“...allowed me to look at my story from a greater perspective.”

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15

I believe it is imperative for us to be able to share our stories. If we don’t know how to put into words what God has brought us through, we won’t be able to give a reason for the hope that we have. I have seen God move in ways that people need to know about, but in order to share those truths effectively, I have to fully understand the importance of my own story.

When I began the Listen to My Life workbook, I wasn’t certain that I wanted to even try to chronicle my story. Remembering particular circumstances brought up a lot of pain for me that I wasn’t ready to address. However, once I charted everything out and made myself put into words what all I had been through, I was able to look back and see how much God had done. The results have been tremendous.

About six years ago, I went through a very dark period of life. During that time, I suffered the breakup of my family, lost loved ones, experienced the heartbreak of a love betrayed…I lost the innocence of my youth, really. While I walked through all of that, I wondered why on earth God was letting me experience it. What good could it possibly do later on?

The great thing is that God has restored everything from that season of my life. Relationships that were virtually non-existent before are now vibrant and life-giving. Healing has taken place in more hearts than just mine. It didn’t happen overnight, but the truth is, it happened.

However, at the time of the Listen to My Life retreat, I was still struggling with certain aspects of my story. But during the process that Sharon, Rebecca and Sibyl walked us through, God brought truths to light that I hadn’t noticed. He allowed me to look at my story from a greater perspective. He clarified things in my heart, and most precious to me, He brought me to a place of healing in one particular area that I was still holding onto.

Soon after the conference, I met someone who was struggling with reconciling the goodness of God with His willingness to allow us to suffer. Because I had literally just written down my story, I was fully prepared to share what I had learned. That new-found ability led to one of the most powerful conversations I have ever had. I am certain that the timing was not coincidental…

I believe that God doesn’t let things happen to us unless He is prepared to give us full and complete healing – often in ways we could never have imagined. But in order to receive that healing, sometimes we have to completely process what we have experienced. Unpleasant? Sometimes. But if we will trust God with the most intimate details of our lives – the wounds, the dreams, the fears, and the hopes – we will not be disappointed.

I encourage you to go through the process of learning your own story. In doing so, I believe you will be met by the Author Himself and be able to truly see what He has done. And once you do, share it! Because who knows – in telling your story, you could change someone’s tomorrow.