I recently attended a SF-Spirit conference entitled “Mercy and Mission” and heard a married deacon of the church tell about his extensive drug and alcohol use, his profanity, and even his adulterous affairs . . .
That’s how he lived until he finally found the Love he was searching for in Jesus and turned his whole life around, ultimately entering the diaconate with his wife and kids’ support. It took courage to share so boldly, and his witness was undoubtedly more impactful because of it. Hearing how low he’d been stirred up compassion and proffered hope to others in dire circumstances. Telling his tale certainly exhibited Holy Boldness! It also spawned gratitude that although we have our own crosses, the majority of us seem to have been spared some of those particular problems. A sanitized version of his story wouldn’t have come close to touching hearts the way the messy tale of his journey did.
We All Have Not Only Messiness but also a Unique Life Story
Sometimes our stories have been kept very quiet, especially if they involve shame or perceptions of inadequacy or failure. Other stories are so public that they’ve defined people into a certain persona, concealing (even to themselves at times) who they truly are. Blessedly, even the most heart-wrenching stories can become stories of healing, redemption, and grace, and often that can only be surmised in retrospect. Having your story heard with compassion is a key behind the UNBOUND forgiveness and freedom ministry in which I’m so privileged to serve. Wisely sharing those stories can also help you and others to learn empathy, compassion, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
Sharing My Personal Stories
Hoping that the messiness and brokenness of my life and my thinking at different times would be instructive, I published a series of blog posts on my personal website last year. I’ve engaged in rampant self-criticism and judgmentalism over the years, forgetting that the verdict that counts awaits my arrival at the pearly gates, when Jesus will be my merciful judge. I hope you can accept what I shared as a part of just another messy journey, shared in hopes that it sparks worthwhile reflection for others and brings glory to the One who’s used it all for good. Apologies if you already know parts of my narrative; I’ve told some of it before, but since we’re constantly evolving, I trust that my sharing will reveal a slightly more mature cast this time.
This was Post 1 of the series. The others address how you know when you’re ready for another transition, how I transitioned from practicing law to my focus on spirituality, how dreams can guide you, what I learned while writing Reap As You Sew, how my ensuing business evolved, what spiritual direction is, and my then-latest revelations from the Holy Spirit.
Your comments are welcome, and guest blog posts are invited.
YOu inspire me…..Thank yo.
Thank you, Lita! You know you have my eternal gratitude for landing us here where I feel so privileged to live that I named our house “Abba’s Gift!”
YOu inspire me…..Thank yo.
Thank you, Lita! You know you have my eternal gratitude for landing us here where I feel so privileged to live that I named our house “Abba’s Gift!”
Chris, I love to read your word play poems and let the thoughts resonate. As to transition: I am in a zone of joining hooks and eyes, collaborating with others. A Burmese refugee family of 5 is being sponsored by our parish and I’ve been on health screening appointments, etc in a part of Oakland one never ventures. Because I asked a Fearless friend with a van to pair up we have been active tackling jobs with no English translation. Their dialect is rare and challenging. Fortunately there is great leadership. You may know Janet Riley. Hope watercolor painting reenters my world.
Chris, I love to read your word play poems and let the thoughts resonate. As to transition: I am in a zone of joining hooks and eyes, collaborating with others. A Burmese refugee family of 5 is being sponsored by our parish and I’ve been on health screening appointments, etc in a part of Oakland one never ventures. Because I asked a Fearless friend with a van to pair up we have been active tackling jobs with no English translation. Their dialect is rare and challenging. Fortunately there is great leadership. You may know Janet Riley. Hope watercolor painting reenters my world.
God bless you, Janet, and the Burmese family as you bless these refugees! (Yes, I know Janet, from making Sleepy Hollow auction quilts together almost 20 years ago and from church — please say “Hi” for me!) I, too, hope watercolor painting has only taken a bit of a break (as my quilting sort of has, too, and is being resumed).
God bless you, Janet, and the Burmese family as you bless these refugees! (Yes, I know Janet, from making Sleepy Hollow auction quilts together almost 20 years ago and from church — please say “Hi” for me!) I, too, hope watercolor painting has only taken a bit of a break (as my quilting sort of has, too, and is being resumed).