HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Parish hosted the 4th annual Healed and Restored gala Oct. 2.
Healed and Restored is a non-profit dedicated to helping abuse victims founded by Elza Spaedy, a St. Mark parishioner and trauma survivor.
The organization’s resources including counseling, retreats, self-care, life coaches and spiritual guidance – all helping survivors heal their wounds through a renewed view of themselves through Christ.
“Why we are so successful and why the women are finding true healing and restoration is because we are guiding them to the real physician (Jesus) who can truly put back the broken pieces of our hearts and soul,” Spaedy said.
During the gala, Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark and the ministry’s spiritual director, was acknowledged for his continued efforts. St. Ann Church, St. Mark Church and St. Matthew Church were also recognized for their contributions.
More than 100 parishioners, clergy, clients and guests filled Kerin Hall to listen to Spaedy and keynote speaker Christine Wisdom, a St. Mark parishioner and counselor.
Spaedy planned her speech weeks before but said God made some heavy tweaks as she went to Mass a few days before the event. She threw away her notecards and focused on John 4:1-42 – the woman at the well.
“I want to know that woman’s story. I have some questions for her,” Spaedy said. “How many unhealed wounds was this woman carrying around? How much unforgiveness was she holding onto? Just how heavy were the chains of shame she carried?”
Through it all Jesus met that woman and helped her face her brokenness, she said.
“Before you get healed you have to open yourself to Jesus,” Spaedy said. “His merciful love changed her life.”
That same love transforms the lives of the hundreds of women Healed and Restored has helped over the past four years.
Spaedy also unveiled her new book, “Your Story Matters,” an anthology of stories from the people she has helped.
“Your Story Matters,” is not just a title, but one of the three beliefs she strives to instill in the women she helps. The other two are: “your wounds do not define you,” and “you are heard and seen.”
— Lisa M. Geraci
More online:
Learn more at www.healedandrestored.org/
