An Update from Gracie: The Shelter Foundation

Written By Michael Petrelli
 
 

In January of 2018, as the barren winter trees surrounded me and my family, so did my life suddenly feel barren - and dare I say, dead. My husband of eight and a half years had been tragically killed, leaving myself a young widow at 29 years of age with two little girls ages 4 years old and 16 months. My new reality was shocking and traumatic as I grappled with the way that my young husband had been killed and also with the new found publicity that came at the cost of everything I had known.

My personality is not one to “sit and take it.” I was angry at the enemy for taking my husband and the Daddy of my girls. I was terrified at the thought that I would have to rebuild my life, without a single clue how to do so. So how would I make sense of this cruel act? I would proclaim the gospel and make the enemy pay for all my tears, sorrow and lost moments that the future once held. I knew that my greatest weapon would be my worship. Deep in my soul, I knew that there would be purpose to my pain and I would do everything I could to lean into that and let God lead me. Within months, I continued to think of the word “Shelter” and how I wanted to create a safe place for First Responders and their families to find faith-based support and community. As only God could orchestrate and ordain, I began a bible study at Mission Hills Church under the umbrella of The Shelter Foundation as its own 501(c)(3).

From there, the opportunities God provided The Shelter Foundation only grew, and were made possible due to the financial contributions of many of you reading this.

Over the last 5 years…

  • We hosted Bible Studies for First Responder Wives in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock and even online where we welcomed women from around the Nation.

  • We hosted a First Responder Men’s Bible Study and saw men find community and understand the peace of God.

  • We have distributed over 50 bibles to First Responders that didn’t own one.

  • We have sent over 25 couples within Colorado to marriage retreats

  • We have helped over 15 couples nationwide attend faith-based retreats in their home state.

  • We have supported families with financial aid that are struggling to make ends meet.

  • We have sent more than 25 couples to marriage counseling and watched as they saved their marriages.

  • We have sent many First Responders to counseling as they battled PTSD.

  • We have partnered with Eagles Nest Ranch and been a sponsor for their summer Buckaroo Days where dozens of First Responder families have enjoyed a free day of family fun.

  • We have partnered with Revital Colorado and hosted date nights for First Responders to find community and have fun with their spouse.

  • We have partnered with The Mane Mission and been a sponsor for their Fall Festival hosted for First Responder families.

  • We have acted as a resource to First Responders to show that you are not alone.

Looking back, I see the hand of God and all that He has orchestrated for The Shelter Foundation. TSF has been instrumental in my healing, and also in seeing purpose come from the pain. Completely spirit led, He orchestrated every step. I learned a lot, failed a lot, and grew as a Woman of God.

As I write this letter to you, my family plays in the backyard together. My family - whole and complete. Even though it was loss that brought Brett and I together, we see God’s hand in how this is not His second choice for our lives. This is how it was always meant to be. His sovereign hand guiding us every step of the way. Brett is my second chance and the man who God always had picked to raise my girls. It is in watching my kids, that I am certain in my decision to step back from The Shelter Foundation. I am needed at home - my first ministry - to disciple, love and care for the four precious souls that God has entrusted me with.

As of April 1, 2024, The Shelter Foundation will be shutting down. This website will stay active for the remainder of 2024, but we will no longer accept any financial gifts. All remaining funds of The Shelter Foundation will be distributed to other non-profit organizations that are like minded with the mission of TSF.

I cannot even begin to express my deep gratitude for your partnership, support and love for myself and The Shelter Foundation. Words would truly not even suffice.

In Him,

Gracie Parrish Miller

Michael Petrelli
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Embracing Flexibility with Your Spouse Through Grace, Humor & Understanding