A Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission Story
You’ll notice a lot of butterflies on the walls at Hope Place, the women and children’s recovery program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. The artwork represents the transformation happening within those walls perfectly. Every day at the Mission, women are choosing to leave the cocoon of their old lives and spreading the wings of their newfound freedom in Christ.
They are the bravest of the brave.
My friend Sarah Taylor and I recently had the opportunity to spend some time at Hope Place. We were warmly welcomed by Michael, (the intern) and Shawn (the kitchen coordinator). Michael has walked in the shoes of the folks he’s feeding daily and he’s living proof you can make it. Shawn’s got a contagious smile and a passion to spread God’s love. It’s a kitchen you want to linger in.
Soon, Sarah and I were standing behind the food line wearing aprons, hair nets, and blue latex gloves. We were equipped with everything except what to expect. Suddenly someone said grace in the cafeteria and the ladies lined up.
Sarah was covering potatoes and I was manning the pork egg rolls. Tongs poised, it was go time! There were women of all ages and walks of life on that line. Many had cute kids in tow. Everybody was hungry. It was lunchtime, after all.
One comment stood out – “There are hamburger buns??? We haven’t had buns in ages!” It made me want to buy a hundred hamburger buns for these brave souls.
As we waited for more families to come, Sarah noticed a menu chalkboard leaning up against the wall. Enterprising angel that she is, she found some chalk and asked Shawn what was coming up for dinner. It was chicken and rice. “What kind of chicken?” she wondered. “What kind of rice?”
Roasted chicken. Basmati rice.
Sarah and I are in the business of words. They matter. We select them like you would a ripe cantaloupe. She wrote the menu-words beautifully on that chalkboard, making sure to add these gems: “Spirit 105.3 loves you!” It was a beautiful thing she did.
I’m taking a picture of Sarah’s gift for the dinner crowd, when I realize you can make the buttons work on your phone with a latex glove – it’s not like a winter mitten. I’m feeling a bit like a fish out of water and I like it.
I took my latex gloves off so my hands could breathe again and left the comfort of standing behind the food line. I chose a table in the cafeteria, eager to meet some of these amazing gals who were starting their lives over from scratch.
It was Samantha’s table. Her lunch date was Savannah her cute-as-a-button little son. The two looked peaceful and content. Within a month, Samantha told me, they’ll be living on their own. When I asked what the Mission meant to her, the mommy of three said it has been a safe place.
My mind wanders. Safe from what? From who? And I thank God for the grit and guts He’s giving these women to begin again, this time on the solid foundation of His love.
There were other tables. Other chairs. I was drawn to the hope all lit up in one determined lady’s eyes. Georgia is the mommy of four boys and one girl. Her former life was marked by abuse and sometimes a sound in the night can trigger that painful past. But Georgia’s making it because her faith in God is guiding her future now.
Georgia wants to be a CNA and I like how she puts it… then “level up” to an RN. I know she’ll be an outstanding nurse. She is an integral part of this community of survivors, who share bathtubs for their babies… and their dreams out loud.
Stormy is another survivor. She wears a purple plaid coat and a hard-won smile. It’s hard to rebuild your life from the ground up, but Stormy proves you can. Addiction to drugs and prison time are in the rear view mirror now. She’s studying graphic design, getting to know her children again, and working at the Mission. God has been with her every step of the way.
Stormy is our tour guide. She leads us to the bright rooms where the children at Hope Place learn and play… where her little ones have spent many fruitful hours. Her voice fills with gratitude as she speaks about the people who have poured into her babies. Stormy has embraced her new foundation and the blessed consistency into the bargain.
The way she talks and gazes at the sunshiny yellow walls, you know she’s appreciating the fresh paint in her own soul. You get the feeling Stormy knows she might’ve missed all this… all the healing and redemption and purpose she’s found in Christ. You get the idea that for Stormy, every moment is another miracle to notice.
We see many pictures of butterflies as we walk the halls and peek into the salon, the boutique, and the studying center. It’s as if a message is being sent.
I think of the caterpillar, and how it enters a season of darkness to earn its wings. The butterfly emerges victorious, a symbol of new life and hope.
To me, the women of Hope Place are the most beautiful butterflies in the Pacific Northwest.
