
Debbie Howell
Bursting Through the Gloom! – Jasmine’s Journey of Healing
A couple of days ago I spent some precious time with Jasmine. We were sitting on our front porch having hot drinks together as we enjoyed time catching up with each other. She shared with me a conversation she had with the veterinarian she works for. Her boss has noticed a change in Jasmine since she has been receiving the treatments for her lyme. She said that she values her as an employee and appreciates that she’s working even harder now that she is starting to feel better.
I could see the joy in Jasmine’s face as she is now able to pursue her life’s goals. What a stark contrast to the years of having to watch her suffer as she could barely get out of bed. I feel like we, as her family, now have the opportunity to get to know her as the beautiful, unique woman she is and not be forced to see her only as she has been defined by her illness. It struck me recently that her younger sister has known her for most of her life as being sick. For years her room was her prison of darkness and despair and I can’t begin to describe the pure joy of watching as God fills her each day with fresh hope and possibility.
Seeing the transformation in her life reminds me of some powerful Scriptures that I read recently. These are verses from John 1 from the Passion version. I found out about this version when I was visiting the Hillsong Churches in Australia a few weeks ago. I absolutely love this version!
And this Living Expression is the Light that bursts through gloom— the Light that darkness could not diminish!…
He entered into the very world he created…
He came to the very people he created…
And we gazed upon the splendor of his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father overflowing with tender mercy and truth!