What the world needs to see, I think, is authenticity.
With it:
Cynics can only be cynical for awhile.
Haters can only hate for awhile.
Doubters can only doubt for awhile.
Non-Belivers can only not believe for awhile.
Until they get tired and realize the authenticity, is real.
Then, decision time for them!
"Preach the Gospel always. If need be, use words." St Francis.
I'm learning, I think, that being bold enough to share our story with others
allows God to do His work through us. See, when we begin to live transparent
lives, there are no walls to hide behind. No afront. No "window dressing".
Just authenticity. And Jesus loves authenticity. Just ask the Pharisees.
Every day for the past ten years and hopefully, if you'll have me, another ten
plus, I have tried to be as real as I can possibly be by sharing my life with you.
I come from a broken home.
My mother was in an abusive relationship and was bold enough to leave it.
She found my step-dad who BECAME my Dad.
I nearly died twice.
I met my bride in college.
I share about Matt, Kylie, Tyler, Megan and Jack the Pug.
And you share your story with me. How God has picked up the broken pieces or
how He is picking up the broken pieces and in turn, you have encouraged me in my
walk more than you could ever know.
Nancy called today and shared about her son with autism, Jacob Matthew. How he
was non-verbal until he was five years old. Friends, family and those "who know" in
the medical field told her he would never.....{fill in the blank}. Really? Jacob Matthew
is now eight and loves to talk, doodle, draw, crack jokes, quote scenes from movies
and complete those scenes with animation included. He is a miracle. And because she
never gave up on him, he is thriving. "It's a God thing", she says. Right on.
And because she shared her story with all of us on the air? I've had 100+ emails from
parents encouraged by hers and Jacob's journey. Dozens of notes on Facebook.
When we share our narrative, we share God's story of redemption and love for US!
It breaks down the barriers and we realize we have more in common than we could have
ever dreamed. And that's when God moves!
He certainly moved in me today. Thank you Nancy for being authentic.
Are we ready to share our story and need of a Savior with a world
so desperately in need of one too? Let's do this............
