I love thrift stores. And yard sales. Oh, and consignment shops too. Searching for deals on everything from picture frames to boys shoes to a practically new Liz Claiborne handbag is a thrill for me. And I can't keep my finds to myself. One of my favorite stores is the Goodwill near my home. I recently bought 5 skirts for $20 - $4 a piece! When I was complimented on my "new" chocolate-brown skirt I exclaimed, "Goodwill. 4 bucks!" And I would proceed to share the details of my savvy shopping excursion. One woman's castaways is truly a thrifty gal's treasure.
Recently I was challenged with writing a post on my blog to win a scholarship to this year's SheSpeaks Conference. I have attended this fabulous weekend conference twice now - in 2006 for the Speaking track and just last year for the Writing track. God has blessed me with a desire to share his word and how he has worked in my life. If I had been told 10 years ago that God would use me to encourage and inspire other women, I would have mimicked Elaine from Seinfeld and cried, "Get out!" Ten years ago I was in a marriage that was literally sucking the life out of me - there was no thought of encouraging others. It was all I could do to care for myself and my two children. I was in a verbally abusive relationship and resigned to just getting through the day.
But God had plans for me. He knows me and loves me. I was created with a purpose - to glorify him. I'm amazed when I reflect on how God guided me through that difficult time. And I continue to be amazed at what he is doing in my life today.
Which brings me back to my challenge. My first experience four years ago at the SheSpeaks conference was life-changing. I was surrounded by women who had their own stories. Women who, like me, felt God gently calling them to share their experience. The weekend was filled with main group sessions featuring fantastic speakers who shared their hearts - how God has used their lives as a testimony to his grace, love and forgiveness. The smaller, more specific sessions were full of practical application on how to move into this wonderful new adventure. At the time I was focused on the Speaking aspect of sharing my story. Last year's conference was focused on putting my story into words. Spending those three days learning, listening and praying with God-filled women and hearing how he is using them to reach others was both humbling and exciting.
As I thought about my entry to win a scholarship to this year's conference, I began to think. Sharing our stories - through Speaking or Writing - is a lot like shopping at a garage sale or a thrift store. Our lives have a history, a past - lessons we've learned. We may think our stories are old and worthless - ready to toss into the "yard sale pile" - like our son's worn out baseball glove. But many of our stories can be a blessing to someone. Just like someone could use that old chenille blanket you've had for years, your story can bring warmth and comfort to someone struggling with similar issues.
I know that God is preparing me to share my story with other women. Specifically single moms. I thank God for Proverbs 31 and the SheSpeaks conference. It's an opportunity to learn, grow and prepare the message and story God has allowed me to experience. Do you feel called to share your testimony with others? If so, check out http://www.proverbs31.org/.
Your story may be a treasure just waiting to be found.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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