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Becky Smith Shaffer is one of my most favorite people in this world. She has a crazy story, but that craziness has translated into an amazing ministry called Saving Grace, where she and her staff walk alongside girls who have aged out of the foster system in northwest Arkansas.
How Our Stories Intersected
I first met Becky a few years ago when she asked if I would keynote at their annual Saving Grace fundraising banquet. I fell in love with the ministry she’s doing. (Oh how she’s passionate! Oh how much she and her husband have endured to see this ministry come to fruition!) Since then, she has been a faithful prayer warrior for me. She has been generous as I’ve prayed about and explored the possibility of starting my own ministry. (Not sure if that will ever happen, but her advice was golden.)
About Becky’s Story
Becky has her own foster care story, fraught with a difficult childhood at home, and some incredible obstacles in her path. She learned a lot during that painful journey, and her faith grew even in the midst of confusion and deprivation. God was with her, even as a girl in the midst of chaos.
In Her Own Words
“Most of the time I would go to the neighbors or school for food.”
“I was sexually abused. I felt somehow it was my fault. That was more difficult to overcome in my adulthood than in my childhood.”
“I excused the abuse.”
“It’s a long, long process of grieving–like someone had died, grieving.”
“We really need to remember this is God’s ministry, not ours.”
Restory Recap
- The first time she got angry about her abuse, it was when she realized it would NOT have been okay for all that to happen to her daughters. That’s when she first got mad about the abuse.
- They fostered kids for several years, but began to see the problem of children aging out of the system. They didn’t have the tools they needed to lead adult lives. This was the kernel of starting Saving Grace.
- God did miraculous things to bring about this ministry.
- Becky always says, “To God be the glory.”
[Tweet “A huge faith story: how God started @savinggracenwa. Hear more at the Restory Show.”]
As in all my episodes, I pray for you at the end. It’s my sincere hope that you’ll walk away from the Restory Show changed and challenged.
{Aside: Becky doesn’t speak graphically about her abuse, but there may be some triggers for those who have been sexually abused .}
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The End
- If this episode has literally knocked your socks off (sorry if your feet are now cold), would you please consider telling your friends and enemies and pets?
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Get on the Show
Soon, we’ll be featuring your mini-story at the end of the Restory Show. If you’d like to be featured, record your voice below.
This has been such a remarkable healing story. This is such a huge need for these foster kids who age out. I am praying for Becky, her husband and her ministry. Bless this ministry mightily!
Thank you so much for this podcast Mary. I am passing this on!