Tell your story
I have had a few encounters in recent months where a meal conversation has turned into a deeper level of sharing than I would have anticipated. I know most people would think I am a very open person because I write this blog or share my testimony, but I would define myself as a very private person. In fact, I would say I even have family members that wish I would share more when I am struggling verses what they may define as “internalizing” while I remain outwardly focused on helping others. On these two occasions, I began to share parts of my story, my testimony. Each time, the stories I shared connected me with the person across from me in a way that was completely unexpected. That was God creating a connection. Jesus reminded us that we “will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). God wants us to share our stories. God wants us to create and grow this community of Christ followers.
On the first occasion, this person and I had talked about meeting for dinner for months. One day, I finally coordinated and found myself sharing beyond my military career which was the initial interest in the meeting. As I told my story, I could see in the person’s body language that they shared a common tale. You can sense when someone has walked a similar path as you and this person communicated just that towards the end of the dinner. Both of us were surprised about the path our dinner took us on-I am even more surprised that months later, that conversation would give us both sisters in faith and prayer as we continue to struggle in the same pain. That was not a coincidence, that was not circumstance. That was a Godwink, a connection created for the darker days ahead where we would find strength in each other and in our faith when we needed it most.
Today, I had a similar encounter. I don’t yet know what the future will hold from this conversation, but I know it was intentional. As I sat across from this young man and he reluctantly shared that he had served in the military, I shared my journey as both a military member and spouse in the military. I shared the struggle of reintegrating after being in combat, of finding a way to learn to love the new me acknowledging that war forever changed me. I shared the struggles Rob and I still have dealing with the weight of decisions made, the lives lost, the all too familiar weight of death around the corner. I could see in his eyes a look that has entered my eyes many times. The recognition that someone finally sees me, they understand me without me having to say anything…the comfort in knowing that you are not alone. I don’t know what God has in store for us, but I know our families will be connected. I know this encounter was not coincidence, it was not circumstance-it was a Godwink.
Today, I pray that you share your stories, share your testimony. There is power when you are a witness for God. Your voice will be heard to the ends of the earth for His glory.
I pray these words speak to you and that you share with a friend. Subscribe to my web page to not miss a blog.
