Last December, I took a big leap and wrote my story out for the world, with the goal that just one person, who felt beyond hope, would know mercy could find them too.
I asked God to allow me to know of just one person who was helped as a result of reading the words of my story. And He has surpassed my wildest imaginations of the impact my story would have. He is so amazing!
Six weeks ago I shared my first post as a contributor at the Allume community, giving them five reasons they should tell their story too–five reasons the world needs their words, their journey, and their inspiration.
Because there are many hearts who are beyond hope, isolated and alone.
Needing to know they are not alone.
Desperate to know someone else has been where they are.
Reaching to grasp onto hope for their own lives.
And can I just say?
I have continued to be overwhelmed by the bravery and boldness of my fellow sisters in Christ who have stared fear in the face, gathered their courage, and told their stories in these six weeks since that Allume post.
Each one reached out and thanked me for daring to go first. For being willing to say some hard things and share some transparent pain, so they could do so too.
They told me how God used my words to ignite flames that were already smoldering in their hearts, and how He confirmed and led them to share their stories with the world.
And I want to share these women with you–women who in the last six weeks took the leap to dare to share their story so even one person might know they are not alone.
I told my story, and asked them to tell theirs, and they did! May you read their stories and be encouraged by their words… [Tweet this]
Aprille @beautyinhistime shares a powerful series about the days she spent torn between legalism and grace. She offers help to those who have struggled with legalism, and points them to the hope we have when we find God’s grace.
Mandy @mandymianecki brings awareness to the issue of childhood sexual abuse, as she not only shares her deeply personal story, but provides hope and healing to survivors. She writes with bravery and boldness, offering tips to help protect our children from abuse wherever they are.
Christine @livingjoel225 shares a series of posts, written by a community of women, revealing the beautiful sisterhood existing among those who have gone through the fire. The journey through trials is never easy, but in this series, these women speak of the hope we have when we share our pain and tell of rebuilding our walls together.
This is an ongoing series which concludes on August 19, where I will have the privilege to share my words with these other beautiful women.
Katie @katietevis writes a series on being a Christian and going through divorce, including the devastation, changes, and challenges divorce brings, while sharing how to find joy even in a season of grief.
Mary @themarybonner bravely shares a post about her loss over 21 years ago…
Lani @flowerlady77 boldly shares her story from birth until now … a transparent and brave story addressing our thoughts, our passions, and how they affect our relationships even years later. She writes from brokenness to healing and brings us full circle to the hope we have in Christ, through the grace He gives.
And sweet Carol @carolhulin scratches out an email to me in June … the one email I asked God for. She tells me of her journey and her pain, and writes how my blog and my story have been a part of her coming back to Jesus.
What humbling grace…
Evidence that God sees and has a plan for our stories,
Evidence of God’s faithfulness as we share,
Evidence of how He takes even our bad choices and uses our very lives for His good and perfect purpose.
And I proudly share with you Carol’s Video, as she boldly stands before her entire church and shares her story on a Sunday Morning in June.
Her story begins at 2:57…
I am in awe how God chooses to work and weave through our lives.
And I’m giving thanks for His faithfulness,
The way He redeems and restores us,
And continues to use our stories for His glory.
May you know today that God can, and will, use even your story. [Tweet this]
And I am praying you will let Him, and I think you’ll be amazed when you do!
Have you ever shared your story?
How did God use it for good?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Story…
Thank you so much for featuring my series Jacque! God is blessing my series and I give you a lot of credit because your bravery inspired me!
You bless me and others with your words…may many find His rich unfathomable grace through them! He is using you, my friend! xo
amazing stories …so glad I came over to read your post and the stories of each of these ladies
Jacque, you are amazing, and I have felt the love of Christ through you. Thank for walking alongside and encouraging me, and for linking to my series! So blessed. Xoxo
Thank you for sharing your story and these others, Jacque. Everyone’s stories are different, but God’s mercy and grace is there always. Visiting from FMF Party.
Aren’t they amazing?!! So thankful you got to meet them!
What a privilege to walk beside you and cheer you on…and I’m so thrilled how God is using you and your words. He is so, so good! xo
Yes, mercy and grace…so thankful! Have a beautiful weekend Jennifer…
Jacque: Your choosing to follow His plan, to being obedient even in the face of fear has accomplished so much. Thank you…you are a blessing my friend
My dear friend, Jacque…I feel so unworthy to be included in this fabulous group of storytellers. You inspire me and obviously them…thank you sweet friend. I am honored that to included me. Love you and see you in October.
Your words are so powerful, Jacque! After I read that Allume post, I was just struck with a feeling of needing to do something…and from there, God birthed a series. Thank you for that inspiration. For being so brave and putting yourself out there.
Please give each other a hug for me!!
I really wouldn’t have written it if you hadn’t gone first. So thankful for your bravery and encouragement. So humbled to be included here.