I’m sitting at the airport, looking out the window at huge lumps of snow, pushed into dirty piles. I’m a Texas girl and the blanket of snow that fell from Heaven was a gift.
It’s not the only one I hold in my heart today.
For two years, I’ve met God at Relevant. Last year, I quaked. He breathed courage to follow Him. And this weekend, I came emotionally and physically exhausted, the balance of juggling home, children, husband, writing, non-profit, dream-chasing teetered precariously.
But I let the tears come, laying the burden at his feet and leaned in to listen:
He revealed I have community wounds. But He showed me community would heal.
He uncovered my ugly desire for success. And He asked me to just be faithful. Because that’s how He defines success.
He reassured that I have a destiny. And promised to lead the way.
He reminded that what I’m doing doesn’t make me important, it makes me a Christian.
And He restored hope.
My spirit sustained as woman after woman shopped mercy.
I’m boarding the plane, tired.
But full.
Next time, I won’t wait for Relevant to hear what He wants to say.
I’ll just ask.
You should too.
He has a lot to tell you.
*Thanks @mamahall (pictured above) for setting up our table and serving and to Family Matters for sending me!
Treasured time this weekend, hugging you and hearing your voice tell things that aren’t written down yet.
“He revealed I have community wounds. But He showed me community would heal.” Oh, Kristen, I hesitate to even tell you this, because you don’t know me and I don’t know you. But my heart so resonates with this. My husband and I have lived in this area for over five years, and we still feel like we have no real friends with whom to share life’s joys and struggles. Every other place we’ve lived, we’ve both always had lots of very good friends. We very often feel very lonely and very alone as we do our best to raise our baby boy. Both of our families are far away (mine live in Africa and his are in Texas), so we often feel the pain of having no family nearby to support us and to love on our little guy. We know that the body of Christ should (ideally) help fill this “hole,” but this hasn’t really happened for us, and it is so, so, so hard.
Thank you for sharing so honestly on here. It helps my heart to know that this dry season doesn’t mean I’m a reject!
That was beautiful, and I wept with joy and recognition.
I love that God speaks all.the. time!!!! Thanks for sharing your heart here
OH Kristen – I kick myself to think I believe I have to wait an entire year to hear from Him. ridiculous.
He told me … He notices me. =)
OH Kristen – I kick myself to think I believe I have to wait an entire year to hear from Him. ridiculous.
He told me … He notices me. =)
Thank you for so faithfully sharing what God is speaking to you. He is using you in a mighty way! Thank you for listening to his voice.
So well put Kristen. Peace – Be Still.
Glad that your trip was restoring. Thanks for the reminder to just ask!
Hello, community wounded #34893720483204 here. We are watching God restore our hearts toward our community. It’s a wonderful thing to feel.
Blessings.
I love this post….it feel real!!! Loved getting to meet you and learn more about Mercy House….Loved being able to buy things those girls have made!!!
Too too true!
Powerful post! So glad you were restored at this conference!
Thanks for sharing your story and for the reminder of God’s faithfulness.
I’m so glad He spoke with you this way, Kristen. Just what you needed at the time. Pure Grace.
And you telling of it all…it’s such beautiful worship.
Rich blessings as He leads you to See Him more.
I counted it a pleasure to meet you in person and see your genuine burden for serving and being used. Your ministry is a testimony and a ministry to ME! You are thunder! Please know my prayers go with you and I look forward to getting to know you and Mercy House better.
Praying for you. Thought of all of you at Revelant. Love the pic of the MH table.
I think of you often…. pray for you when you come to mind.
Always remembering….
much love…
So glad you had a great trip!
“And this weekend, I came emotionally and physically exhausted, the balance of juggling home, children, husband, writing, non-profit, dream-chasing teetered precariously.”
I love your heart here…and empathize…So many women at Relevant this weekend are pursuing passions God has placed in their hearts, but it is NOT easy…it’s not easy to balance it all. Its hard, but it’s worth it, and you are doing a wonderful, wonderful work and God will continue to sustain you…I will pray that your heavenly father waters your soul this week…
It was nice to meet you, if ever so briefly at your table!
uh oh…did my other comment post?! ahhh…the snow…I live in Buffalo and ironically we did not have any here when I returned!!!