Out of Hiding

“The brokenness of sin within us seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus has no time for any such thing. He came to Earth and died so that death would be overcome. Death no longer has the final say. It is finished.”

• Ashley Thomas, Well Moments 

You can’t outrun Hope. 

This sentiment crossed my mind as I watched my son run through the tall grass of our yard. The words cultivate hope sprawled across the back of his shirt. Cultivate, the reminder that often a disruption has to take place in order for what is good to take root. Hope, a name and adjective for our Lord and Savior who went to great lengths to not only redeem us, but claim us. 

There is lots of running in my household during this season. Toddlers have an exorbitant amount of energy, and somehow the memo was missed to give parents the same. Jed is usually playfully running the yard begging to be chased, and in turn chasing after Taylor or I. His run is carefree and yet contained - he understands the bounds of our yard and finds great safety in them. He runs knowing he is seen, and cared for. Eden understands bounds on some level, but wants to push them. She wants to know what happens when they get crossed. Her run is in search of freedom, a desire to pave her own way. The only problem is she doesn’t fully understand what will hurt her yet. So she runs with glee towards the major Highway we live off of, and we snatch her up in a loving embrace and firmly proclaim “no”. Only to continue this same exercise multiple times. In one of my last rescues, as I carried a squirmy, squealing baby girl back up the hill - Jed questioned, “Eden girl don’t you know mommy and daddy just want you to be safe?” 

Eden doesn’t have the words to answer that question yet, but it left me with something to reflect on. Left me wondering how many times my own Father has asked me the same thing. Asked you? Looked on with loving eyes as I push the bounds and seek out after things that just simply aren’t good for me. His desire to give us choices, ripping apart His own heart as He considers what that could mean. And even still…pursuing us. 

Life throws a lot our way. Sometimes expected, other times it blind sides us, and leaves us wondering why? 

At Hope Street we meet people in some of their toughest seasons. Whether they are just on the other side of the mess, or currently maneuvering through the ramifications - many are making the daily choice to continue to pursue something different. In the midst of the choice to do so are temptations, some wrapped in familiar faces, places and habits - many not bad in and of themselves - yet, reminders of a life many want to leave behind. A life that simply was not safe. In the Greenhouse, safety is a foundational value. It creates a safe physical structure so people feel safe mentally and emotionally…safe to come out of hiding. 

Most of my life I have tried to outrun the narrative. I haven’t wanted to be boxed in, and I also have not wanted to be defined by what has happened in my life - good, bad or indifferent. Only my running caught up to me the day I walked through Hope Street’s doors. I was given the opportunity to see I was still being chased, and I could simply turn and rest in loving arms. My journey included some squealing and squirming. I wish I could say it was a simple turn and embrace. But wrestling through that tension reminded me it’s good to trust the story, and His story wastes nothing. 

The good news is Hope chases after us. Pursues us in the darkest places. The place where we feel all alone. In our addiction. In our chaos. In our uncertainty. Our fears, shortcomings…none of it is too much, and none of it keeps Him from wanting to draw near. 

You can’t outrun Hope, but you can run into Hope - and that’s the most secure place to be.

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