Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

When I think of faithfulness, I think of dedication and loyalty. Not necessarily a blind loyalty, and not a dedication that is always easy or free from struggle; faithfulness is resilient and can withstand trials that may come its way.

I have known many people in my life who exhibit faithfulness to God. Even in difficult times, experiencing immense grief and loss, facing unanswered questions and confusion, they still look to God as a source of strength and comfort.

I see it in the Artisans at DuHope - in the beginning, coming to work each day could be a struggle. The decision to walk away from old habits, friends, and relationships they relied on, and the convenience of quick money on the street, to instead be faithful to a program that could not yet replace their income from working on the street. We have learned through research that it can take 7 attempts to leave sex work before a woman stops permanently - it takes faithfulness in our program, in herself, in her peers, and faithfulness to a brighter future to walk away.

Throughout all of this, we continue to remind women of God's faithfulness to them; His faithfulness which is perfect and loving. We remind women that because they are loved by God, and are beautiful daughters in His eyes, He will be faithful in being present in their lives.