075 || When God Gives You a Dream That's Bigger Than You || Simone Halpin

Ep. 75 Show Notes.png

Simone Halpin is the co-founder and Executive Director of Naomi’s House, a residential safe home in Chicago for women who have suffered from commercial sexual exploitation. With a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary, Simone teaches and trains women what it means to love and follow Jesus. She and her husband have four children and they live in the Chicago area. Naomi's House opened its doors in December 2016, shortly after my first conversation with Simone. This follow-up episode is all about what God's done through Naomi's House since then.

IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN AFRAID TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH, THIS WAS THE EPISODE FOR YOU.

In this interview, Simone provides an update on the day-to-day challenges and joys of stepping into something bigger than herself. She shares about needing to redefine success along the way, the beauty of being rooted and going deeper instead of wider, as well as the importance of clinging to God’s Word as we seek clarity on our God-shaped dream.

It was a pleasure to bring Simone back for this follow-up conversation and to get a glimpse of what has transpired following the opening of Naomi’s House since that first conversation in fall 2016. As you listen, I hope you hear and see what our big God can do with a willing heart. And that you can easily translate those lessons to your own life.

Get More Involved...Become a Devoted Dreamers Patron.

SCRIPTURE:

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
~ Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.
~ Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and
puts praise on display before the nations.
~ Isaiah 61:11 (MSG)

MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

Clarifying where women come from before arriving at Naomi’s House [5:50]
Why it’s a leap of faith for women to participate in a program like this [6:30]
What’s been stolen from trafficked women besides their dignity [8:30]
Redefining their definition of success [14:16]
Human trafficking is just one trauma she needs to recover from [16:04]
How restoring their authority in the world lessens their vulnerability [20:30]
Why they stand by a model of individualized care even if it costs more [20:50]
Each survivor is her own best advocate for the care she needs [21:25]
The story of a survivor recapturing her joy for life through ballet [22:30]
Being a place that allows women to flourish [27:40]
Going deep and authentic instead of far and wide [28:25]
The courage to stay small [30:15]
Opening the doors with blind faith [33:09]
The goodness of God and His faithfulness to provide for needs [35:00]
God is putting His praise on display through trafficking survivors [36:13]
Taking your big dream one day at a time [37:50]
The importance of clinging to God’s word [38:30]
Advice for the dreamer: get to work! [41:30]

 

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Subscribe to The Devoted Dreamers Podcast and leave a review on iTunes or Stitcher Radio.
Join the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group
Follow Merritt on Twitter || Periscope || Instagram || Facebook
The Devoted Dreamers Podcast is produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

 

Amazon Affiliate Link disclaimer: Merritt Onsa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 

Affiliate Link Disclosure: Certain link to products on this site are affiliate links. When you click those links and make a purchase, I earn a commission that supports my podcast, blogging, and creative endeavors. Thanks for your support!