The WellHouse and I

Allow me to briefly introduce myself – my name is Cathy Davis. I am a mom of two adult daughters (seriously?). I work at a local law firm as an Operations Support Specialist and I work part-time at a local craft store, helping support my craft addiction. I was born and raised in Birmingham, moved around the country for a few years but came back to Birmingham in 2002. I am the Chair of the Christ Church United Methodist Human Trafficking Task Force.

I met Alexa and Tajuan in June of 2012. The first house was just being opened and ladies were moving in. I asked them how we at Christ Church could help and Tajuan suggested we come to the house and help paint, clean, and other stuff. Honestly, I have no idea – I tuned out when I realized manual labor was involved.  As soon as I could pipe in, I said, “I’m not doing that – what else you got?” Luckily, the three of us just clicked, and they understood I wasn’t being totally serious.

Tajuan suggested I come to the house and just sit with her. She wasn’t going to do the manual labor either. We both thought this sounded like a great idea. She and I could have some one on one time and she could educate me on The WellHouse and what they needed from their volunteers.

What started that Saturday was just the start of a beautiful mentorship and friendship. I found myself sitting on the front porch of that house just soaking “it” all in. Sitting on the front porch, turned into sitting with Tajuan in many different places. I have traveled with her to speaking engagements, which have included spending the night away from home, wearing an airplane and spending countless (and very precious) hours with Tajuan.

All of that sitting became my job description -- official Sitter/Stander for The WellHouse.  Sitting title is obvious, right? The standing title comes from my desire to stand in the gap and intercede (Ezekiel 22: 30) on behalf of Tajuan and everyone else involved with The WellHouse: staff, ladies, volunteers, funding, etc.

You’ll see me at events. I’m the one who helps with the merchandising or helps Tajuan with her materials. I might be the one who helps her finish up at an event and leave. Whatever the sitting needs to do is what I’ll be doing.

In the meantime, I am being mentored by someone who has been through more than I can ever imagine or bear. Tajuan is a woman of such strong faith and conviction. She has allowed God to use her story and show how only He can turn such a story into something beautiful for His glory. (Isaiah 61:3) I have a friend with whom I can laugh and cry and share life. I love her, her daughters, her family, the ministry she birthed, the love of Christ she shows. I cherish and treasure the time we spend together.

I am honored to be The WellHouse Sitter/Stander. I have the privilege of seeing God’s work up close and personal, through Tajuan and all others involved with and in the ministry. It is my privilege and honor to have been asked to stand in the gap and intercede on their behalf.  If Tajuan is speaking and you see someone standing in the background, it’s probably me. Please, come and introduce yourself. I love meeting and talking with people.