Pastor Steve just finished up a series on witnessing called, "A Walk Across the Room." As part of these studies, he has encouraged his congregation to write out their salvation experience, their "story," in 100 words or less and share it with him and his staff. The logical reason is that if you cannot share your story (testimony, as we say in our overly religious churchese)in simple terms in under 100 words by doing this small step, what makes you think you will ever open your mouth and witness to the unsaved? He has a point.
My problem was trying to tell my story in 100 words or less. But let's face it, people don't want to hear long, drawn out versions of your experience. They want something meaningful, but short. They want answers and quickly. They don't want churchspeak and theology. They want to know the reason for your peace.
I tried about 5 versions of my story and never got it under the limit. But here is what I came up with that best suits my experience. I challenge you to write yours--using 100 words or less and post it here in the comment section. Then link to it on your blog and challenge three or four others to do the same. If you're reading this, you're tagged.
My Story
Mother was a saint, Father an alocholic. I have both shocking and endearing stories--stories of faith, but also of heartache. Mama taught me of the cross before I could speak. I never questioned it. I accepted Christ at age 8. In my early adult years, things happened that led me to question God and to seek answers outside of Him. But always the Truth of Christ would bring me back. It is like no other love. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know who holds the future, my life is worth the living, just because He lives.
109 is the best I can do Pastor Steve. What a challenge!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
My Story
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21 comments:
I will work on my story and thanks for the tag.
I will definitely work on this and get it to you! I am working today on my response to Kevin's second part in our series. Oh, my!
Interesting challenge. Here's mine.
Growing up fatherless, people said that God would be my heavenly father. I lived it during my teen years. Then after high school, a rebellious streak sent me in a destructive direction. Perhaps because of that earlier closeness, one day, I heard the Lord ask me, "What do you think you're doing?" Slowly damaging my life, that's what. As if holding my shirttail before I took that leap off a fog-shrouded cliff, He pulled me back. In His grace, I stopped doing the things that threatened to spoil my life, and headed back home. Since then, I've journeyed with Him.
Wonderful story Jackie! And you right on target!
Hmmm...100 words. Not sure if I can make it that short, but I'll try...ok, I'm back now with 109 words.
I knew Christ as a child and went to church until age 12. I have always believed Jesus is God’s Son who died on the cross for our sins. Eventually, I fell away from my faith, and by my mid-twenties I was on a path that was quickly leading to destruction. Amid the mental/emotional pain and turmoil I was experiencing, I called out to God for help. He heard me. But it took me eight years before I came back to Christ. That was seven years ago. It hasn’t been all peachy-keen along the way, but I know He is there for me and forgives me when I mess-up.
Wonderful job and 109 'ain't' bad! Well stated, concise and to the point yet full of right stuff. Great story!
Also, Jackie's story was great also. Thanks for participating and I pray for that open door for both when God simply says, "walk across the room and extend a hand and heart to someone who needs to know that somebody cares.
God Bless!
Pastor Steve
Thanks Shelley for sharing your story. I know your story will be a blessing to others.
The first seeds of faith were planted in my soul long before my earliest recollections. I was on a pew 9 months before I was born and faithfully thereafter. I asked Jesus to live in me in response to the invitation given by my primary SS teacher. As I matured, I learned to listen to God's voice. I haven't always been obedient, but I have never failed to hear Him. I am a living testimony to the scriptures that speak of training up a child... and the proverbs dealing with the discipline of children.
Weren't we so blessed to have such a rich heritage...
well it was <100 wds,but a bit too much churheese. funny how that came to me just now as I was meditating on our pricelss heritage.
well it was <100 wds,but a bit too much churheese. funny how that came to me just now as I was meditating on our pricelss heritage.
100 words or less? Well, my brain's a little off from staying up all night with a sick Hoola, but I'll give it a try...
My mama believed in God and she taught us to believe in Him but I can count on my hands the times I’ve seen her in church. But I always knew God was there for me, I just didn’t know where “there” was. At twelve I found Him at a small revival I attended with my best friend. I hit my late teens and quickly backslid; doing some not good things. But He never gave up on me and eventually I realized that life with Him is much better than life without Him.
Amen, Delia. Indeed, life with Him is much better than without.
I've noticed some more folks participating on their blogs...way to go! I appreciate your participation.
Exactly 100, girl! Thanks for the tag...
I never doubted God’s existence. I just sometimes wished he’d leave me the hell alone. Most of my pain has been because of God, one way or another – He was always asking for too much. But my missionary father would return full of stories of Russians, Chinese, who have given so much more than I have. The best gift we got was a worn, pink washcloth, a modern widow’s mite. When I was very small, my mother would lift my hands with hers as she worshipped. I have the legacy of raising empty hands to Jesus. His presence is enough.
Beautiful job Bethany. Thanks for sharing your story. I hope it inspires others to share theirs, not just with us, but with someone who is needing a reason to live, some hope, some peace. Have a great week!
Dawn thanks for the great series about your victories with Kevin...it is so inspirational.
Here's mine; thanks for the tag! :)Born and raised on a Texas ranch. Went to college, where I studied music and writing. Mission work, marriage, miscarriage all followed…I went through a major depression, and God did some major healing in my life. Had a son ’98; worked as an entertainer and began to pursue author-dom. Second son came along in ’04, and three books followed (a dream come true). The days are long but the years are going by fast. I love Jesus, my family and my life more than I ever thought possible, and I’m grateful beyond words for this adventure He has me on.
Thanks Dena for sharing your story with us. Stop by anytime!
Grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (old saying). Daddy took me to church a few times.Did go to Sunday school off and on.Was made fun of, the clothes I wore etc. Let that pull me away from church.
Many years later after trying things my way (drugs and alcohol). I came back and accepted the Lord.
Many events have happened in the last several years. But my God has carried me through each time.I myself would have never made it without His help.The Lord has blessed me and given me peace.
Granny B.
Thank you Granny B for sharing. Noticed you don't have a blog link. Maybe you should start one?? By the way, are you the reader who hails from Farmington? PT2006 and I were wondering. She used to go to church in Farmington.
Anyway, glad you stopped by.
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