Writer’s block isn’t something I ever have had to struggle with. Yesterday I wrote so many emails and spoke so much on the phone pouring my heart out for Asha’s Refuge that by evening, when I planned to work on writing my short bio, I couldn’t think of a thing to say. Talking about myself is uncomfortable for me. To me, it’s not about me! That’s why when asked to write about myself on social networks and websites, I don’t.

The organization of Asha’s Refuge, however, needs to know who I am. The board, donors, my refugee friends and the community around me probably does need to know. When God was asked who He was he said, “I am the I am”. If only my bio could be that short and that precise and enough of a description for others. I want to say, “I am, who I am. Created to be, stumbling at times but daily aiming to be like my Father”. The end.

I’ve not spent many years being part of the professional or corporate world. I’ve been near it. I’ve tasted it and I’ve seen, but not for long. My life has been spent mostly at home with my children and in my church and neighborhood. I adore my three children and husband. I’m in no way ashamed of that, but I’m not sure how to write about it for Asha’s Refuge. I’ve had a hard life. Some seasons were really, really hard. There were days I thought I shouldn’t wake up the next day. I was wounded by others and self destructive at times and felt unlovable. Until, I met my savior. Jesus saved me from myself.

When I see others “stuck” in a pit of darkness and hopelessness, my heart goes out to them. I empathize and I want with all my being to share with them in whom I found my hope. (I would love my friends regardless of their willingness to grab hold of God, that’s what I believe I’m called to do…just love.) It is God who fills my cup with love to overflowing so that I can pour His love out over onto others…anyone willing to receive it. I don’t want anyone to feel that yucky feeling of being all alone day after day. And I understand “crowded loneliness” all too well (when people are all around you yet you somehow feel alone).

It doesn’t matter the culture, the nationality or the color of ones skin, loneliness, feelings of not being cared for or loved and hopelessness attacks all people. In Genesis, The Lord saw Adam alone, and said that it was not good for man to be alone (in my own words). Many of my refugee friends feel and have felt for years hungry, alone and hopeless. It is not good.

The friendships I’ve developed over the past three years with people from other countries have been wonderful. The closer we get to being able to better communicate with one another excites me everyday. Finding ways I can work under the authority of God to show love, compassion and help to my family, new friends and neighbors is what gets me up each morning. It strengthens me and keeps me going too.

Like anyone, I have hobbies. I love art, photography, singing, reading and writing. I want to write a book one day. I love to use my talents to express my love to others or Jesus. I can be shy at times when not in my elements. I can get feisty when something feels wrong. I’m a truth seeker. I don’t like scary movies or terrible news stories. But I’m most often a mom, wife and friend, an encourager passionate about loving people. I once was lost, but now I’m found. There are no human words that can encapsulate me. I am, who I am.