Ashes To Beauty speaks of different things in life that many women struggle with:

• health
• unanswered prayers
• regrets
• fear of the future
• spiritual warfare
• heartache
• depression
• spiritual numbness
• busyness
• neglecting quiet time with God/ making Him the priority
• serving on your own strength
• forgetting who you are as a Child of God

This is the complete story that I shared with my friends at the Women's Retreat. It was written just for you.

Ashes To Beauty

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and 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....Isaiah 61: 1-3.

Her hands are dirty, smeared with the now cool ashes from the offering alter. The silver band on her finger is a dull gray from the soot. Leaning over the ashes, her tears fall into the dust as she attempts to grasp more of the fine powder between her hands. In haste, she smears the ashes over her tears and pours them on top of her head. The sackcloth covering her body is coarse and raw, irritating her skin. It is a harsh reminder of her grief. Crumpled in a heap on the hard ground, her weeping turns into desperate wailing as her heart cries out to the Lord God Almighty.

She is weeping this day for many reasons. As the hours turn to dusk, she cannot seem to remember what brought her to this place of mourning. Suddenly the familiar pain in her body jolts her memory as she cries out once again. She grieves for the health that is lost and cries for the unanswered prayers of her heart. She mourns her life, regretting past decisions and fearful of future ones.

Once again, she calls on the God of Abraham, her Jehovah-Jirah. With ashen hands raised towards the Heavens, and face turned towards the sky, she hears the sound of rushing water and a voice as a trumpet's blast. The Angel of the Lord is calling her name:

"Daughter of Jerusalem..."

Generations have come and gone, yet the Father of Heaven and Earth continues to sit on His holy throne. On the opposite side of the earth, on a different day, a similar cry for mercy can be heard...

The door to the Chapel opens easily enough as the woman pushes her way into the cool air. Her heart is pounding wildly in her chest as she wonders why on earth she drove here. Walking inside, she discovers that she is alone. The battle in her mind is raging, yet she knows that somehow, this is exactly where she needs to be. Her footsteps are muffled by the crimson-colored carpet as she slowly and awkwardly makes her way down the narrow aisle. Under different circumstances, she would have admired the beauty in this simple House of God, but her eyes and heart are blinded by the loneliness and heartache in her life.

This woman of God is feeling numb towards all of the things in her life she once loved so passionately. Her life is busy enough, always rushing and serving and giving; always taking care of everyone else's needs. Quiet time with her God has not been a priority for her lately, and her life is a reflection of her starved and thirsty soul. She cannot recall when she last simply worshiped her Lord, being still before Him. Too weary to read His Word and not making time for prayer, she suddenly longs for the Holy Spirit to fill her, to breathe on her and renew her.

The tears are now streaming down the woman's face, and without hindrance, her weeping has turned into wailing. Falling to the floor, the walls of her sadness come crashing down. As she lifts her head, she sees that she is lying at the foot of the large wooden cross. Right then, at that very moment, as if the Lord God Himself whispered to her, she realizes that she has been forsaking her First Love, not remembering when she last sat at her Lord's feet.

Once again, she calls on the name of her Lord Jesus, her Comforter. With hands raised up towards the cross and face turned up to Heaven, she suddenly hears the sound of rushing water and a voice like a trumpet's blast. The Son of God calls her name:

"Daughter of Mine,{Daughter of Jerusalem}, I am the Lord Your God. Do not be afraid! I have heard your cries, for I am merciful and compassionate and close to the brokenhearted. I know your deeds, hard work, and perseverance. You have endured hardships for My name. I know that you love Me, Child, because I see your heart. Yet you are worried and upset about many things. Remember that only one thing is needed. Please be still, Precious One, and know that I am your God. Sit before Me and allow My Holy Spirit to comfort and guide you. Seek Me with all of your heart.

Your eyes are turned towards your circumstances and towards yourself. Look up, Child. See My face. Remember all of the past blessings I have poured out over your life. I have so many more to give you. You ask for guidance in this temporary life. You ask for My will to be done. Be obedient and listen to My voice. My Word is alive and active in you, and all of My promises are yours to claim. Worship Me and honor Me with your prayers, being thankful in ALL circumstances. I want to fill you with My joy, and give you a calm delight. Obey Me, Daughter, for in all things I work for the good of those who love Me.

Be still, and lay your burdens at My feet. I love you more than you can ever know right now. Just listen..."

Both women were prostrate before the Lord God. As they listened in awe to His wondrous voice, a most beautiful blessing occurred...

The Son of God, in all of His brilliance and splendor, reaches down and gently places a crown of gold on each bowed head. Shining ever-so-brightly and covered in the most precious jewels, these are crowns of beauty. Replacing the ashes and mourning, the beautiful crowns radiate breathtaking colors never before seen by mortal eyes.

The Messiah, anointed with the Blessed Holy Spirit, generously pours out fragrant blessings of gladness and joy over these bowed heads. Like fresh rain falling, washing away their pain, each Daughter is instantly covered. These blessings release grace, mercy, peace, and God's pleasure. Despair and sorrow are erased, as delight and rejoicing are graciously bestowed. Words of adoration and praise are lifted to the Lord God Almighty.

Crowned with righteousness and once again restored, these precious Daughters of the Lord Most High continue to praise and kiss the Feet of Mercy. Inside the Chapel, the woman's voice carries through the sanctuary. Under the canopy of stars, the other's voice resounds in the foreign land. Heart-to-heart, they lift their voices as one:

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give You thanks forever, and ever, and ever...."

Ashes to beauty.

         Dancing in His Joy,
         Alison