A Volunteer Story"In the deepest, blackest night of despair, it only takes a pinhole of light, and all of grace can come in." These words were spoken by mother and recovered drug addict, Auburn Sandstrom, after receiving help and compassion from a stranger in one of her lowest moments. My name is Miriam Bernard, and I have been a Casa Teresa volunteer since October of 2015. While in college, I had a conversation about abortion with a stranger, and in that conversation, I was asked a question that has gripped me ever since. We had been speaking about my pro-life beliefs when suddenly, the stranger asked, "If you're so against abortion, what are you personally doing to ensure that the women who choose to bring babies into the world are given the support, care and resources they need?" I was forced to hang my head in realization that I was advocating for the unborn, yet doing nothing to support the brave moms who choose life. I purposed that day to forge a life that includes care for moms. A few years later, I learned about Casa Teresa when I stumbled upon a sidewalk sale and bought an adorable pair of Bebe heels. In the end, I received far more than heels that day, because I also learned about the life-changing work Casa Teresa does for each mom and baby who enter the program. I knew this could be my path to keeping the promise I’d made years prior. I now volunteer on Wednesdays, organizing clothes in the Transformation One baby closet, and I cherish the relationships I've built with the moms, their sweet little ones, and the other Casa Teresa Volunteers. I had the privilege of being part of the 2015 Christmas celebration, and, with the help of my family and friends, was able to bless a few moms with Christmas presents and even housewarming gifts as they graduated from the program. Knowing God is using me to bless women is the manifestation of a plan He set out for me all those years ago, when challenged by a stranger to add action to my beliefs. I count myself so fortunate to be a part of the Casa Teresa volunteer family, and find myself consistently astounded by the love and care provided for the moms here. I can’t wait to see what other pinholes of light God allows me to prick, so His grace can continue to flood in to the lives of each precious Casa Teresa Mom.
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