This is Rebecca.

Of Love, Marriage and Mercy.

By Musu Taylor-Lewis | Twitter: @mercycanada

Friends, who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved? -Solomon 8:5

WHO IS THIS?

This is Rebecca.

As a child: Sexually and physically abused, coerced into having an abortion, embraced promiscuity, heavy drinking and dropped out of school.

This is Rebecca.

As a teen: Brutally raped, she attempted suicide, placed a child for adoption, abused prescription drugs, resorted to self harm and turned her heart away from God.

This is Rebecca.

As a young woman: An unfaithful wife, pushed her husband away, couldn’t care for her children, developed an eating disorder and dismissed from work.

COMING UP FROM THE WILDERNESS.

This is the Rebecca who arrived at Mercy Ministries last September to seek healing. Angry, defiant, weak, defensive, numb and afraid to love.

Her husband Darryl had loved her through her rage, her inability to believe she could be loved, and her obsession with an eating disorder so severe that her heart was giving out.

Together and apart God arranged for their healing.

In the safe haven of Mercy, Rebecca revealed the sexual and physical abuse she had endured through her childhood for the first time, and found a place where she could let go of her shame and her guilt.

For Darryl, God provided a church community to surround him, love him and help him care for their young boys.

Together and apart they begin to a journey of faith and trust in the One who brings transformation.

Rebecca returned home from Mercy, with a new perspective, to a new community and a family united in gratitude to God.

This month, Rebecca and Darryl renewed their marriage vows in a simple ceremony, rich with meaning, and overflowing in love.

Together and apart they commit to live together in a marriage renewed by the love of The Father.

LEANING ON HER BELOVED

This is Rebecca today …

Bringing her abuser to justice, protecting others from abuse, encouraging others in pain, telling her story without shame.

This is Rebecca today …

Caring for her children, holding on to her healing, a part of community and worshipping her God again.

This is Rebecca today … 

Excited about life, grateful, healthy, hopeful and open to loving and receiving love

Friends, this is Rebecca coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved Darryl, together leaning on their beloved Christ.

You can see more photos of their Wedding Vow Renewal here. Thank you, Rachel Ray. 

About Musu:

My life is lived out of the calling “to advance Christ-centred work.” I am currently Director of Marketing and Development at Mercy Ministries, working to get the word out about the life-transforming work that takes place here. Prior to my work at Mercy, I directed a Crisis Pregnancy Centre, studied Christianity and Culture at Regent College and co-led women’s programs at my local church. I have four great children and am married to Steven, a gift to me from the Creator.

Image credit: Rebecca and Darryl, by Rachel Ray.