I’m linking up with other bloggers across the globe today to write for five minutes on one word: Turn.
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There are many echos from our season of raising four boys.
“When is it my turn?”
“You’ll have to wait your turn.”
“Why don’t I ever get a turn??”
These complaints from our boys are sweet music as I watch each of them taking their turns at life. As only God can do, He put words before me in my time with Him today that spoke directly to my heart. In the words of the prophet Habakkuk (2:3): “The vision is yet for the appointed time.; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.” I think I hear the Lord saying this:
“Now’s the time, Ingrid. It’s your turn.”
I’ve been carrying a message around in my heart for the past five years and it’s this.
We need to own and share our life stories. For healing, as legacy, to disciple others. We are our stories and we’re part of the grand story God wrote when He breathed our world into being.
I’ve talked about it, blogged about it, read voraciously about it. Story matters. And, what is story but remembering? From Ann Voskamp in her devotional The Way of Abundance.
We welcome remembering, we hold remember, we let remembering wrap around us and carry us like a dance that need not end. We are never abandoned when we hold onto remembrance”
I remember stories. From my Dad, my children, people I know and love. It’s imprinted in my DNA and in yours to hold and welcome our stories and let them carry us and others through life.
I’ve been waiting for God to show me when and how to hold out my passion for owning and sharing our life stories, and it seems He’s saying “Now. It’s your turn. Do it now.”
So, I’m putting it out into my corner of the world. God’s showing me ways I can help others capture, own and share their “slice of life” stories. He’s telling me it’s my turn to let Him use me to do this thing. Maybe in a book, certainly on this blog, prayerfully in my community. I’m excited because I know that when we honor our stories, offering them as a piece of our remembrance, He’ll use them in whatever ways He sees fit. And when we respond in obedience to his prompting, the task becomes His, not mine.
Are you waiting for your turn? Are you dancing around in your shoes saying “When will it be my turn?”
“The vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3
God’s plan always shows up when He wants it to show up. Our task is to wait and watch, rest and trust, to cease striving but be prepared to respond when He calls. He WILL fulfill His word for your life.
Listen, wait and be ready when He says “It’s your turn.”
“Listen, wait and be ready when He says “It’s your turn.” Best words. Visiting from FMF. 🙂
Thank you, Rebekah.
I just recently started blogging. God called me to it for reasons unknown to me but as i get more into blogging and hearing people’s reactions to my words, I am starting to feel more that maybe He has called me to this so that I can share me-my struggles. my reality. all my horrible self. So that God can be glorified as people see that who I am today is only because of Him. I think God has put this on your heart for a reason! I know a lot of Christians who never share their struggles because of fear of judgement, ect but then we come across as self-righteous and that leaves everyone else feeling like they can’t go to church because church is only for the righteous ones. If we share our stories then others get to see hey, the church is full of a bunch of people in need of help just like me!
You are so right, Melissa! Our healing stories can lead others to healing. You new blog space is beautiful!
I love God’s call on you! Thanks for posting this! I’m still praying about “my time”.
Thank you, dear Heather. Praying with you!
Love this. Reminds me of the Brene Brown quote, “The bravest thing you’ll ever do is tell your story.” I’m in the 52 spot.
Thanks, Tara. I have one of her books, The Gifts of Imperfection, on my “to read” stack!
How wonderful – that it is your turn! And that you are sharing…and that God gives us all a story to share! It’s exciting, humbling and terrifying all at the same time!
Thanks, Jennifer. Yes, it’s all those things and more. What a joy to respond to God’s call — wherever it leads!