How DJ showed us the meaning of JOY
Last Friday, we had the privilege of gifting a gently used Honda Civic to an incredible woman who inspired us with her story and her explosive positivity.
Delisschia (DJ) came to us through The Net , an organization in Fort Worth that provides opportunities to rebuild lives destroyed by sex trafficking. We already knew from her Advocate and her interview that DJ was ‘a ball of joy’, but nothing could have prepared us for the exhilarating moment when DJ met her new ride.
DJ greets her Honda Civic with a hug.
We started the morning by hearing from DJ’s friends at The Net who talked about her persistence in moving forward through the RISE (Reaching Independence Through Self Empowerment) program. They explained how DJ has remained focused and persistent, consistently contacting them to make progress on her path. Rather than waiting for help, DJ takes initiative and figures things out on her own. For example, she won custody of her three kids by advocating for herself without the help of a lawyer!
Carrie and Natalie from The Net share with us how proud they are of DJ.
DJ courageously shared some of her story with us, how she was raised in a Christian church but didn’t really know Jesus. She ended up walking away from God, but said God never gave up on her and has been her strength to change her trajectory and begin healing from the trauma she has suffered. As she shared, we got to experience some of the joy and hope that were reverberating inside DJ as they radiated off her face and words - in spite and because of the difficulties she’s been through.
We spent a few minutes praying blessing over DJ and her family, then Hannah presented her with a Bible, a book DJ was already very familiar with! Hannah is the Client Care representative who will stay in contact with DJ over our year of service to her.
Then it was time for her to see her car.
We couldn’t help but grin and laugh with DJ as we witnessed her shouts of excitement, her spontaneous breaking out in song, and the giant hugs she shared with her kids and friends while she explored her new car. She was insistent we get some photos of her hanging out of the sunroof!
DJ, we are so proud of you and proud to know you! Thank you for reminding us of the joy of the Lord - we know He isn’t finished with you yet!
Story and photographs used with permission.
2013 Honda Civic serviced by Christian Brothers Automotive
Photos by Jon Dunlop
