My Faith Story
Sharing one’s story of faith is done among friends. To get to know me better, I’d like to share my story with you.
My Journey of Faith
When I stop to think about the sheer number of people the Lord has created, it boggles my mind. Like snowflakes, each is different, special in so many ways. All are made in His image, yet each with unique characteristics and stories. My story is distinct, yet I have always felt it was trivial and quite honestly, dull. That is until a special day a few years ago.
During a lunch break at a Christian conference, each attendee was encouraged to share a faith story. As usual my plan was to allow everyone else to speak first, that way time would run out and I wouldn’t have to say a word.
What fabulous accounts the people at my table told of God’s grace, love and compassion. Saved from agonizing addiction and reckless lifestyles, stories of restored relationships and profound faith. Each was more wonderful to hear than the last.
With time still remaining, all eyes were on me. I quietly told my story of being raised in a Christian home by parents who carried out their faith in action. I spoke of my grandmother who prayed for me, the wonderful Christian man I had married and the blessings of a vibrant church family. When I finished, it was time to return to the conference. Everyone rose to leave with the exception of a woman who had told an extraordinary story of redemption. She continued to sit at the table with tears in her eyes. Concerned and curious, I asked her if she was okay.
“I loved your story,” she responded.
“Well, it’s quite uneventful compared to yours,” I said.
“Oh no, not at all. An experience like yours is what I pray for everyday for my own children.”
She wanted what I had for her children. I was overwhelmed by thankfulness and humbled for not appreciating the gifts I had been given. God had given me a great story. I’d been looking the other way. I pray for my children who began their faith journeys at a tender age to be nurtured by the people who love them most, just like I had been encouraged. It’s a story to be appreciated.