Share your story.

 

    When I sit down to write a blog, especially the one that has to do with religion, I often worry about what my readers might think. Like, who is this girl? What authority or business does she have writing about something that she's newly discovering or not well versed in? I'm obviously not a theological scholar, I didn't grow up going to church, and my walk with Christ only started a few years back. But I write what I know (even if it isn't much). I write what I feel. I write about whatever ideas, opinions, or thoughts, that I have that many times feel like they were given to me from somewhere other than myself. Many times, I feel God leading my words.

    During my childhood, even throughout my college years and afterwards, I always shied away from any discussion of religion. Even after I started attending church regularly, participating in Bible studies, researching scripture, I still felt like I probably didn't have anything to bring to the table when a discussion about religion arose.

    But I couldn't have been more wrong. My story, my testimony, my understanding and thoughts on the subject are just as relevant as any professional. My journey to Christ was unconventional, but definitely played out like a well-drawn-out divine map. I ended up in the right place at the right time, around the right people at the right time, and an open heart willing to listen for the first time. I can't take any of the credit for any of it. My story proves that no matter how damaged you think you are, or how late you are to the party--well, it doesn't matter. Christ ate with the damaged, not with the righteous.

    I write mostly to work through my own thoughts, but I also hope that something I write might help someone else feel less alone. I've stumbled across so many stories that have inspired me, so many blogs that have made me think, so I'm here to encourage you to put pen to paper (or fingertips to keys, whatever) and tell your story. You never know when you might reach someone who thought they were beyond reaching. I'm no Lee Strobel, but I like to think that maybe perhaps my words can inspire, or be a stepping stone to someone's path to Christ. If nothing else, I hope that I may be able to instill confidence in others who are just beginning their journey to join the conversation. You never know who's listening.

    The church I was writing for decided to stop the blog, so now, all of my posts and blogs will have a home here, on my personal blog and page. I'm a little bummed, but I know that the chance of reaching somebody still exists through my personal blog, so I'll keep writing. Even if just ends up being a tool to help me get through things, or heal myself in some way, it's worth it.