(c.246-c.330) Flavia Julia Helena was born to a lower social class, worked as a stable maid according to Saint Anselm, married co-regent Constantius, and gave birth to their son Constantine. Constantius put Helena aside for a more politically advantageous marriage as he ascended in power and eventually became Emperor. Helena never remarried and lived in obscurity until Constantius died and her son became Emperor, shortly after which she converted to Christianity. Saint Helena made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when nearly 80 years old, according to bishop and historian Eusebius of Caesarea, to restore Christian landmarks. During that time, she found the True Cross.
Who in recovery has ever felt cast aside because they were “less than”? We’ve even done it to ourselves. But in recovery, we embrace our powerlessness. It’s up to Him to restore sanity.
“I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Phillipians 4:12-13).
Reflection by Brad Farmer