Thursday, October 17, 2013

Beautiful Things

I talk a lot about pain and using the pain in our lives to minister to others.  This past weekend, I had an opportunity to use my own pain, my own story, in a women's prison.  While it wasn't the first time I had given my testimony or shared my story with others, it was the first time I had done it alone (without Kris).  And it was definitely my first time entering a prison, let alone talking to a group of women.  It was really such an incredible experience.  I didn't write down everything I wanted to say and then read it.  Kris had helped me write an outline and I did have that up there with me, but really, I just talked.  Because I know the story already, I just stood up there and spoke from my heart.


Honestly, I couldn't even remember what all I said, aside from knowing I had told my story.  That entire day, I knew that being there with those women, talking to others who have made poor choices and were now living with the consequences, it was exactly where I was supposed to be.  And I left with a strong desire to do more within the prisons.

I have never seen myself as a dynamic speaker.  I can write, yes.  But talking in front of people doesn't come easy to me.  And yet, while I could never see myself at a large women's conference some day, I can definitely picture myself talking about my own prison to women who find themselves trapped in a literal prison because of their choices.

It was such a blessing to be a part of this team of women who went to share with these ladies and I look forward to staying involved in this type of ministry.

God is using my story.  He is taking all the ugly, dead parts of my life and is creating something beautiful.  I will continue to walk this out in obedience, and know that He will not waste my pain and my struggle.

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
Gungor - Beautiful Things


4 comments:

  1. My husband had an opportunity to use his pain this week also. I'm sure you left a part of your heart there in the prison...God will use it for His glory.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to go back! It was such a great experience.

      Delete
  2. It's so easy to look inward and wade around in self-pity when I experience pain and struggles. Thanks for the reminder that our places of pain often become places of ministry to others!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the easiest thing in the world to do! I still fall into this, until God shakes me and says "Jamie, we talked about this." Then I can get up and move forward, knowing that God will strengthen me and use my pain for His glory.

      Delete