Beauty for Ashes

Tonight at youth group, Brittney gave her testimony, and she gave it unashamedly. I'm so proud of her for having the courage and strength to stand up and not only tell her story, but also reveal how God has worked in her life. At age 18, she's been through more than most people go through in their whole lives, but she's sticking it to Satan by turning all of the mess into something beautiful: the revelation of a loving God. It was incredible. I'm so blessed to know her, and so proud of who she's becoming.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to... provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. -Isaiah 61:1;3-4