Vine Life

Last night I spoke to a women’s Bible study group called Vine Life at my church.  I was asked by my friend Aliene, who teaches the class (and also wrote the study!) to share my testimony. She had been my small group leader for the first teaching of her study and boy, did her study and the all of the women in the group help me in my time of need! It was an honor to be  asked to speak to this large group last night. It is the second time I have shared  my story for her teachings, and both times I have felt so blessed to be there.

It is almost comical to me that I was up on stage last night, with a mic in my hand, sharing my story. I mean, really, its me. Super shy. Hyper emotional when feeling “on the spot.” Certainly not a fan of public speaking. At all. Yet there I was, spilling details of my life that would normally be reserved for close friends and family. And you know what? It felt great! The things I was speaking about- teen pregnancies, marriage trouble- have brought me a lot of pain, but it was so amazing to speak of God’s grace in my life. To share how He has used the pain to bring even greater joy. And to spread that good news, I would stand on the rooftops and shout!

Aliene has shared with me that my courage in sharing my story has helped many others also tear down the walls they have built, letting others in and beginning the healing process. It is not an easy thing to do, to pull away the facade and share your heartache. Especially if it means shedding light on someone else’s wrongdoings in the process. I know that I had been protecting others with my walls, and it wasn’t until I let others in, and stopped covering it all up, that I was able to let it go and heal. My goal last night was simply to share my story in hopes that it would touch others. And judging by the numerous emails I have already received today from some of the women in attendance,  I would say that I have accomplished that goal.  So thank you, Aliene, for a wonderful study, an opportunity to share, and the gift of your friendship.