Life Stories

Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who built it…

This scripture describes my entering LifeWorks as a volunteer. After retiring from the State of Louisiana, I moved to Waynesville with the expectation of volunteering at LifeWorks and changing lives. You see, I grew up in an abusive family right here in Haywood County. I entered my teens with low self-esteem continuing to choose abusive relationships because that was my norm. The Lord graciously moved me to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where God placed women in my life who taught me to overcome my deficits and build on my strengths! How to know who I was in Christ Jesus and by faith, walk in it. 

I thought because I had been freed of the weight most of these ladies struggle with, I was equipped to help change their lives for the better (like overnight or at least a week or so)! After a few weeks at LifeWorks going through the Jobs for Life and Love Unveiled Bible study, I realized only Jesus can truly change lives. I realized the need to participate in everything the ladies do at LifeWorks. I knew the Jobs for Life curriculum was a proven successful tool in preparing women for life and employment. 

At this phase in my life (70 years old), what I didn’t expect was God using it for His purpose for me. 

Moses was 80 years old when God spoke to him from the burning bush. Moses was in the land of Midian where he had fled after he murdered an Egyptian. He probably thought he was going to lead a low-keyed life tending sheep until he died. But God had other plans. Wow! That’s me!

I completed the Love Unveiled bible study and the Jobs for Life classes and graduated in the spring of 2020.  In the fall of 2020, the Lord called me to teach the Jobs for Life class.

I am overwhelmed most days at the goodness of God. Watching these ladies come to know who they are in Christ Jesus and shaking off the labels the world has attached to them, brings me great joy. I truly love participating in discussions of the struggles of everyday life and equipping women with the tools and knowledge to build on their God given skills and gifts. 

That is what LifeWorks is all about. With Jesus life works!

Thank you for allowing me to share. 

Regards,

Sue Ellen Hopper 

July 27, 2021