WRITE: Devotionals, Out of the Dust: Unspeakable
Avis and Marti working together in Marti’s office.
When you look at Avis Goodhart’s life and ministry today, you might not guess that she, like many of the children she serves in Peru, has suffered the unspeakable.
Here’s another in our continuing series of devotionals taken from Out of the Dust: Story of an Unlikely Missionary, which will release November 1. Enjoy, and don’t forget to check out the links at the end. Keep watching for other Out of the Dust devotions all month.
Scripture Reading: Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8).
Thought: Even when things seem hopeless, we can cry out to God, our refuge.
Excerpt, Out of the Dust: During our early years, my sister Rada and I sometimes stayed with my maternal grandfather, two aunts, and an uncle. But for me, Pop’s comfortable home brought with it the unspeakable injury of sexual abuse.
Christmas this year looked different than ever before. We helped decorate the sparkling tree in the living room. Our aunts took us shopping, urging, “Don’t peek” as they smuggled in all sorts of mysterious gifts.
They also began talking about us staying to live with them full-time.
“When we go to court, make sure to tell the judge you want to live here,” Aunt Ruth urged. I didn’t want to hurt her, but the terrible secret locked inside me refused to go away.
One night during dinner, Uncle Jim looked at me, and I knew. No one else saw, no one else noticed – but I did. I couldn’t talk about it, didn’t know what to call it or why it was wrong, but I knew.
Leaving my mashed potatoes and gravy to grow cold, I jumped up and ran out the door. Leaping over the ditch, I darted into the fields behind the barn. I ran, and ran, and ran, unaware that my frantic aunts and uncle were searching for me.
The whole time I ran, I kept watching for Mom and Dad to come driving down the road. I know they’ll come. They’ll make everything all right.
Instead, only Aunt Alice came after what seemed like hours. She found me lying in the weeds, exhausted and hopeless. “Avis! Why would you want to run away?” she puffed. “We’re giving you and your sister such a good home. Come with me right now!”
When we got back to the house, all the adults seemed so upset. And they all had questions I couldn’t answer. All except Uncle Jim. He stayed quiet while the others talked to me about “responsibility” and “gratitude” and other big words I didn’t know.
I still couldn’t answer their questions. I just felt sad all the time. (Chapter 4)
Prayer: Jesus, we lift up the children today who are trapped in the unspeakable. Give them a safe person who will listen and act on their behalf. Make a way. Be their refuge.
Do you have a question, comment, or prayer request? Feel free to share it below or email me through the link at the top of the page. I’ll respond as soon as I can.
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Read about Avis Goodhart and Go Ye Ministries.
