“You must deny yourself, take up His cross daily, and follow Me." ~ Luke 9:23
When the economy failed, so did Alyssa’s
business. Tanking almost overnight, the company’s failure took almost every
penny she’d saved. Everything had converged like a multi-car pileup.
Alyssa hadn’t been
able to find any work since shuttering her business. Sadness quickly morphed
into anger; depression followed. When she gathered up enough energy, she
scanned the classifieds. Seeing none, Alyssa sat unchallenged for hours,
consumed by anxiety. God seemed to be teaching her a lesson for every mistake she’d
ever made. How could He possibly love her?
She turned her head skyward, whispering to the wind: "Lord, help me learn Your way."
A childhood friend
suggested that she volunteer with dog rescue groups in the area. Animals had always
been part of her growing-up years. Her parents constantly brought home sick or
injured dogs and cats; even birds that had crashed into their windows. They’d
nurse the little critters back to health and release them or find them homes.
As a frequent
visitor to the nearby animal clinic with her own fosters, Alyssa ached to learn
more about veterinary medicine. So, she began vet tech training. Balancing the
dogs’ needs with her studying was demanding, yet
Jeannette forged ahead with youthful enthusiasm. Upon graduation, she
started treating animals at the clinic that had been loyal to her pets.
Sometimes
she’d take stray pooches home from the clinic to give them personal care
overnight. Word spread quickly. Vets would give out her number or people would
contact her through social media. Soon she needed help because no dog was ever
turned away.
Money
left from her deceased father’s estate and several loyal patrons allowed Alyssa
to purchase an old farmhouse on several acres and hire a full-time Vet and a
small staff. The “Misfit Resort” opened for business caring for animals without
a place to call home.
Although her
circumstances didn’t change overnight, Alyssa’s outlook did. Depression eased. Shame
lifted off her shoulders over time. She reclaimed her identity and sense of
purpose in life.
Whenever
she meets a broken and scared animal, Alyssa recalls when she thought she
was beyond repair. These misfits had rekindled something inside her - something
that’d been cracked and broken – and helped repair it.
Being
a misfit is not something to overcome, but something to embrace. Finding where
you belong in God’s world might take a while, but He’s always present - ready
and willing to help you take your pain … and turn it into something great.
Gracious Father, thank You for all those whose
K-9 hearts have been touched by foster care. Endow the fostering parents with
sincere and enduring love as they welcome “misfits” into their homes. Amen
