Please Pray for The 10s of 1000s Who just lost their Businesses

Many of you know that Robert and I opened a Boutique at the Painted Tree Boutiques for our skincare company, Redeem And Renew Skin Solutions, with great enthusiasm and hope for the future.

Our vision was to create a welcoming space where customers could find high-quality skincare products that truly make a difference in their lives. We poured our hearts and souls into establishing this boutique, believing it would not only be a successful business venture but also a community hub where people could come together to learn about skincare and wellness.

However, just a week ago, we received an alarming email that shook us to our core. The message stated that, effective immediately, all stores nationwide were to be closed as of that very day. We were instructed to come to the boutique without delay to gather our items and prepare for an uncertain future. This abrupt closure left us in a bit of a shock especially considering that just the day before, people were moving into the various spaces they had worked so hard to create. It felt surreal to witness such a rapid and drastic change.

Compounding our distress, we were informed that we would not be receiving our rent back, our deposit, or any sales revenue generated during March or April. This news was devastating, not only for us but for countless others who depended on their businesses for survival.

As the registers were turned off, it felt like a chaotic free-for-all, with many scrambling to salvage what they could from their stores. It was heart-wrenching to see the desperation in the eyes of fellow vendors, some of whom had been in their locations for years. For many, this was not just a business; it was their livelihood, their bread and butter, and the source of their identity.

As I gathered our skincare items, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the sales we had generated from our products had significantly contributed to keeping the doors of our church open. It has been a lifeline not just for us, but for the community we serve. Our hearts are shaken by the sudden loss, but amidst the turmoil, we have a steadfast resolve that we must keep moving forward. We are determined to adapt and find new ways to reach our customers, even if it means transitioning to an online-only model.

Robert took the news particularly hard, as he had always envisioned being present in the store, engaging with customers, and managing the day-to-day operations. I too felt a profound sense of loss, especially as I witnessed the weeping and brokenness of so many people around us. Tears of empathy fell.

It was a stark reminder of how interconnected we all are, and how many lives were affected by this sudden closure. SO MANY HURTING! The emotional weight of the situation was overwhelming, and it became clear that we were not alone in our struggle.

In light of this crisis, I am reaching out to all of you to ask for your prayers—not just for Robert and me, but for all the vendors who have been impacted by this sudden turn of events. We are now faced with the challenge of continuing our business online, a shift that requires adaptation and resilience.

Thousands of small businesses have been wiped out in a single day, leaving many families in distress and uncertainty. But in the midst of this chaos, we hold onto our faith and the belief that there is still hope and a way forward. But GOD! We trust that He has a plan for us and for all those affected, and we are committed to finding that path together.

Thank you

Theresa & Robert

ChicagoProphets@aol.com