A year like no other is coming to an end. Its end will be like no other, as well, with Christmas spent apart from family and New Year’s Eve celebrated away from friends out of fear for everyone’s safety. At midnight on Dec. 31, many will make the same New Year’s wish: an end to the deadly and divisive pandemic we are enduring.
During the final days of 2020, we hope you can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).
Isaiah reminds us that the residents at Sheltering Wings have endured Christmases and New Year’s Eves like this before – sometimes for years. In fear for their own or their children’s safety, they don’t push back when their abuser forbids grandparents from coming to the house. Or, they paste a smile on their faces and walk on eggshells during every holiday gathering, waiting for the abuse that’s sure to come.
As we’ll all feel to a greater degree this year, spending the holidays without each other is almost unthinkable. It’s why, across the country, domestic violence survivors choose to leave shelters and return home during the holiday season; others decide to postpone escaping an abusive situation until after the holidays. They do so for the best of reasons: Their children and the desire for “normalcy” even if we would shudder at what they would regard as normal. So we don’t judge; we simply share Isaiah’s mindset: Hope in the Lord will renew your strength, and we’re here to help you soar to new heights whenever you’re ready.
As you sigh with relief that 2020 is ending, please take a moment to think about the men and women still struggling with domestic violence. If you can join us in 2021 to help lift them to new heights, we’d love to have you.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thanks for all you do. God bless you and your family.
