Daughter, Don't Compare!

My 17 year old daughter is sharing her testimony. On her public high school campus. For the first time ever. Tomorrow. Of course I am proud of her. And yes this is amazing for so many reasons. One being she has been terrified most of her life with speaking in front of people to the point she would almost make herself sick at just the thought. So this is HUGE!

But more importantly, how about the fact that she will be taking a stand for her faith in the midst of her peer group! For her to have the courage to not be ashamed of loving Jesus even though it is not popular blows my mind. Because at her age, I was more into what I wore to school, who I was dating, and did I fit in!

As she is writing out what she is going to say, she turns to me, "Mom, I am starting to have doubts because my story isn't as 'loud' as some of the other students. Theirs is more dramatic. I know I am not supposed to compare but it's hard not to. I have to go last and what if nobody listens"

My precious, precious daughter how do I tell you with words that you are enough! Your journey with Jesus is unique and beautiful and YOURS! Don't listen to the lies of the enemy that your story is small. Don't get trapped in the cycle of comparison that you don't measure up. Start with the blessings of having a stable family. Tell them that you have known God all your life. Tell them that your life verse is 2 Timothy 1:7.  

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Tell them your faith was tested in a big way, January 31, 2017 when you entered the hospital and didn't come out for 3 days after you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Tell them that this verse is imprinted on your heart and you live by it daily because you are thankful that you woke up! Tell them that the reason you are up here in front of them is because your faith is now stronger than your fear!!! 

Lakin, remember you are talking to an audience of ONE! God doesn't care if your story is loud or if there is only 3 people in the crowd. It matters more that you are sharing it and giving Him the glory! Keep saying YES to Him daughter! Keep trusting Him with all your heart, mind, and soul! The power doesn't come in the drama it comes in His never-ending, extravagant LOVE FOR YOU!

The Plumber

The other day we had Jason the plumber over to finally hook up our sink and dishwasher. We had only met him one time before but we liked his work and were excited to get our kitchen put back together. As Jason was working under the sink Bryan noticed him looking up at the memory verse on the wall. He would glance at it every time he walked by. Finally Bryan said something, "Jason, does that verse mean something to you?" Jason said no but he wanted to know more about it but he didn't have a Bible. Bryan went and found one (we just happened to have a new one in the closet) to give to him. Then Bryan asked a second question, 'Tell me about yourself." Over the next hour that is exactly what our plumber did. He told us all about growing up with a mom who had him at 16 and spent all of her life leaving him because she partied. Having an addict for a mom and a dad who was never around, growing up on the streets of Pittsburgh, lead to a very messed up life. Because of his past he had trouble staying in relationships and making commitments. His girlfriend had just broken up with him and he was lonely and frustrated that his life looked like this. Bryan listened to him and asked if we could pray for him. Standing in our front yard we put our hands on Jason and prayed. As he left we invited him to church on Sunday night.

On Sunday morning Bryan texted Jason, the plumber, to see how he was doing. He said he ended up going to church on Saturday and GOT BAPTIZED! And he said he was still coming on Sunday night too. He was so excited he watched all the sermons on the series in Acts so he could be "caught up" and know what we were talking about this week. When Jason walked up to us at church that night he had a huge smile on his face and his spirit was definitely lighter. He was ready for his life to change all he needed was somebody to ask the second question and share the good news.

This should not be a fluke or something abnormal. I pray God puts a hundred "Jasons" in our path and we take the time, have the courage, and show the love of Jesus to all of them. It doesn't have to be epic. It might just be asking a few more questions, being a good listener, and asking them to come to church. This isn't a job for just pastors or ministers. We are ALL called to spread the news that Jesus loves them and wants a relationship with everybody.

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved...." Mark 16:15-16b