What do you get when you combine a bicycle, a wiry woman of God and miles of open road with no compass?
Posted on July 28, 2013
by Suzy Parish
5 Comments
The answer? Reckless abandonment.
Reba J. Hoffman set out on a journey of reckless abandonment to God. She has cast all her hopes and cares into the lap of the one she calls Savior. It is disconcerting to some and downright fear provoking to others that she has set out on this trek using only the compass of “Where He wants me to go next.” Already her route has been changed (twice?).She hears questions like “Where will you stay?” and “How do you get food and water?” and “Aren’t you afraid to be out there alone as a woman?”
This third question reveals the true calling behind Reba’s trek. She is reaching out to women touched by PTSD and sharing her life story with them to strengthen them and help them find the same peace she has. And yes, as one who has survived a horrific attack, Reba by all accounts would be expected to be afraid to be out on the road by herself. What she is doing flies in the face of fear. What she is doing is kicking fear in the face and in that very act, she is giving hope to women she meets along the way, hope that they can beat the fears of their past.During a late night chat Reba reveals her personal mantra.
“True wisdom is forged on the anvil of suffering.”
I am reminded of a scripture.
Luke 22:32
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
That was Christ, speaking to Peter. The part of the scripture that I can’t get out of my head is where Christ says, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail…” and “…strengthen your brothers.” For this is what Reba is doing, her faith is strong, and she is strengthening her sisters who have experienced PTSD using the wisdom forged in her life through her own suffering.
Reba sits back, takes a sip of water and continues.
“People are looking for heroes. A hero is anyone that faces the same type of adversity that the average person does and is able to get over it.
Going on this trip strips away all that unnecessary clutter. You become so aware of things around you…”
“I hope and pray people will get a hunger for the simplicity of God, it’s not complicated.”
Amen Reba, amen.
Please help spread the word about Reba’s Road to Freedom Tour and feel free to contact her through her website:
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The answer? Reckless abandonment.
Thank you Suzy for helping me get the word out about my Road to Freedom Tour!
Reba, to quote Mother Teresa, “I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.” You are out there doing the work, I am just reporting on it. Thank you for spending time with my family, for loving on us and for allowing us the pleasure of watching you go on this journey.Love in Christ, Suzy
It was MY blessing!
As one of the My Book Therapy Ponderers, and one of Reba’s friends, I was so blessed that the love and care you gave her. I know doing so blessed you back lots, but I still bless and thank you for being part of her amazing life and story.
As one of the Ponderers I’m sure you’ve known Reba for quite some time and you know what an incredible person she is!Yes, you are right, she was a huge blessing. Thank you for the kind words. I can’t wait to see where God leads Reba next!