has been so intense that I didn’t know where to start and didn’t want to start too prematurely. Almost like I was waiting for the right time. Now, with the platform of Uncommon Girl Mag, I’m able to share the thoughts and words the pen of my heart has always been writing. I’m grateful for that. From an early age my heart has been tender towards teen girls. When you couple the two passions, it just doesn’t get much better. Knowing that thousands of girls will be provoked to think differently, to live better, and be inspired to change their world is so humbling. That’s exactly what UCGM is going to do and the timing has never been so right!

When I first connected with the magazine I couldn’t contain my excitement. I just knew that I had to be a part of this adventure. I told the editors I was going to involve myself in any way possible because I could feel deep down that this was going to be big.

If you want to feel like you’re making a difference, do something bigger than yourself! That’s exactly what I’m planning on!

You can check out Jonna on social @jonnamcgill

THESE ARE A FEW

OF MY FAVORITE THINGS Favorite Places to Shop: Local: Rivercity Apparel [Downtown Chattanooga]

Online: Cotton•On

[I order my leggings from here.]

Basic: Target

Favorite Makeup:

Younique Epic Mascara

[Not only does it add length, but it curls your lashes without having to use a scary eyelash curler!]

Available at: youniqueproducts.com/ jonnamcgill

Favorite Skincare:

Eden’s Garden Skincare Essential Oils Set Available at: edensgarden.com

Favorite Snack: Popcorn!

[I love the flavor shakers you can buy; white cheddar, kettle corn, etc.]

Devotionals FOR AN UNCOMMON GIRL

W R I T T E N B Y: M O R G A N K AWA K A M I

NO MORE LONELINESS Today’s Verse: Isaiah 40:11 “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.”

Have you ever watched a little kid get hurt? First comes the fall, then the inevitable cry, and then the mother or father sweeps in to pick them up, hold them, and comfort them until the moment passes. Not that I love children getting hurt by any means, but I love seeing the complete trust and peace to a child that their parent brings.

There was a season in my life, actually last February, when I was walking through a time of loneliness. Even if I were around people, I still felt so uncomfortable and just overwhelming loneliness. I hated to be physically alone, and any moment that was filled with quiet, I would make every effort to either be on the phone, texting, or watching YouTube. A friend of mine asked me, “Hey! Have you ever heard of the Father’s Love Letter?” She continued to tell me about this letter someone gave her and ended up giving it to me.

I came across the verse which read, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart,” Isaiah 40:11. Talk about the baby-blubbering tears. No, I did not fall, but in that moment all I wanted to do was run to my mom and have her hold me while I cried. I began to feel that blanket of loneliness lift. I found joy in knowing that I am considered His lamb, and He carries me close. In that moment, I was the fallen child, and He was my Father.

In a society that is full of social media and constant business, it’s hard to believe that anyone can feel alone. But I did, and maybe you do too, or know someone who does. I hope you are able to find comfort in this verse. You are not alone, and He is carrying you close to His heart.

Today’s Prayer: God, please help me when I am lonely. Allow my ears to tune into You and Your words which tell me that You are carrying me close to Your heart.

I want to always stay close to Your heart.

GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND THINK ABOUT IT, WRITE ABOUT IT: Have you been lonely lately, or know of someone who is? Write about that loneliness and why you have felt that way. I challenge you to tell someone about it, and together, find more scriptures along with Isaiah 40:11 to combat that loneliness. Write those scriptures down. Maybe even find the courage to post some of the versus on social media.

W R I T T E N B Y: M O R G A N K AWA K A M I

There are moments where God works instantaneously, and others where it is a process.

The process may not be perfect or easy, but God will show up in the waiting.

Love at first sight is a saying some may find to be cliche, but it was not far from a reality for Kyle, 26 at the time, and Marion, 24. “I was living in Guatemala, helping my mom run her business. I started volunteering at a girls’ home with some missionary friends when they showed me a film Kyle made. They thought it would be a good idea if we met. The night I watched the film he added me on Facebook and said, “I don’t know you, but someone told me I should,” and that was the beginning of an amazing journey. We talked on Skype for three weeks before we met in person. By the time we met that first day, everything just seemed to fit together. It was so fast, but I finally understood the saying, “when you know, you just know,” and there was no other way to explain it.

After four months of dating, the two were married, and Marion joined Kyle in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they still currently reside.

The two of them continue to run a ministry together called Far-Flung Tin Can. One of the very films that brought them together is still a film that continues to reach many and spread the Gospel.

Before Kyle and Marion found each other, there were many moments for both of them where the idea of settling became the norm.

“I’m so glad I didn’t settle. I had an idea of what I thought my life was going to look like, and that’s all I looked for my entire life. It wasn’t until I very painfully surrendered my plans to God and let go, that Kyle came into the picture.

It wasn’t easy at first. It took time. I had to heal from past relationships which felt lonely at first. In the end, I was determined to find the kind of love I knew I deserved as a daughter of God.” Despite what the world says about love and what many read online, true genuine love from God still exists. He is still known for His impeccable timing. There are moments where God works instantaneously, and others where it is a process. The process may not be perfect or easy, but God will show up in the waiting.

Sometimes it’s not Him we are waiting on, He is waiting on us. Waiting for that surrender, that submission of our will for His will. “I’m so glad I surrendered it all, and found Kyle. I remember feeling like I was living a dream, and he’s my dream come true.”

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO SURRENDER EVERY SINGLE DREAM, PLAN, AND HOPE AT GOD’S FEET? HOW CAN I WILLINGLY TRUST THAT GOD’S PLAN FOR MY FUTURE IS ONE THAT I WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE? S U B M I T T E D B Y: @ T E E N C H R I S T I A N L I V I N G Trust isn’t something that comes very naturally for us human beings. That is, until we establish a relationship with someone. Have you ever shared your deepest secrets with a person you just met? Or maybe ask a complete stranger to hold your purse while you run to the restroom? NO (Or at least I’d hope not)! In the same way, it’s only natural for us to have a hard time surrendering our plans and dreams and trusting a God who we don’t spend time getting to know.

It’s okay to be hesitant at first, but allow your faith to be stretched. When you truly prioritize God’s Word and presence is when you’ll come to know His nature and character. You come to know the goodness of God that we see throughout scripture.

Romans 28:8 says, “ALL things work together for the GOOD of those who LOVE Him.” Learn to love Him. Learn to trust Him. The whole Bible is strung with stories and testimonies of followers who laid everything at God’s feet and watched

Him move in ways beyond anything they could imagine. Once you know how GOOD your God is, there’s no doubting that what He has for you will be GOOD as well.

I always think of Mary, Jesus’s mother.

I think of how young she was and how many hopes and dreams she must’ve had roaming her heart and mind until the day an angel interrupted it all to tell her she was chosen to birth the Savior.

Then and there, she willingly accepted.

Sis, God has chosen you. Just like Mary, you can say, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

That’s not to say the journey won’t come with trials and hardships. I mean, Mary had to watch her son die the worst death imaginable, but she also got to birth and raised the Messiah. Right now, you have the choice to lay it all at His feet and watch how God unfolds His plan. Be a Mary today. I guarantee it’ll blow your mind and far exceed whatever you imagined for yourself!

Your Sister, Christina Joy

Devotionals FOR AN UNCOMMON GIRL

W R I T T E N B Y: M O R G A N K AWA K A M I

EVERLASTING LOVE Today’s Verse: Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Everlasting. Everlasting means eternal. Sometimes I sit around and try to imagine what eternity looks and feels like. I cannot wrap my head around what something must feel like that never ends. On the flip side, I can think of many situations where I think, “Whew! I’m glad that’s over!”

In Jeremiah 31:3 God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” God literally tells us He has, and is, going to love us forever. Everlasting is eternal. It doesn’t matter what mistakes we’ve made, or continue to make, His love is everlasting. Despite all the places we may try to find love again and again, His will never change, and it is always there.

I encourage you to fall into God’s love. Instead of searching for it in boyfriends, best friends, or hobbies, let’s pursue the love that never fails, and that has always been there for us. God’s everlasting love.

Today’s Prayer: God, please help me to stop searching for love in _____________. I want to find love in You. Give me strength when I am weak and feel pressured to search for false love. Help me to remember Yours is everlasting, and is always available to me.

GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND THINK ABOUT IT, WRITE ABOUT IT: Have you ever searched for love in the wrong places?

Take a minute to reflect and write about those times.

How did they leave you feeling?

What are some ways that you can pursue God’s love for you instead?

W R I T T E N B Y: J O N N A M C G I L L

Kelsi Deel as

CAN

you imagine uprooting your somewhat normal, comfortable secure life, and moving into an old church that was ready to have its’ doors locked and shut down? Might I add, the church would be on one of the worst blocks in the downtown Atlanta area, with a very high crime rate.

I didn’t think so! But, that’s exactly what Kelsi Deel and her family did a little over twenty years ago when the City of Refuge came to life on the 1300 block of Atlanta, Georgia, the city’s most dangerous streets.

Kelsi

and her four sisters, along with their parents, were called upon to shut down a dying church twenty-one years ago. During one of the services, a local prostitute attended and found hope through Jesus Christ! The next Sunday, she brought one of her former clients and he found Jesus too! The momentum continued and what the Deel family found was not the death of a church in this forsaken community, rather, the birth of a new ministry. Since then, thousands of lives once in turmoil are now being changed and the community forever impacted by the greater good.

be counted out, have been able to find freedom and life through the House of Cherith. This home is a partner organization of the City of Refuge, which is designed to loose women and children from the violent world of sex-trafficking. It’s a safe house and a transitional home, the heartbeat of Kelsi Deel.

When

Kelsi came to the area she was only five-years-old, but it wasn’t until she was thirteen that she knew in her heart her purpose was to help victims of sex trafficking. One day, when a particular lady came through their ministry, she shared her story with Kelsi. In that moment of her telling about her life, Kelsi knew exactly what she was supposed to do. That’s sometimes how it happens. You connect with a mission, your heart skips a beat, or your stomach swells with excitement when you’re around that thing or opportunity that you know you’re meant to do. Kelsi couldn’t shake that feeling. She began taking trainings and acquiring certifications to be able to help women, all while fulfilling her destiny at the same time.

Aside

from HOC, Kelsi would like to open up another department of the the program called HOC Mommy and Me. Women come in with children and separating them is not something anyone wants to see happen. When speaking with Kelsi about this, her excitement that filled the room was palpable. Her plans for the future are immeasurable, and she is fearlessly forging the path of freedom and hope in her community.

Kelsi

It’s

amazing how God uses the most unsuspecting people and situations to do something so spectacular! When something or someone is barely hanging on, that is really the most provoking moment for God to work. And work he did. Through Kelsi and her dedication to working God’s plan, countless women who would otherwise

is a prime example of a teenage girl who followed the dream God placed in her heart, and is now impacting generations to come. It started just by being present, allowing herself to see the hurt in others and realizing she could do something about it. She recognized a need, relied on God, and was ready to take on even the most challenging of problems our world faces. House of Cherith didn’t happen over night, your Godsized dream won’t either, but you can start laying the groundwork now. Kelsi gives all the glory to Father God, as she wouldn’t be able to do any of this without Him.

All About House of Cherith There

are three phases to the HOC, the first one being the Safe House. This is where we bridge the gap between the rescue point and the recovery point. It can last anywhere between thirty to forty-five days. We find out the goals and needs of the individual and find a plan to accommodate them. In this phase of the program women also start working on substance abuse. Many of the women struggle with substance abuse and prostitution is a means of supporting that habit.

Phase

two is our long-term program lasting anywhere from a year to a year and a half. Everything is individualized, however, some women take less time while others need more time. In this period ladies attend classes to strengthen their development. Classes like budget and finance, anger management,

relapse prevention, etc. They also have physical fitness time. They are given the chance to learn life skills like sewing, gardening, and meal planning.

The

transitional home is the final phase at House of Cherith. (Let me add, the homes are beautiful, think the beloved, Joanna Gaines!)

This is where we wean them off program dependance and ease them into an individual in society. We try to provide them with transportation because the bus system is honestly a place of relapse and trafficking. They can move into the transitional home once they have secured employment. They get their phones back and begin to pay for things such as medications. They receive more freedom, but also receive more responsibility. The goal is self-sufficiency.

falling in love with house of cherith I

COULD NOT GET ENOUGH of the love and perspective Kelsi and the other ladies shared with us during our visit. The love of God, due to the work being done in their lives, radiated on their faces. It was amazing to hear and see the community impact taking place in this treacherous area of Atlanta. Upon arrival, I was somewhat anxious being in this zip code.

I mean, I know how to use Google, I wasn’t ignorant of the danger! The funny thing is, after leaving, I didn’t seem to see the city in that light anymore. I was able to see the good being done.

I

loved talking to Kelsi about HOC and their physical fitness program. She said they offer physical fitness courses because, “If you’re more confident in your body you will respect your body more and demand that same respect from others.” Kelsi isn’t simply rescuing girls

and fixing them immediately, she’s working toward step-by-step healing. It’s a process that involves heart, relentless effort, and a calling.

The bible studies and on site recovery options (think art, pet therapy, group therapy) all aide in breaking the bondage that once enslaved “God’s Princesses,” as Kelsi likes to call them.

At

the end of our visit, Kelsi made an impact on me personally when she said, “It’s ok to not be ok. That’s something Christian girls don’t understand.” She has a point. We have to keep it together, especially with our Instagram game, right?! What if we all believed differently though? It’s okay to not be okay all the time, and there is a community of girls to help. When you reach out, others reach back! Hope is out there and others are waiting for it.

Devotionals FOR AN UNCOMMON GIRL

W R I T T E N B Y: M O R G A N K AWA K A M I

THE NICE GIRL Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Remember the movie Mean Girls? This movie came out when I was in 8th grade. I seriously loved this movie. The summer before my 8th grade year, my family and I moved to Michigan.

I had a terribly hard time making friends after that move. I remember laying in my room and watching it over and over, laughing hysterically, since, let’s be real, I didn’t have any friends calling me on my green, chorded phone in my room.

I think ultimately I loved this movie so much, because during that time of no friends, I wanted to make friends and be popular so bad. Just like the girls in the movie, I wanted to walk by and make heads turn. After a couple months went by, I made friends. In fact, I had a lot of best friends, and I would even say I was in the “in crowd.”

Looking back though, I deeply regret that I don’t think any of my friends knew I was saved.

They new I was “the nice girl”. I was the good girl who didn’t want to do anything bad or get into trouble. I realize now, I was not living 1 Peter 4:8 which says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” My biggest regret, is that I didn’t do that to the friends who I really cared about. I didn’t love them deeply, because I didn’t care enough to share even a little bit about Jesus. On the flip side, I knew I was walking in forgiveness. There were many times I was hurt, but chose to forgive and move on. Loving deeply though, being bold about my faith and why I was “so nice”, I could never do it.

Sometimes now in my adult years I think, “Should I reach out to them and try now?” I don’t want you, the reader, to be like me. You have the greatest opportunity right now to walk out 1 Peter 4:8 and love your friends and family deeply. Learn to boldly share about your faith, and love as Jesus loved. Don’t just be the nice girl anymore. Be the nice girl who loves beyond failure, and share about the One who taught us a love everlasting.

Today’s Prayer: God, please help me to love deeply. I do not want to be ashamed of You, or my love for You. Increase my courage to love as You loved, and to forgive as You forgave.

GRAB YOUR JOURNAL AND THINK ABOUT IT, WRITE ABOUT IT: Have you ever shared your faith with any of your close friends?

Write about that time and how it went.

If you haven’t done that before, write about why.

What are your fears, what is holding you back?

*** If you want to learn more about the City of Refuge and House of Cherith you can visit their website at www.cityofrefugeatl.org or visit them on social media. They are always grateful for donations of all kinds, like duffle bags and suitcases. If you want to really get involved, be sure to check out Refuge Run 2019, where you can take part in influencing generations.

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in @uncommongirlmag