When one takes time to reflect on life and its ultimate purpose; you can be amazed at what God has planned along the way. In fact, it seems as if we can never see the bigger picture because we somehow, expect life to turn out the way Hollywood movies advertise”the perfect life”, “the perfect story”, “the perfect family”. However in reality there is no such thing as perfect as it sounds. I believe that we often face obstacles in life, which helps us built character, perspective, and wisdom which modifies our faith and patience. About that, it is well scripted in the book of James 3 verses 2-4 saying “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing” James 3; 2-4 (AMP). This segment goes into part 2 of “the labor of love” and how God uses a faithful woman to spread his love and perfect will through her obedience.
It is often reviewed that, a parent’s role is crucial in a child’s long-term development. However, a mother’s nurturing sense of unconditional love manifests its way in the child’s life as they grow. Generally speaking, many women have the opportunity to wrap, a growing baby in their womb for 9 months and can authentically connect on a phenomenal level. On the other hand, various women, may not experience the same, however may often share the burden to care for a child, just as if it was the fruit of their womb. It is a powerful experience to love a child, even more gratifying when they are not your own. The Labor of love Part 2, portrays a woman who loves God to the point that she gave up everything to give him precedence in her life. She was surely tested about her faith and continues to serve Him with zealous behaviors of worship and devoted prayer lines.
When looking at the story of Moise in the bible, it describes that when; he was only 3 months old, his biological mother, sent him on the Nile River, not able to bear the cruelty of Pharaoh’s sanction; to kill all boys under 2 years of age. She secretly placed him there and asked his sister to watch where he will go, trusting in God and hoping for a brighter future for him during this difficult period in Egypt. Later on, not knowing that God had a greater purpose for his life she found out that, he was embraced by Pharaoh’s daughter. Noticeably, she felt an instant connection with him and had compassion for the baby wrapped in the basket. She decided to take him as if it was the fruit of her womb. Knowing that Moise was a Hebrew child, she saw beyond his faults and loved him with all her essence. The woman presented in this segment had similar sentiments when she nurtured in her spirit the promises of God. In the long run, she decided to embrace the will of her Saviour and not turn away from the experience that lifted her faith. The Bible context referenced from Exodus 2-5-10.
Marie- Lourdes, Lafleur born in Port aux Prince Haiti, in 1959, coming from a well-educated family background. On the spiritual aspect, she grew up in a family that kept honoring biblical standards and God’s commandments for many years. As per her life calling, it started when she was 12 years old when she gave her life to her Creator and decided to follow him wholeheartedly and be a subject to his will. Nonetheless, during her juvenile years, she fell head over heels with a well-educated, ambitious, man she met; he was living in the neighboring community she lived in. Although she was aware that he had his eldest daughter from a previous relationship, she accepted his past, present, and future with all that he presented and did not hinder their unfolding love. Obviously, their love grew and manifested after several encounters, therefore they got married and she loved calling him, husband. Soon after their marriage, she conceived her eldest son and 1 year in a half later, her eldest daughter. These children were the joy of her life, she would never leave them out of sight considering how life was very unstable in Haiti. As a young mother, she did not expect the unforeseeable event that ruptured her heart. Without delay, years later, her husband requested a divorce, to get married to another woman whom he has been encountering in the same sector. Little did she know that his charm was effective at any cost, she let him go. Meanwhile, she remained, faithful to God and in His promises and received revelations on many occasions. One, in particular where God showed her in a dream that she would have a home full of children, living abroad with her first husband. This revelation was hunting her down, quite often as she would question God of its meaning and purpose. She was optimistic and did not want to discredit God’s blessings through disobedience. Therefore she eagerly agreed to His unexpected Will. Despite her long and struggling years as a single mother in Haiti, she never lost aspirations for what God had in store for her. Regardless, the man she once called husband, was infatuated by another woman whom, he had encountered during his youthful years when they were well-known as neighboring friends. Moreover, six months after his second marriage, he was sponsored by his new wife at the time, to come to Canada, as she was already residing in Montreal, Quebec. Nonetheless, Marie-Lourdes kept on praying for open doors and God’s favor and mercies in her life, holding on to the vivid revelation she once had. Despite the ongoing disappointments from the man she had married, there was something about this man she never let go of. She would pray for him day and night, wishing him the best in his new life, and stayed hopeful. Eventually, the other woman conceived a boy and a girl who were 1 year and 1 week apart. Shortly after, this relationship experienced high levels of ongoing issues, therefore this individual saw it fit to request, divorcing this woman to go back to marry, Marie-Lourdes whom he strongly was in love with. As a result, he went back to Haiti and requested her hand again promising his faithfulness and fidelity. In her forgiving heart and loving spirit, she agreed to marry him once more. Upon discussion and agreement, he decided to sponsor her, his eldest daughter, and his 2 children; who were 13yrs old, 11yrs old, and 9 yrs old at the time. Therefore, six months after, they immigrated to Canada on March 26th, 1989. Despite, the fact that the man had several children from various women, this selfless woman named Marie-Lourdes wanted to remain faithful and submitted to her husband and God’s promises. Nonetheless, her heart desired to cherish him and see beyond his faults and spend a normal life with him.
Furthermore, life in Canada was different; cold, and distant from her habitual warm culture from Haiti and cheerful environment. She was residing in Chomedey, Laval, where she was living in the apartment her husband was renting before they were going to move into a house. A few days into Canada, she was faced with a life-changing decision, where her faith was tested. One afternoon, her husband received a call, that the women whom he had married and had two children with, were going to be sent to a foster home if there was no one to take care of them. As the biological father, the authorities questioned his desire to keep the children with his wife for a few months until their biological mother would be stable to keep them again. Instantly, Marie-Lourdes was consulted about the matter and she happily, openly, and humbly agreed as she was reminded of the clear vision God once revealed to her. Similar feelings as the daughter of Pharaoh felt she had a sentiment of compassion for the children. Little this she know, that this event was part of the revealing revelation she once had.
New Reality
A couple of months after their acceptance to keep the young 4 and 5 years old, they bought a house with the savings her husband had gathered while he had the opportunity to work double shifts in Canada. Ironically this home was located in Laval on ” 421 foster street”. This home significantly became the receiving place so much as a foster home would be. Marie-Lourdes was only 31 years old at the time but was bold enough to take on this challenge to raise not only her children but children who were not biologically hers. With the limited support system, she had in Canada, as a mother she had to run a tight ship with what she knew best at the time. Hence, she took on an executive role which made sure the children would behave according to her rules and regulations. She was patient, but yet firm, she was vibrant but yet powerful in her authoritarian parenting style. She made sure there was structure, discipline, and most importantly God in the middle, the front, the side, and the back of all things. Every child had a role to play, especially the oldest ones, who had to take care of the youngest. House cleaning was her virtue to make sure a house was inviting at all times, therefore the children were made sure to keep up with their household chores and routines. On the other hand, she made sure everyone’s birthday was celebrated with lots of delicious homemade meals and individualized birthday cake. We were given more than our basic needs, as the house was always full of food which we never missed out on She often showed her language of love through acts of service and gift-giving and made sure they were well dressed as she had a strong fashion sense. Even though her husband had to work extra long hours of work, to maintain the household finances, she did not give up on what God promised her. A couple of months after, authorities contacted the couple to also discuss adding the two eldest sons of the ex-wife who were placed in another foster home at the time. Once, again she agreed and displayed compassion about the situation, and took on the role designated to her as a stay-at-home mother. Therefore, all the children were registered at school and had to maintain qualified grading scales, knowing that her husband was very strict about their education. Moving forward into their lives, regardless of them, experiencing marital struggles due to unbearable circumstances, they also added two more children of their own, embracing their last two baby girls who were 2 years apart.
Spiritual Awakening and foundation
Nonetheless, Marie- Lourdes, kept the faith and prayed earnestly inviting all the children in moments of worship and overnight prayers. She became a vivid worshiper, beyond the walls of her church singing songs of glory to God day and night. She consecrated time for God to hear her cries and heartfelt struggles. Alongside, she made sure the children recited psalm 23 and remembering Exodus 20:1-17 by heart, and sang worship songs before opening prayers. She was mainly preoccupied with their spiritual growth and life therefore she dedicated each-one to God daily making sure his angles would cover them. She often alluded to this Biblical verse which mentions; But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Exodus 2-5-10 (AMP) “If it is unacceptable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” She wanted to structure them in a way that the Lord, laid in her heart to know who is their maker, savior, and provider. Therefore she strongly believed in the promise that God stated in proverbs 22: 6 (AMP) saying; “Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” In fact, she vividly encouraged this notion whenever she could, even with her friend’s children. Gathering all around her, she enjoyed seeing them worship songs from her Chant de l’Esperance; entitled in french; Du Rocher de Jacob, Compte les bienfaits de Dieu, Non jamais tout Seule, etc
In the meanwhile, her husband’s ex-wife was able to claim her first two sons and a year later, her other children were also able to join their biological mother in 1994, as she was stable enough to receive them. Overall, Marie-Lourdes’s stoic behavior could no longer remain hidden, as she manifested her relationship struggles and pain in many ways. Shortly after, many humble years of marriage, the unfaithfulness of her husband became evident and heavy to bear. Therefore, they lost the house and divorced leaving young adolescents and children in despair. She forgave him and let her creator renew her heart and wash her as white as snow. Therefore, she left and let God lead the ship of her life despite the storm, He provided for her and made her a spiritual leader and virtuous women of God, still going strong today.
Here are the siblings who once shared the same household space: Fabiola Bercy, Nathanson Bercy, Tatiana Bercy, David Blain, Jonathan Blain , Jacob Bercy , Mary Bercy , Erika Emmanuelle Bercy, and Teesy Sowaya Bercy. (Total 9 kids)
Upon reflection
Looking back, on how God was working; He was shaping and modeling our character and foundation by using Marie-Lourdes as my first sept-mother to lead us to Him. She contributed to his labor of love by obedience to his calling. God did not look at her to be perfect but he wanted us to witness a fervent praying woman, daily seeking the face of her God. Some can reminisce that due to her dedication to God, there is a spiritual anchor that was deposited in our souls.
God wants to give us peace, during our storm. One can take the time to understand the purpose of spiritually connecting with God and His perfect will. It is important to be aware of his calling, if we are submerged by the worries and stressors in our everyday life, we systematically mute God’s ultimate calling. Sometimes, we may not understand why but trust God and he will show you the greater purpose of his calling, which will save many along the way. And like a tree that bears fruits and its season so are we who allow God to use our fruits to feed someone in need and inspire someone to do the same. God can use you to inspire and bless others with the fruits of your gifts. So be available and be the light He calls you to be. I strongly encourage your reader, to take the time to honor someone in your life, that God used to bless you in some way.
Inspired Bible Scriptures:
James 3: 2-4, Exodus 2-5-10, Proverbs 22: 6, Romans 12: 10,Exodus 2-5-10 and Exodus 20 1-17
Personalized Prayer
Dear God, thank you for allowing me to move forward from my past and understand what you did for me and my family. You though me the power of forgiveness and obedience through her therefore you wanted me to honor this faithful woman because she was part of your greater plan and your word says in Romans 12: 10 to be devoted to one another in love. Honoring one another above ourselves. You made me understand that you are not looking for the perfect being but the available one. Thank you, God, for helping me to share this and see your pure love. In Jesus Name Amen!
And,
P.S Jesus Loves You
Faith Builds You 