Each edition will feature the testimony of a woman whose personal story will encourage and challenge our readers. This edition we feature an update on the life and ministry of Cheryl McGuinness, who lost her husband in the September 11th attacks and now uses her testimony to minister to other women across the country. Cheryl has shared her story in Woman to Woman before and we are thankful for this update.

September 11th, 2001 surprised everyone, not only by the enormity of the disaster, but also by the magnitude of the human spirit revealed in the aftermath. Rescue teams worked endless hours, and people from across the country stood in line for hours to give blood or provide aid to rebuild NYC, caring for unknown victims and their families.

But the most important effort has been accomplished by countless people around the world. People like you who faithfully did the work to guard and gird the world with prayer.

Prayers for my family have been answered. You kept the watchfires of faith alive for me. When I was tired, hungry, sick, lonely, depressed and scared, you went to Jesus for help and He answered. I know that our Savior silenced heaven so He wouldn’t miss a word.

Thank you for the unity demonstrated in our country.

In the years since September 11th, our world has changed dramatically. The terrorist attacks of that day have expanded to Madrid, Bali, Chechnya, London, Jordan – and the list goes on.

And when it wasn’t a man-made attack, we were rocked by the forces of nature: hurricanes destroying homes, tsunamis killing thousands, wildfires burning our land. At times there seems to be no end to human suffering.

It is into that world that the Lord led me to use my story of personal renewal and His message of hope so that others might be encouraged through their own trials. Out of the ashes of September 11th, the Lord gave me a message of promise, a message of hope. It is a message that says there is life after loss, no matter how horrific that loss might be.

As we have seen many times over, life isn’t always fair and it doesn’t always go according to our plan. When the tragedies of life occur, our ability to overcome makes all the difference.

Our resiliency determines how we handle the realities of loss, the feelings of pain, the emotions of anger or fear and the hopelessness of despair. Our resiliency determines whether we rise above or drown in the moments of our trials.

In the early days and weeks following September 11th, I often thought I would live the rest of my life in despair. But deep sorrow didn't continue forever. As I healed, I felt God’s loving care on a daily basis. Each day, it seems new reasons for joy grow out of the ashes of sorrow.

I understand God cares for me and wants to build in me and in each of us a rich new life, even when pain lingers. He says, "I have made all things new."

As I walked with Him in faith, He has healed me of my anger and bitterness, enabling me to forgive those who attacked our country and killed my husband.

On September 11th, God called me for a new purpose. That call has forced me to step into areas where I would not otherwise choose to go.

When God calls us to serve outside of our comfort zone or beyond our previous experience, He gives us the ability to do the job. We just have to trust Him and move forward.

You see, I usually worried about the result and often lost sight of the fact that the result is His. I am responsible for trusting Him and stepping out in faith, prepared and equipped by Him to live the life He called me to live with purpose and passion!

The attacks are still sometimes unimaginable. But even though our lives were changed, our world did not end on September 11, 2001.

As we have now marked the fifth anniversary of the attacks, my ministry continues to grow. I continue to encourage people from across the country who are overwhelmed by their circumstances. God has given me a renewed joy, purpose and vision for the future that He planned long ago. I am excited to walk forward, step by step into a new life as He continues to lead me beyond the ashes.

For more information about Cheryl and her ministry, Beauty Beyond the Ashes, or to schedule Cheryl to speak at your upcoming event, visit her website, www.BeautyBeyondTheAshes.com or email deb@beautybeyondtheashes.com.

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