Courage to do What’s Right

250 years ago, 56 men signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, recognizing fully that they had just told the most powerful country in the world who was responsible for the rebellion that was about to take place.  Being the 250^th year Anniversary of our nation’s founding right on the heals of the 25^th Anniversary of September 11^th and one year mark of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the topic of courage.

Every day presents moments to choose the easy way or the right way. God calls His people to act with conviction: to stand for truth, to speak up for justice, to own their choices, and to trust Him with the outcome. Courage is the power to obey when fear tells you to quit.  It shows up in honesty, integrity, forgiveness, and faithfulness under pressure. The Mission grows stronger when courage becomes our culture.

Over the course of this month, we will discuss courage in four ways:

• Courage to confess who we are. It takes courage to be honest, to admit mistakes, ask forgiveness, and start fresh. Confession isn’t weakness, it’s strength in truth. Psalm 32:5
• Courage to confront problems. Learning to deal with problems rather than avoiding them. Silence in the face of wrong is still a choice. Ephesians 4:15
• Courage to continue. It’s not just one time boldness, but being steadfast over time. Courage is faith that keeps going. 2 Chronicles 15:7
• Courage to stand alone. True courage is obeying God when everyone else walks away. Better to stand alone with God than fit in without Him. Daniel 3:18

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’  God doesn’t ask us to be fearless; He asks us to be faithful. Each act of courage strengthens our character, builds trust in our community, and shines light into dark places.  Please pray for our staff and residents as they seek God’s favor and to grant them courage on the journey from homelessness to independence.

Finding Her Footing: Zoe’s Story of Restoration at the Mission

When Zoe Cromwell arrived at the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission just over two months ago, she was at her lowest and most broken point. Struggling with her physical and mental health, she felt entirely lost in her faith and overwhelmed by vulnerability.

Zoe’s journey to the Mission was marked by profound betrayal and hardship. Seeking a safe environment for herself and her eight-year-old daughter, Nattie, Zoe had initially tried staying with someone close who she thought was stable. Unbeknownst to Zoe, that person was privately battling a severe relapse, struggling with sobriety, and using inhalants. As their host became increasingly erratic, Zoe became the target of shifting moods and hostility. Eventually, after taking every dollar of Zoe’s tax refund and leaving her with zero financial means, the person drove Zoe and young Nattie to a bus station in The Dalles, dropped them off, and told them to “figure it out”.

Stranded and desperate, Zoe sat outside a store with her daughter and her food stamp card, praying for an hour straight. “God, I don’t know what to do, and I need you,” she cried out. In an incredible answer to prayer, a kind stranger stopped, provided them with a safe place to sleep for the night, and gave them enough funds to make their way back to Grants Pass. Though they briefly tried staying at a local tent camp, the chaotic, unsafe environment—where drug use was rampant and sleep was impossible—proved that they needed true refuge. Remembering the Mission from the time she lived in Grants Pass years ago, Zoe knew it was her last and best hope.

Walking through the doors, Zoe was terrified and plagued by negative self-talk, fearing she would be judged or punished. Instead, she was met with warmth and clear structure. For Zoe, maintaining her sobriety had always been paramount. Approaching four years of sobriety on November 6th, Zoe viewed even the smallest infraction as a dangerous open door to past destruction. What kept her anchored through the darkest nights was her fierce love for Nattie, a small reserve of willpower, and a deepening reliance on God.

At the Mission, Zoe found that the structure and rules weren’t frightening; rather, they provided a profound sense of safety, mutual understanding, and stability. She discovered a community where her Christian faith could be openly practiced without fear of ridicule or ostracization.

As her confidence grew, Zoe embraced new responsibilities, stepping into a leadership role as a resident assistant to help other women break down overwhelming life goals into achievable steps. Working alongside the Women’s Coordinator, Zoe developed a practical budget, completed her orientation with WorkSource, refined her resume, and began applying for receptionist positions.

Today, Zoe is looking toward the future with genuine peace. She is applying for jobs, dreaming of buying a car, and building a stable foundation for her family. Young Nattie is thriving as well, recently sharing a heartwarming dream where Jesus and God visited her to tell her that she is beautiful inside and out.

Reflecting on her journey, Zoe is overcome with emotion and gratitude. “Without this place, I probably wouldn’t be here,” she shares through tears. “We come to the door broken, at our lowest, and vulnerable… and it is amazing to know we can be honest and not feel worthless. You helped me and my daughter, and you renewed my faith. I’m where I’m supposed to be.”