Can I just brag on God? Ten years ago this week I stepped out in faith and opened my family law firm, based on the biblical principle to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . and defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8,9) and focused on helping women and their children escape domestic abuse. To be honest, I did not want to do this kind of work.  After a career including 10 years in the world of finance, a year as a law clerk with a federal judge, and 15 years as a corporate attorney with a large Chicago law firm, I really just wanted to do something more enjoyable. Maybe even fun. But God had a different idea.

I remember the day that He called me to this mission field, as well as the ensuing conversation. I had been praying for years for career direction after a horrific divorce that had left me non-functional. I took time to heal, dive into His Word, and get to know God in a whole new way. But I had not felt any guidance yet.  Just closed doors. Then it came. My assignment.

“I’m calling you to represent my daughters in the courtroom. Right here in Lake County. To get them out of abuse.”

“Oh no, God. You have the wrong girl. I am not a litigator. That gets nasty. Especially divorce work.”

“No, I don’t have the wrong girl. I am calling you to lead my daughters into freedom. They need you in the courtroom.”

“But, can’t I work at a college? Even a Christian college? You know I love to teach.  I love young people.  I would even love being in the administration. How about that?”

“I have plenty of people who are qualified to do that. I don’t have anyone else that has the personal experience you have had, and have escaped, and have a law degree, and have 15 years of legal experience, and have courtroom experience, and have some resources to take some clients on pro bono. You’re welcome for all that, by the way.”

“Thank you. But, I really don’t think I have the fighting spirit that litigators need. I just like to get along with everyone and sing kumbaya. I actually like when people like me. I’m really more of a connector than a fighter.”

By this time, God was getting a little testy with my excuses.  “I KNOW what you’re like! I MADE YOU! I am going to make you into a warrior! That way you know that it’s me, not you.”

“Okay. I got nothin’. If you are going to make me into the warrior you need, I’ll do it.”  In the back of my mind I was remembering a story about Jonah and how he didn’t obey God’s call and ended up in the belly of a whale, and I really didn’t want that.

So, begrudgingly and with a great deal of trepidation of the unknown, I left my job at the big Chicago law firm, and started my firm – with no clients, no website, and no IT department.  But God brought clients who desperately needed to escape – and needed a counselor in every sense of word.

And here we are ten years later.  In those ten years, dozens of clients have been set free from abuse, over 100 women have healed in the Overcomer’s Spiritual Spa support groups and Bible studies, dozens of pastors have been educated and equipped to support victims of abuse, over a dozen women and their children have lived with us when they needed a safe house and are now part of our extended family, thousands of women have read my books and called them “life changing,” and thousands more have been encouraged through my TEDx Talk and other talks on podcasts, radio, and TV. Pictures of my clients and their children are on my refrigerator.  Texts, Facebook messages, and Christmas cards come from around the world. As women and their children thrive in freedom, I am invited to their graduations and weddings. God has overwhelmed me with his blessings – as He always does when we answer His call.

My husband is my IT department. And my law firm still has no website. Clients find me somehow on the Underground Railroad that only survivors of domestic abuse know about.

My old Chicago law firm – it split shortly after I left.  And then the splits split, and then merged, and so it goes with big firms.  And the Christian university I had hoped to teach at no longer exists.

But, tonight I just got a text from my very first client: “Blessed Easter. . .  I thank God for you. . .  You will always be in my heart. This world is a better place because you are in it. My prayers are for you and your family.”

She and her son are free and safe and happy.

And that’s why I do what I do.

In truth and love,

Charlene