Embers of Redemption

Saturday’s study wasn’t just about fire.

It was about transformation — about what happens when the shattered, scarred, and searching refuse to burn alone.

Each stick we placed in that fire carried a story.

Pain. Loss. Betrayal. Healing.

But as the flames rose, so did something in us.

Every crack of the wood was a whisper of release.

Every spark that flew upward was a reminder that even ashes can rise.

We realized something sacred that morning:

we are not defined by what broke us.

We are defined by what we do with the pieces.

When we lay our stories at the feet of God and one another,

they stop being tragedies — and start becoming testimonies.

They become the light that shows others the way out of the dark.

That’s what it means to live redeemed —

to turn the very fire that once destroyed us into a beacon for someone still out in the cold.

Because trauma doesn’t get the last word. Grace does.

And when we share our stories, the broken don’t stay broken — they begin to burn bright.

Not with pain, but with purpose.

“He will not break a bruised reed,

and He will not quench a smoldering wick,

until He brings justice to victory.” — Matthew 12:20

“The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

So if you’re reading this tonight feeling like your flame is almost gone,

hear me: you are not done.

You are not your pain.

You are not the cold.

You are the ember — and God isn’t finished breathing on you yet.

Come sit with us.

Let your story catch fire again.

We’ll keep the flame alive until you’re ready to add your own stick —

and together, we’ll watch the night turn to morning.

If you need someone to talk to — truly talk — reach out. Text is best. 704-616-0899

— AnnMarie, Gospel & Grass Stains

#EmbersOfRedemption #GospelAndGrassStains #HopeForTheBrokenhearted #FaithAndFire #TestimonyOverTrauma