Lotus flowers are born in murky, muddy pools of water. From their birthplace in the mud, they eventually rise to the top of the water as exquisite, beautiful plants.

At a recent celebration banquet for the Lauderdale County Christian Women’s Job Corps, Marcia Laphand, a graduate of the program, described herself as a Lotus flower who bloomed only after her encounter with the Christian Women’s Job Corps.

Marcia’s life had hit bottom when she weighed more than 400 pounds. She could navigate only with the use of a walker or a mobile scooter, her blood pressure was out of control, and she was in danger of suffering a stroke. Her physical problems contributed to extreme depression; her life had become stagnant, and she felt hopeless. Sitting in a hospital bed with her mother by her side, the two began praying for hope. The next day, they heard about the CWJC. Marcia mustered up the courage to register for the program, and she says, “That’s when I began slowly rising from the mud.” She took as her mantra Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts I think toward you,” says the Lord, “to give you a future and a hope.”

A very important part of this program is the process of setting goals for your future. One of Marcia’s goals was to become a public speaker. I witnessed her accomplish that goal as guest speaker at the CWJC banquet. Her message inspired us all. Yes, I have now seen beauty rise from muddy waters—my friend Marcia is an exquisite Lotus flower.

The most recent graduate of the CWJC, Amanda Sharp, entered the program when her friends at Poplar Springs Baptist Church suggested it. When I asked about her experience, she talked about the kindness of the people involved in the program, her mentors and instructors.

Although she had some knowledge of computers before entering the class, she says, “I didn’t even know what a Microsoft Word program was, until the computer instructor, Steve Laboe, showed me – I needed to know that. And I needed to know how to prepare a job resume.”

Amanda became more familiar with the Bible and how it relates to her own life, as she learned from Jenny Ruffin, the Bible Study instructor. Any time Amanda had a bad day, her mentor, Faye Martin, was always available to talk with her and encourage her.

Participation in the Jobs for Life class has made Amanda a more avid book reader. She especially loves the “Chicken Soup” books. “Every week, Beth sharp would read me a Chicken Soup story,” says Amanda. “That was so encouraging.”

Encouragement for living your very best life is the overall theme for this program which has helped so many women. Rev. John Temple closed out the celebration with this theme. Referring to the woman in Luke 8 who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and received healing, Rev. Temple said, “We all need a touch from the Lord. There is great power in that touch, and we must reach out for it.” He said that in order to accomplish our goals and become all that God intends us to be, we must often get out of our comfort zones, take some chances, and in the process, reach out and touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.

This program is open to women who are age 18 and over who wish to improve their quality of life. A new session will begin in the fall. For information contact CWJC site Coordinator, Linda Spence, at lcbspence@bellsouth.net, or call Lauderdale County Baptist Association at 601-483-1419.

Virginia Dawkins is the author of Stepping Stones: Steps from Shackles to Freedom, available at Amazon.