A week from today, Operation Runway takes place at the Isaiah House for women without homes in Santa Ana, California. The models will be women challenged by their circumstances, but trying to pick up the pieces of their lives, nevertheless. The surprise is: there will be laughter.

Increasingly at these events there is a high amount of joy let loose. I’m not completely sure to what this celebratory outburst can be attributed, but I have a feeling that trust could have a lot to do with it.

Even the most skeptical of Isaiah House women have come to display a smile and an almost childlike vulnerability when the third Wednesday rolls around and these crazy Women of Vision show up with who knows what up their sleeves. The love is tangible; the gifts have real value; the food is exorbitant; the party, compared to the rest of their lives right now, is lavish. Even the volunteers, who have been afar off, have been brought near by a love that lifts the spirit. Hugs are genuine; words are believed; intangibles like worth and dignity have meaning.

So when they walk the runway, there is no question: they will sashay.

It’s amazing that it has taken a relatively short period of time for this to happen, but trust is a magical thing. And a consistent effort can crack the hardest shell. “And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). This, too, is of the kingdom of God on earth.

Just a reminder that the things from your closet will have to go out today (3-day service) or tomorrow (2-day). We need to have everything in by end of day, Monday. Click on the link below for a reminder of what we need, but make sure nothing is worn out. It needs to be something you would wear yourself where your value counted.

And men, we can use your donations – either online or by check – to purchase new undergarments and stockings, and to help us pay for the costs of the event.

Click on the link below for a reminder of what we are looking for and where to send it.

Operation Runway Reminder

And believe me… they will sashay.