your story

I wasn't planning on doing a blogpost on my time at Hope Spoken a few weekends ago. Yet, here I am sitting in the sun-filled windowseat in our family room, peering out at a gorgeous Denver day doing exactly that.

Hope Spoken.

Yes it was.

This incredible weekend away, at a conference where I knew next to no one became one I will remember forever...because it reminded me how important it is to share our own stories.

I used to hate telling my testimony. I thought it was boring and incredibly lack-luster.

Yet, I now feel I have an interesting story to tell...because of all Christ has done in and through me and through our family. But I didn't always feel like this.

I'd become a Christian at age 5 and have basically stayed strong in my faith my entire growing up. I'm not perfect, I've definitely made my mistakes, but all-in-all, I thought my story to be immensely boring.

This weekend away, I had the privilege of hearing so many stories...some incredibly difficult to listen to as my heart took on some of their pain as they spoke.

They were all offered redemption and grace and refinement...and have grown tremendously as they have grasped Him tightly.

One new friend mentioned how she wished she had a better story to tell. A story that showed how she had come back from rock bottom, one showing the goodness of God.

I understood where she was coming from, but I wanted to shake her and say, "That IS the goodness of God! He is SO good to have brought you through life WITHOUT such pain!" I refrained from said shaking and instead reminded her that He isn't finished with her yet.

And realized I was speaking to myself as much as to her.

I thought about it all afternoon and while in our small group, the topic came up again. This time after a few hours mulling it over in my head, I had more to comment:

If you feel your story is boring, reach out to Him. Ask what you can learn from it. Or perhaps ask Him to prepare you for something bigger. Tell Him you want it. You crave it. Like Jabez, ask Him to expand your borders.

It was such great conversation as I realized so many of us who have walked the Christian life for a long time, feel this. Like we don't have enough to share. Does that mean we don't think He's DONE enough?!

Please tell me no.

Oh goodness, how He's done so much.

Whether you have a dramatic story or not...

Remember, your story IS important. It is YOUR story. And it's not finished yet.

There's no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with our imperfections. {Unknown}

So take delight in the messes. The imperfections. Let Him teach and refine you.

Take purpose in the people He places into your life.

And smile at the fact that He's not done.

God is looking for people to use, and if you can get usable, he will wear you out. The most dangerous prayer you can pray is this: 'Use me.' {Rick Warren}

He began a work, He will complete...we'll see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. {Jenny Simmons, from the song "Don't Lose Heart"}