Many years ago I started periodically writing, by Facebook standards, long posts about life, love, thoughts, and updates. It was suggested on numerous occasions by multiple people that I should write a blog or a book or a collection of stories. I not only enjoy writing these posts but also feel at times compelled to write posts on certain topics. I didn’t quite know where to start.
Then last year around this time I was with a dear friend on our way to a conference and we were talking about marriage, divorce and relationships. She encouraged me to share my story and what I have to say on the topic on a larger scale, because my message is different then what is out there and people need to hear it. At that conference we were asked about a dream that God has put in our hearts and having the faith to step out and pursue that dream. So I shared with my friend my desire to reach people with my stories and testimony but having no idea where to start or what that would look like.
She suggested starting a blog. Which of course had been suggested to me many times before. She said start with that and see where God takes it. That sounded safe and plausible and honestly further confirmation of a repetitive message that God was speaking to my heart.
That day, my friend encouraged me to set a deadline to get the blog started. Which I did not do. Honestly, I was scared. First of all, anything computer related is not within my comfort zone. Setting up a blog was intimidating. Second, I have wrestled with many insecurities and wondered whether anyone would be interested in anything I might have to say. So I decided to wait and seek the Lord to show me when the time was right and if this was really what he wanted me to do. I felt strongly that day the Lord telling me, “fix your eyes on me.” So I did.
Over the last year I have had several topics come to mind to write about and have thought, maybe this should be what I start my blog with. I have also had several circumstances arise that have made me feel that the exposure, vilnerabilty and possibility for criticism wasn’t worth putting myself out there publicly.
Through several set of circumstances, I have gone from having multiple ministry responsibilities on my plate last year to having a cleared calendar currently. The last two months I have been in a season of rest and seeking. Then today my heart started burning with ideas for blog posts again. “Ok Lord, I’m listening.”
So, I stepped out of my comfort zone today and created this site. This is a big deal for me. It was frustrating and not easy, due to my lack of computer skills, but I felt strongly that it was time for me to take a chance. Step out on faith and see where God takes it.
My goal is to write inspirational, transparent blog posts that will minister to whoever reads them. My desire is not to come across as a “know it all” or someone who has it all figured out, but as a humble servant of God that is on a personal journey of my own and has made many mistakes along the way and have also had some successes. My hope is that others can possibly learn from my mistakes and also be inspired by my successes. In all of it, most importantly, my desire is to give God the glory. I want to spread hope, love and Gods Word to anyone who needs some of that!
So this is my first official blog post, which is just a statement of intent and how I came to this place. There will be a learning curve involved, I will make mistakes, I pray you will give me grace and hold me accountable gently. I hope and pray you will read and be blessed by each and every post. To God be the glory.
Stay tuned for more…
Hope Beyond This 