by Marne Wood
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to live in a way that runs counter to the world around us. Our culture often urges us to chase after appearance, possessions, and status—but Jesus showed us another way. He set aside His heavenly glory, came to earth, and rescued us from sin, fulfilling God’s call in Micah 6:8: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
At Portraits of Hope, this calling is at the center of our mission. With deep gratitude, we walk this path alongside an incredible community of volunteers whose faithfulness makes it possible to bring hope and light into the lives we touch.
On August 11th, I had the privilege of witnessing one of those life-changing moments firsthand. A Portraits of Hope recipient, Jessica, received her very own car. Just two years ago, Jessica lost everything after being wrongly accused of supplying narcotics. What began as a single day of misunderstanding turned into a 10-month protective custody sentence in the Baldwin County Jail. She was separated from her children and stripped of nearly everything she valued—except a Bible in her cell.
It was in that place of loss and despair that Jesus met Jessica. As she opened God’s Word, she surrendered her life to His saving grace. Though her road ahead is still filled with challenges, Jessica no longer walks alone. She now has the support of the Lovelady Center, Portraits of Hope, and First Fruits Ministry. Together, we were able to provide her with a vehicle that will help her pursue steady employment and attend the court appointments needed to clear her record.
Jessica often reflects on the story of Joseph in Genesis. What others intended for harm, God used for good. Her testimony is a living reminder that He still turns ashes into beauty, brokenness into healing, and despair into hope.