My calling is to minster to women-women who are hurting, women who are overcomers, women who are different from me, and those who are like me. I have made so many mistakes and learned so many hard lessons. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” My mission is to use the “all things” in my life to help other women learn how to enjoy the peace, joy, and security that I have finally come to experience. What I have come to understand is that God is a God of hearts. He sees my heart, not just the shell I live in that seems to get me into so much trouble.
I was born into a family of a Baptist preacher and a school teacher. This situation had it benefits such as being loved by many people, learning how to adapt to people in all walks of life, and acquiring a good moral compass. However, I was raised in a very religious, legalistic environment. There were a lot of “shoulds” and very little grace in my upbringing. The expectation was that I would look and behave perfectly, hoping not to invite criticism from the church members. The ramifications of this controlling environment and these unreal expectations manifested itself into rebellion, insecurity, and many bad choices as I grew into adulthood.
I have learned the power of grace. I no longer try to live up to other’s unrealistic expectations and I don’t try to camouflage my past, my problems, or my failures. I am just a human being striving to love God with all my heart and to grow into the person he has envisioned me to be. You will find me to be very open and honest. I’m not a churchgoer who acts like her life is perfect.
The reason I was so attracted to the Yada Yada books is because I have always had a yearning to be connected to a core group of Christian women who would be an encouragement to me and who would be with me in the good times and the bad. Do you have friends who make a point of encouraging you spiritually? What do they do that is helpful? How could you be more of a spiritual encouragement to a friend? I hope you are able to find women who can become that for you if you are missing these relationships.
