Good morning, Sister Girls! It’s Tuesday and time to talk! I am so happy to have gotten the joy of connecting with you over the weekend. It was an unexpected gift on a rare lazy day. I’ve really been excited over how many sisters have chimed in lately for the first time. A heightened number of you have said in the last several weeks that you’ve been reading the blog for a while but you were commenting “for the first time.” I just want you to know that it’s the comments that turn this place into a community. Not the blog posts but the comments. That means it’s more your part than mine. That’s a pretty cool thing I think. All that to say, I love seeing somebody who’s been watching finally imparting. Welcome! You are freely loved here in the gracious Name of Jesus Christ. We cannot replace counselors or local churches or face-to-face, life-to-life friends but we gleefully do what we can do: encourage you in your walk with Christ.
OK, let’s get to today’s topic: Talk to me about someone Jesus brought into your life who really stretched you but won your respect. Maybe a very unlikely friendship or relationship that you know God brought your way to grow you and to open your eyes to the wide-sweeping work of the Gospel. Put another way, who sort of broke a mold for you? This should be fun. Only share a name where there is nothing that would make your person uncomfortable or embarrassed. This might be a good time to tell you that this community, because of God’s grace alone, gets an average of 10,000 independent hits a day. Only share what you mean to be public but, by all means, have joy in the process! Just don’t tell us a secret. Grin.
I love you dearly. I can’t wait to read these.
My friend, KO. I told her recently that I really didn’t like her at first. I thought she was really weird. She said, “Well, I am.” Yes, she is and very charismatic, which having been “raised” (only since I was 20 and accepted the Lord) in the Southern Baptist denomination, so very conservative, I was really uncomfortable around her, but I’ve absolutely grown to love her and respect her as a fellow believer even though we don’t agree on every point of doctrine.
When I was working two days a week as a substitute teacher, the part of the job of being “on call” was difficult for me. I got a lot of calls for me to substitute by the assistant principle. I tried my best to be available even though it was quite a struggle. I had to quit the job for health reasons. One day I saw the assistant principle shopping and she said something like “I could call you anytime I needed you”. I like her for several reasons and respect her. I was glad I made a good impression!
my daughter-in-law, Kate.
Hey Beth, Good topic. I have been thinking so much about this so I am excited to share what Jesus did for me as a new believer in 1996. A few people heard I was looking for a church and I went someplace I NEVER wanted to go…..Times Square in New York. It was a horrible area in the 80’s and although I lived there, I never went into that part of Manhattan. It was at that church where I saw Jesus transform a whole community. What had once been a despicable home for debauchery had become a wholesome family destination.TSC was praying and even the news was reporting on the incredible transformation.
Today I hear of so many women who have problems with seeing God as Father, but because of David Wilkerson’s preaching and teaching I saw the love of our Lord’s heart and the display of His splendor as my Father. He really blew the roof off for this child; because I was NEVER going to be a Christian, I was NEVER going to church and I hated the Bible…it was for ignorant folks. Within 3 months of going to church there, I found my long lost Father who adopted me like Daddy Warbucks and wanted a sleeping bag so I could be at church 24/7 and hear more of His word. I praise God for loving me so much I was given the most loving and generous pastor (who I still do not know personally) to start my walk with the Lord and a vision of hope that does not disappoint! I still sing the song by Ray Boltz that says Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that is changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, i am so glad you gave.
BTW that is where Teresa Conlon began bring your ministry to us and set my spirit free to live and move and have my being in Him!!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE you Beth Moore! You changed the way I view life and gave me unselfish vision for what Jesus wants to do in our lives as His people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y
In the Beloved,
~A~
Anastasia, it is absolutely thrilling for me to read your testimony. We have been supporters of Bro David & his ministries since the beginning, so this takes on a real personal meaning for me! When I was in the city a few years back I went by on a day before services just get a feel for the “spirit” of the place and, yep, the love of GOD just permeates through the walls….still.
What a joy!
Thank you for sharing….you made my day!
Sharoni
Houston, TX
http://sharoni-thebudblooms.blogspot.com
God brought my best friend, Britney, to me at the age of 17 whom I watched her and her family living a Christ life. Though she veered from the path during college days, she always felt convicted and would fall back to the one she needed, her God. I have watched him work in her life and now almost 13 years later we are still best friends and through many trials and tribulations in one another’s life we are growing together toward a deeper relationship with Christ. We are building our family’s and teaching our children to know him. She will always be my inspiration as a follower of Christ. I was brought up with the “pray about it” attitude but was never taken to church every Sunday or taught about him. I thank her not only for her great example but for a wonderful friendship with a woman of God. I have shared with her my feelings because I feel it is important to let those you appreciate know how they have impacted you. The recent murder of my brother at age 27 this year has been very difficult and she has been with me each step of the way. What a great blessing God gave me in her!
Suzie was an outgoing, effervescent, firecracker that was in love with Jesus!! She wouldn’t hesitate to ask a perfect stranger, “Do you know my Jesus?” Although I loved Christ and attended church all my life, I was new to the concept of a “relationship” with Christ. Suzie took care of that. She taught me, who only knew rote prayer, to pray extemporaneously. “It’s just talking to God” she said. She got me involved in Bible Study and walked with me every step of the way. Suzie is now “home” and I do miss her. But I am quite sure that her “firecracker” personality is lighting up heaven.
My “moment” came in the form of a very bad relationship. Verbally, mentally and emotionally abusive relationship that even got physical a few times. He was a “Christian” but felt his anger was righteous. I did not know the Lord when I met this man…in fact I was scared to death of Him. But through this bad relationship I met the greatest Man ever! My ex-boyfriend wanted to go to church every week and put on a good face to the world and as a result of going with him, I found a church that loved me for me and a God who had been chasing me all my life. Because of that destructive realtionship (which I truly believe God has used for good and His glory), I met Jesus, I learned what a “good” relationship should be like, I watched people close to God struggle just like the rest of us do but survive because they have a hope that the rest of the world doesn’t, I learned to open my eyes, lift my chin and see the LOVE that God has around me. AND…I ended up out of that bad relationship and met and married to the greatest husband ever. As much as I am embarrassed by that bad realtionship, it is through it that I was given the greatest gift and an everlasting life. God really does get us through what He brings us to!
I was tempted to go to Saturday’s post and take a prayer walk through Siestaville, skipping this week’s topic altogether. Not that there’s anything wrong with the topic, it’s just that it’s a hard one for me right now. I’ve spent the better part of my journey relying on religion. It has only been in very recent years that I’ve begun to walk in the fullness of the Spirit in relationship with Christ. As through His Spirit he has been teaching me to relate to Himself, He has also been teaching me to relate to others. His healing of my emotions began in earnest early this year and continues. You should know that I’ve also had the help of a counselor. To answer the question, the friend I’m thinking of didn’t have to win my respect, the connection was instant and we’ve been kindred spirits ever since. She doesn’t let me get by with anything, but at the same time she makes it safe for me to say no, to set and enforce boundaries. This is what I appreciate the most, especially during this season of learning to feel, to love, to have a friend and to be a friend.
Much love to all of the Siestaville community,
Patti Hayes
Oh boy. These stories are great! Love them. As I read the post, I thought of a current relationship where I am just struggling or maybe it sounds better to say “stretched”. 🙂 God is using this person to show me some areas where I need to adjust my attitude. Areas where I need some work. I love this other person, we are both crazy about Jesus, but there is A LOT of focus on her. What she has done, is doing and is going to do. It’s hard for others to speak in her presence. THAT WAS SO ME! And I STILL struggle with that! Boy oh boy. I feel like I’m being stretched B.I.G. T.I.M.E because God keeps putting us together for different things. 🙂 I think He does have a sense of humor.
Someone God has totally placed in my life who has become one of the best friends a girl could ask for is my husbands exgirlfriend. When I was dating my husband I wanted nothing to do with her for obvious reasons but his sister was still good friends with her so she was always around their family events. It aggravated me so much but then she got married and drifted away from his sister and the rest of his family. As time went on my husband and I got married and we had been searching for a church in our hometown when we came to this church that she and her husband were members of. I immediately felt like I didn’t want to be there because of it but I’m so glad I continued to listen to God. We all attend the same church now, our husbands are both firefighters and good friends as well, and we do a lot of things together. I wanted nothing to do with her but God changed my heart and showed me that I would have been robbed of a blessing because she is such a wonderful friend and lover of God and His word and she is the only friend I have that I can talk on the phone for hours with about God, His blessings, and His word.
I grew up in Nazarene Church from birth (adopted 3 days old)and it was special church. The long pews were in the middle and then shorter pew on either side. The families sat in the middle, teens on the left, widows on the right (my grammy Pearl Adeline Fielding among them)These widows would get blessed by the service and up they would go, white hankies waving, testifying about their Savior. Sunday nights were always long with adults at the alter praying through, then testimonies, then singing. It changed my life! I’m am so grateful for those days, they developed a passion in me that needs, or should I say demands to be expressed that when I finally surrendered has never left me. My grammy died and we moved and churches changed, but then came Mrs Granger, widow and such a mentor to me. She would stand up as in the older days and most times before she even said anything my tears would be flowing. She prayed for me daily and many days I would sit with her and allow her to love on me and teach me about being in love with God. She’s gone now and I’m 51, not widowed, but this year God has clearly said “You are to be a Mrs Granger” I pray that daily ” Lord make me a Mrs Granger” People at my church are not used to that (small baptist church) but when the blessing comes I stand up and Boast about my Father. Thank you God for honoring me with my Mrs Granger and teaching me to be one.
I love this post. Bless you dear one.
I was introduced to a dear friend, Amie, a couple of years ago. She broke the mold for me by her simple faith in the Lord. There’s nothing complicated about it. She reads her Bible everyday and lives a life full of joy. That’s what I love about her. She’s one of those beautiful Christians who you can just look at and you KNOW. I love her joy. It’s contagious to be around her!! She recently found out she’s expecting baby #3 and she’s been really sick. I feel so bad for her, because you can tell it’s stealing a little bit of her joy, but she still keeps such an optimistic attitude. Her joyful demeanor is a constant reminder to me that we can find joy no matter what our circumstances are, counting it all joy 🙂
I was originally going to share an experience I had last weekend with a lovely young man who was a patient in our hospital, but this morning, I am led to talk about something else, from way back in my past.
In college, I was on a full scholarship in a field totally unrelated to what I do now – music. After the first year I asked to change to another voice instructor because there was a woman there who had captured my attention. She was amazing in developing raw talent, and if she accepted you as her student, she saw a “winner” in you, so much so that she invested her own money in you by paying for things unheard of for other instructors & students. But, she was tough….not just a little tough, but so tough that I rarely saw anyone exit her studio not in tears. I wanted that challenge…I wanted her influence….I wanted to excel. So, I did meet with her, she accepted me (success!), and I did not ever leave her studio in tears, but she grilled me good!! It simply stimulated me. But I could never get past my hurdle of terror in performance. No matter how we worked & tried, I still froze to the point of performance inhibition…I couldn’t let go. She kept pushing…I kept wondering why.
Then the summer after I toured with an amazing & groundbreaking ministry (Beth, we actually met that summer here in Houston at Houston First – then just FBC), I returned to school not even sure I wanted to be there. And she just looked at me after the first few sessions and said in only her manner, “My dear, I do not know what happened to you on your tour, but I see a miracle before my eyes. It has opened a part of you I saw only in my heart, but now I see with my eyes and hear with my ears. Get ready for …” and she proceeded to lay out my year and the path she was setting me on. Many miraculous and wonderful things happened after that, and I learned after I left school a few months later, that she had been praying for me all along. Wow! Isn’t GOD amazing who He places in our lives and how He gently leads us along, in spite of ourselves many times? Because of her influence in my life I was able to move to Nashville, take part in ground breaking work in the Christian music industry, the fruit of which we take part of today, and also move forward to leading worship in different ministry venues. Who knew? Certainly not me. The terrified, wild-eyed little girl, with skinny legs that shook so badly she almost fell down every time she sang; whose hands shook so badly she couldn’t keep them on the keys on the piano in public; that little girl who ended up leading hundreds of worshipping intercessors in prayer for the nations. Yes….the power of one person’s influence in the most unlikely ways. To GOD be the Glory!
Sharoni 🙂
…giving voice to those with none….
I signed up to be a mentor in a one-on-one discipleship program at a church we were attending a couple of years ago. Little did I know that God had made an appointment for me with Ashley! She attended this church faithfully, but didn’t know she wasn’t yet a Christian. We began to meet, and during our second meeting, we prayed a simple prayer together for Jesus to come into her life and be her own, personal Savior! What a moment!!! I know it could have been anyone at that dining table with Ashley praying with her, because she was simply called, drawn, chosen, HUNGRY for Christ! I was just the blessed one that got to be there when it happened! Then the challenge came — this girl was ON FIRE and soaking up the Word like a sponge! She would text me the hardest questions (“why is Jesus the ONLY way to heaven?”), and during our meetings I had to be prayed up and on my toes to keep her pointed to the Word for her answers! How I grew — how she grew — it was amazing to watch. I was so blessed to be introduced to this precious daughter/friend and know we will be BFFs! What’s truly amazing was that I was in a time in my life when I thought God couldn’t use me anymore. Isn’t He amazing??!!
Praying for you, Beth, as you write James (my favorite book!),
Pat
I attended a home bible study with someone I worked in children’s ministry with. She was young in the faith, less then a year and we hit it off as friends. She reminded me of myself when I was first born again. I watched with envy at her zeal because mine had waned/matured? Not sure which but it inspired me to remember that initial excitement and awe. I missed that. I also watched as she hit the walls that we so often do which bruise our zeal and it made me sad because I remember hitting those walls as well. Some of it is God growing us up and some is Satan trying to beat us down. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between the two, not trying to ruffle anyone’s feathers just being honest. Anyhow, she went through a very critical phase after that or at least I felt she was being critical or “religious” so to speak, yet even if she was, there were some areas in my life I realized that needed some straightening up. God’s word: Iron sharpens iron began to take on an important meaning in my life. I needed her intensity and attention to detail and she needed my mercy and grace. Both of us were leaning on extremes, but by humbling ourselves towards each other, we began to get exactly what the other needed even if it felt uncomfortable and downright exasperating at times. God is amazing and I am sure at times she would have preferred not to deal with me or I with her but God gave us a love and sensitivity towards each other and we are still friends “sisters” to this day.
Hey Ladies!
I just wanted to pop in and add another quickie post to our “Talk to me(Beth)Tuesdays”. Since we’re supposed to tell things that have influenced us in our walk, I thought I’d let ya’ll know about a book I’m reading that has influenced me this week. It’s “My Heart’s Cry”, from Anne Graham Lotz. (ya’ll, I LOVE her heart for Jesus!) I have cried, laughed and repented while reading it. It’s a great book!
Love ya’ll, Kristi 🙂
Kristi,
I love that book too. I have read it several times. Usually I pull it out and read it when I am really struggling with something. It gets my focus right on Jesus. I think the title has changed to Pursuing More of Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz.
Blessings,
Mary Jane Smith
The Executive Pastor’s wife at our Church has been such a blessing to me. She has been a mentor, friend, spiritual authority, etc. for the past 4 years, and I have learned so much from her about life, ministry, integrity, and being a pastor’s wife. It also helps that we have totally different personalities, and she presents such a fresh perspective on life. Through ministry struggles, 12:00 a.m. hospital emergencies, and life in general, she has been there.
I know this may seem “cliche” on this blog, but my other mentor (from afar) is Beth Moore. I have lived for Christ for years, but it wasn’t until about 2 years ago that I started completing Beth’s Bible studies and fell completely in love with Jesus. I have grown so much from her teachings and wisdom, and she has been an incredible blessing to me.
One of my closest friends got married a couple of years ago to woman with whom I’ve had a lot of trouble connecting. We’re just so…different. My relationship with him suffered, because I felt like I had to constantly go through her in order to connect with him.
Recently we reached a crisis point in all of this, and a friend who happens to be a professional counselor stepped in. At a neutral meeting place, we got together to sort through our issues. She won my admiration by having a sweet, open heart and being willing to own up to her mistakes. Her honestly helped me to feel free to be honest, and we’ve since began building a real friendship.
I was never really discipled after I became a follower of Jesus at the age of 20, living far away from home in my college town. When I got married a few years later, God brought incredible, strong christian women into my life through our church sunday school class in Houston. Women who had babies naturally, with midwives and gently answered all my questions and helped me search scriptures to rely on God and ask Jesus to take away the spirit of fear in me and fill me with the strong Holy Spirit! I used to faint at blood, needles, talk of such things even 🙂 and now I’m a mom of 3 and had each and every baby completely naturally (or as me and my husband like to say “super naturally”!). God is so good and his strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Besides that, I think I also have people in my life that are my “grace growers” or I am theirs! They annoy me, frustrate me and confuse me to no end. They say they are christians but do and say just about everything to disprove that. I never know what to say or do with them or about them. I feel like somewhere deep down God wants to reveal things that I need to change, it is so hard, Lord help me.
“Grace Growers,” I love that!
Patti
About 9 years ago God taught me a lesson about salvation and sharing God’s word. I started a new job in a retail store and one of the assistant managers tried to get me to give her a discount that was larger than allowed. I refused so she yelled and was very nast the rest of the night. I went home crying. More due to my dread of conflict than good Christian attitude, I just kept my mouth shut and didn’t yell back I just calmly refused. The next week I came to work dreading the shift I knew she would be in charge. She walked right up to me and said “Meghan, I am so sorry and I was wrong. Last night I asked Jesus in my heart.” She went to the managers and told them she had been doing some things unethically, which got her demoted. We became very good friends, and for the first time I saw clearly the difference between sin and the sinner.
The Lord brought a very dear friend into my life when I felt very alone. She uplifted me and taught me. I thank God for her everyday
Still reading these? The day you posted this, Oct. 26th, was the birthday of our only child (a girl) who died at birth 11 years ago. Hard to believe. In the last year, I hear “silent” cries from my beloved hubby. I sense strongly that he is still deeply saddened by our loss, yet I sense his deep desire for another baby. We never have this discussion tho’. My heart cries “no more babies” for various reasons. I’m really not even interested in adoption, nor seeking what the Lord wants. How difficult when two married “believers” disagree on such a subject. Time is short. I’m nearly 38; he’s nearly 39.
Nobody among our family and friends knows of this. I don’t feel like sharing, either. Thanks for letting me talk to you about it. God bless you, Beth, Melissa, and Amanda.
Yes, we’re still reading and praying. Remember, our Beloved Father lost a son once too, He knows every feeling you have. I trust He will lead you through this Andrea. Until then, we will stand in the gap on your behalf. Know you are loved.
Dear Andrea,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keep crying out to Jesus about it. I will be in prayer for you and your husband that you will be of one accord.
May the God of all comfort hold you and sustain you as only He can.
Please grieve with Jesus. It is a process and takes time and dialogue.
A guy named Mark Harvey was a friend in college and he said to me, “Sarah, I’m gonna pray that God breaks your heart.” I thought him very rude at the time, but that is exactly what happened and because of his prayers and God’s redeeming love and power, my heart did indeed break. From that broken place, I discovered the sheer excitement that studying the Word really is! It has been 13 years since Mark said those words to me. What a ride God has had me on! A husband, 3 kids, in youth ministry for 8 years and now a church plant-it is truly an adventure.
Maureen!!!! Not only was she beautiful on the outside–beauty pageant contestant—but loved Jesus with every fiber of her being. To me she glowed!!! At the time my God was in a box so to speak. Brought Him out for Church and special occasions. Never really talked about Him in casual conversation. Maureen talked and shared about the Lord all the time. Her love for Jesus is contagious!! Her walk with God changed my life. I am so in love with Jesus today and I just want to thank her for her beautiful example. She never allowed circumstances to sway her walk with Christ. She truly is beautiful inside and out!!!! Beth, thank you for letting me share. I love this Blog!!!!!!
When I was a younger believer, the first couple of churches I attended were of a rather stoic form. Being of the Latin persuasion, I never felt comfortable trying to conform to that way, but thought, this must be how it is when you are a born again believer. So, when one day, I met a gentleman and his wife who were on fire for the Lord, walking closely and joyfully with Him AND WERE DEMONSTRATIVE AND LOUD for Him, I just couldn’t believe my eyes, ears and heart! You mean you can belly laugh? Shout a bit? Hug on a sister till she squeaks? Well, that was probably around 25 years ago now and I sure have learned to thank the Lord for the way He made us Latin sanguine women. My husband and I have raised a houseful of kids who are the noisiest, Lord-loving people I know here is central PA. I am thankful for God’s creative hand in making us all so different.
My person will be different from most. I was raised in the church and as much as I knew about being saved ,I was. Things happened and I went down the wrong path for a while in life. I got messed up with a crowd of people that lead me deeper into sin. I met and got pregnant by a much older married man when I was 18. For some reason I thought I could be his saving grace ?? Instead he was almost my demise.
Of course his wife hated me and me her ,due to the terrible(untrue) things he told me about her. She divorced him and he lived with me for a few yrs and we raised our child together. Turmoil surrounded me and I knew all that was going on in my life was a result of my sin .I was a true mess.
A few years later , he committed suicide . Our son was 6. He had older kids from his previous marriage besides previous relationships. Long story short, his ex wife ,not a Christian at the time, has become one of my dearest friends. We had to spend time together during the funeral and the days following which turned in to months . She forgave me and didn’t know the Lord . I decided right then and there that if a non christian that didn’t know the Lord could forgive what I had done to her then it was high time I repented ,came back to the Lord and started living for Him and forgiving others too.
Now, she’s saved,one of her kids got saved, we go to church together ,pray together, shop together,have family outings together , talk often ,and just truly love each other and are thankful for each other .
God does use our sin and can bring some good out of it. I am so ashamed of the things I did but on the other hand so very thankful for His forgiveness and for the way He has healed us and made us friends and saved souls and forgave sins.
This situation is not typical but I am amazed at how God fixed the situation that was created in sin and used it for His glory. She and I have been friends now almost 12 yrs and I am so thankful everytime we sit together at church or have prayer together.
Dee,
Your story truly touched my heart.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings to you.
michelle
My daughter is the person God put in my life –to test me, to try me, to break me and build me up –and is still using today to work on me. Change is so difficult. This girl was the joy of my life – but also the burden. When she was born, I was thrilled because she had blue eyes. I had a son a year later – but my life still revolved around her. I was divorced at 21 with two pre-schoolers. As they became teenagers, I refused to look at the evidence and put facts together. By the time my daughter left home, she was into drugs. Heavy. I was in total denial until she and her husband split. When God brought her to the end of the drug road, she came- with a young son -to stay with me and 2nd husband – for over a year -while God was working. Talk about stress on a marriage – also my mother died during that time. My daughter – over 40 years old – now in College – giving thanks and praise to God –at church as well as everywhere else for setting her free. I respect her for where she is –not perfect –but walking with God –and looking to Him for direction. Looking back on our days, I am so thankful for His Hand — His protection — His power –and His Faithful Love. He is still working on me.
God has brought so many wonderful people into my life it is hard to pick the one that stands out most. I would have to say that the most influential person has been my husband even before he was my husband. He has such an incredible love for God and relationship with God it so amazing to hear him speak of his prayer time and even the words that God speaks to him. His knowledge of the Bible and God’s word has increased my desire over the years to read more and discover God in a new way. I have been a Christian and child of God since my childhood, but have grown to know God in a new way as an adult. A great deal of that is due to my husband, whom God was so gracious to give to me.
In Bible college, I was assigned for a while to the class of Professor H. He bugged me almost right away. He called us names like heathens and reprobates sometimes, and that irrated this little chapel-going honor student! He would say things that walked the edge of good theology and then watch us. . . I wondered about his salvation those first few days.
Then, one day, something happened between us. He showed a film of a church that seemed to be testing God in an ungodly way. Afterwards, he opened it up for comments and a young, immature student said something very racist about what we had seen. Not only was I sitting behind a beautiful, dear African-American woman, but my extended family is interracial–with four distinct ethnicities. I waited for the professor to say something. . . and he didn’t. He just watched us. So, I said something. Quiet, little me wasn’t quiet that day. And when I had articulated my thoughts and feelings, the room was quiet. And he smiled and nodded at me. “Good job.”
I realized then that his plan from the beginning was to goad us into thinking. Deeply. And standing on what we knew was true. From that day on, we had lively, passionate conversations and I learned SO much from him. He wasn’t going to spoonfeed us. He was teaching us how to dig for truth ourselves. He told us stories about his time on the mission field, and stretched my bounds of smalltown thinking. I learned to see the world much more nearly to how it is–including all its faults and failings–and yet hold tight to and stand up for the truth of God’s word. To this day, I remember him reading to us from Hebrews 11:36-40 and the way he choked up with tears at the start of verse 38. “The world was not worthy of them.” It was like I heard that verse for the first time, despite growing up in church. The world doesn’t understand the things that are truly valuable, like those saints in Hebrews 11.
Dr. H. was called home to heaven shortly after I left college. His legacy, though, is long. I miss him and am indescribably grateful to have shared this ground with him for a little while.
Wow! This is a great question. My quick answer is not so quick, but I want to acknowledge two people who helped to ignite a holy fire within me and two families who “sparked my flame.” The two key people are Kelvin Teamer and Beth Moore. The two key families are the Hedgspeths and the Egglestons. My life has been impacted significantly by you and them. To see people like you all living fearlessly and actively for God, with a full blast of energy and love for Him, has been beyond refreshing. I have been stretched, challenged, loved, encouraged and instructed on so many levels.
Thanks,
Kim
I used to work in our church office – started as receptionist. One of my early phone calls was from a woman who, when the pastor was unavailable, proceeded to tell me about why she called – she was recovering from cancer, was anorexic and had just gotten out of a lesbian relationship. I honestly had no words. She wanted to come in and have the elders perform an exorcism because she had been told that her anorexia was caused by a demon. I tried to be encouraging and got her contact information for the pastor.
He knew her and made an appointment to speak with her. I don’t know about any exorcism, but I believe the elders did anoint her with oil and pray over her.
Anyway, this woman started calling me fairly often. And seemed to be one of those co-dependent types that I attract regularly. She had so many issues!
I would listen, and pray for her often. But I was afraid of her. However her questions were heartfelt and honest, and her faith was very strong. I felt like I had to stick with her. We met occasionally for coffee or lunch. I went with her to the hospital for tests. It’s been almost 10 years now. We’ve become very close. And even though I’ve moved away, she’s one of the very few I keep in touch with.
She has taught me so much about trusting in Jesus. She suffers mightily from the consequences of her own decisions (physically, mentally and emotionally), but she continues to seek Him. She’s on disability, lives with a great deal of physical pain, often wonders why Jesus won’t take her home, but He is helping her overcome her “demons”. And she has such a heart for other hurting people. She doesn’t think much of her story (there’s so much more to it than I’ve shared), but she amazes me.
I’ve come to realize since knowing her, that though Jesus does not always take away those “thorns” we suffer with, He still loves us. And we should love each other, too.
God is working greatly at our little church. We will be starting a Bible Study with some single moms in an apartment complex in January – some have had and experience with church long ago, some never. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good Bible Study with this group?
Thanks!
Denise
Beth often recommends “Living Beyond Yourself” or “Jesus, The One & Only” to start with.
Thank you so much! I’ll check these out. You were kind to reply!
Denise
Obviously, all the Beth Moore studies are great! But for young single moms who may not have time for the in-depth homework and a long term commitment, I highly recommend “Ruth- Loss, Love, and Legacy” by Kelly Minter. It is a six week study that digs deep into God’s word and daily assignments are 15-30 minutes. My ladies group absolutely loved it!
Blessings!
Janice
Thanks so much! This is a great study – we may go with this one. I’ve also thought about Jennifer Rothschild’s “Fingerprints of God.”
Thanks!
Denise
Denise, Fingerprints by Jennifer is a very good study.
Janice
HI Beth Moore and Team
its Lisa Elliott God has brought a very dear women in my life as a friend that can encourage me through out my life as a child of God she has been the best for me we see each other every Tuesday and I always look for words to say to her and today its funny I am in N.H.and she came over and we went for a walk and I said to her I so bad want to see Gods light shine and I looked up to the sky and saw this bright light shinning it was the sun here is the pic I took from today see God is here right beside me all the way and I see Him I here Him and I know He loves me Amen Love this its cool thank you for this
I have a sweet and wonderful friend Julie who has stretched me, loved me, and given me gobbs of grace! I never in a million years would have expected to be this close to her. God kept showing me little things we had in common and even that our daughters were born one day apart. They became friends before we did. But God had his way with it. He began to grow our hearts together, our dreams for women’s ministry together and our friendship together. She has comforted me through some hard hard times. Loved on me and touched my heart in ways that most friendships haven’t. I KNOW she was a gift, from God, to me. She is such an amazing example of His love and grace! I love you Julie!!!! 🙂
This may sound weird, but my boss! I absolutely LOVE her to pieces. God completely brought me to my job.. I was an intern, then part time, then full time. My boss is a believer, and she is such a cool Believer too. Not hyperspiritual… loves God, praises Him, is suttle in the way she ministers, but still very effective. Anyway, I’ve grown to be friends with her in more than just a co-worker/boss friendship. It’s weird too, because you just don’t expect to be friends with your boss. I love that I get to work with her everyday, because she teaches me more than just TV production (I work at the Gospel Music Channel)… she teaches me how to be a better person and Christian. I am so thankful that the Lord led me to gmc for my first “big girl” job after graduating. I love it for the field it is, but I also love that He connected my boss and I together so that we share this sweet bond that isn’t weird or brown-nosing or playing favorites or anything like that. It’s just there. A friendship in Jesus.
Miranda “Kimberly” ~
Praising GOD for your position at GMC.
The best friendship we can ever have is JESUS!!!
My sunday school teachers in 11th grade. I wasn’t a christian then, but my parents were making me go through confirmation at our church…. needless to say I hated being the only 11th grader in a group of 8th graders (the normal year to do it)!! I was way cooler than this dumb class, right?!… or so I thought. The real blessing that came from it, was mandatory SS class attendance. I had a young married couple in their earlier 30s. For the first time, an example of a christian actually showed they cared about me…. not condemn me, judge me, show off their holiness, but actually just cared about me. And who I trusted my life and heart to. They were the first true example of Christ’s love through others I’d seen. A year and a half later, as a freshman in college, I gave my heart to the Lord. They were a very integral part of my walk…. especially as stubborn as I was (and am!).
I feel as if God has been reeling me in for years, placing key people on my path to bring me closer. One of the most important people God put in my life was a man who came to fix my computer right after my divorce. He stayed and just talked calmly for hours as he worked. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that continues to this day. He is a strong Christian and not afraid to share it. He became a father figure to my boys, in the absence of their own. His boys became like brothers to mine. He was always there for me in my extreme brokenness after my divorce. Stepping in to lend a hand when I was overwhelmed. Being a rock when I was afraid. Taking on my boys when it was too much for me. Telling me to trust God and not be afraid (over and over until I believed it). His example and his big heart drew me closer and closer to God. I wanted what he had. I found a church I loved. I was baptized. God’s grace and blessings bloom all around me. I am amazed at His grace and the beautiful life I have now. I am so grateful and thankful God put that man in my life to show me His love.
Within the last year I have met several women with drastically different beliefs than I. A few athiests and some women who are Wiccan. We have shared our beliefs with each other and I have had a chance to share the gospel with them. Prior to this experience I would have thought they were women I should not even talk to. While we have not developed a friendship the Lord has shown me the need to share the gospel with others, even those who may laugh at you or mock you. In spite of the way they mock Jesus, I pray for them and turn my cheek. I do not agree with their views but I do respect them as God’s creation,and know they are worthy of hearing the gospel and worthy of praying for their souls. I feel the Lord has used this experience to help me learn humility and to help me with confidence in sharing His word. I do not speak with any of the women anymore, but I think of them and pray for them. They have heard the good news of Christ, may their hearts someday be open!
I am a pastor’s wife and I married a banker! My husband is at his first church. My youngest son was run over by an SUV while in the care of a woman from our church. God used this experience and this woman’s love of God to show me His love. I thought this experience would break me but God used it for His honor and glory. And I have to say that I trust her with my boys more than anyone else.
God bless
One of the most significant people God brought into my journey was my Pastor and his wife. Both are a few years older than myself but had so much wisdom to give. The pastor also had his masters in counseling,this is how I came to church. Very good at counseling, he could see past weaknesses, strengths and of course any manipulating my poor weak spirit poured out. He and his wife befriended me, taught me, mentored me and of course told me hard things about myself I could not see. Oh how it hurt, just as if they were poking me with a sharp object. I would cry, be angry, deny and eventually give into the battle. But not without the help of Christ, not my strength but His. They both won my HUGE RESPECT, because they told me hard things out of love and also seeing a part of me that was ugly, they still could love me unconditionally. WOW that is God appointed for sure. After 14 years, they have moved to Austin, TX and still remain my very good friends. I can say I respect them more than any other people that have crossed my path in this journey of life here on earth.
This is a little late, but I have to chime in – my first post here! During my college days, my roommate (who led me to Jesus!) and I took a Bible class together at our local community college. We made a new friend in the class, and she and my roommate discovered something in common – they were both planning their weddings. I sat on the sidelines, just listening to them gush because I was dating NOBODY! One day my new friend said to me, “I know the perfect guy for you!” He sounded wonderful until she reached the end: “Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but we used to be engaged!” I mentally stamped a giant red X over the idea of him, but I didn’t tell her. She tried a few times to set us up, but it just didn’t happen. A few months after the class ended, I happened to visit her church. I was in for it now! By the end of the service I was invited out to dessert with a large group, and then it was conveniently arranged for him to drive me home. That night changed my life. I have been married to that man for nearly 20 years, and nobody on this planet has loved me with the love of Jesus better than he has. I came from a home full of unhealthy relationships, and by his example he has taught me, blessed me, and been more than I ever knew to hope for. God is good indeed.
Several years ago I had a woman working for me, and it was a tumultuous relationship. We did not get along, & she pushed my buttons. She had some medical issues and went in to have a hysterectomy. After the sugery she found out she had a rare and agressive cancer call leiomyosarcoma and after looking online she found she’d only live about 18 months. When she came back to work she apologized to me for our relationship and told me that she had started a relationship in Christ. She did die less than 2 years after the diagnosis, but she fought with all she had. She taught me about forgiveness and strength. God used her to stretch me for a time and to teach me to forgive at another.
A dear lady at church who seems like a piece of fluff. So far from truth! She teaches women life skills who need a second chance. Asked me to come minister to them as well. She and her husband built a childrens home in India where street kids and orphans are rescued and taught Jesus, English and life skills. We now sponsor a girl there and have an “India fund” for travel. She and I shopped together for Valentines cards for the girls in the home. My fo us has changed because of her.
Presently I know a young woman who has battled successfully, a brain tumor for the past 3 years. We just found out it’s back in the “re-growth” mode. Her story, given with permission for the whole world to see, can be read at: http://www.christinaahmann.com. What’s amazing is how God is using this journey, in her life and the life of the Body to express His glory. Hope you get a chance to read it, especially the last update, what she wrote the day before she found out about the re-growth and her reaction when she found out. Her dependence is desparately on Christ and it shows! You’ll catch my drift after you read it!
Thanks, Mare, for the kindness expressed:)
Honestly Beth, your witness & testimony have been instrumental in opening my eyes and breaking the mold I was in!!! Another new acquaintance opened the door by demonstrating God’s consistent love for me, which seemed to get the soil ready for the seeds of God’s word thru you. Your love for God and witness of His love for us has continued to be life changing for me!!! love, Barb
Through a set of circumstances I have ended up in counseling. Never dreamed I would be here or needed to be here. Mike the counselor has brought out so many things in my life that are challenging and stretching me. Opening my eyes to see some hard things that need healing. Amazing I was going to counseling with a family member as a support and sweet sweet Jesus in His gentle way said I needed you here but I knew you would never see the need to come on your own. Some hard but very freeing days!
Dear sister Beth!
What is and has been changing my life for the past 3 years is 4 women who I pray with every morning M-F.We have 15 minutes to quickly review what God has revealed He wants to work on in us (Our Grain of Sand) and get prayed for. It is the most life changing thing I have ever been a part of and God shows up in each and every call – without fail. I have grown from the love and honesty of these women mixed with the Power of the Holy Spirit. My “grain” at the present time comes straight out of your teaching from “Secure” that I watched in Sept. with my small group. God is working in me to receive His Grace & Forgiveness FULLY (100%)!!! As a long time devoted follower it is amazing to see how there are cracks that He wants to fill because He loves me so incredibly much. That teaching will FOREVER change my life. Thank you for obeying the Lord to teach it in such a vulnerable and impactful way. Love you sister!
My friend Tonie is who God has used to grow me as far as friendships. I respect hher very much now and we could hardly be in the same room 9 months ago!
Judy Huffman was the woman who pushed me in my thinking and my path toward the liberal went back to the conservative.
My 6th grade Sunday School teacher expected type written answers to our weekly homework. He was a very strict German who was very serious about God and trying to pound God’s love and faith in Jesus Christ into our heads! He was DEVOTED to us.
One week, after studying the crucifixion, we were asked to type out the seven last words of Christ. Being the preacher’s kid, I knew I was expected to type out all the seven last statements of Jesus on the cross, but I thought I was smart and could trick this old man. I typed out “Into thy hands I commit my spirit,” leaving out the “Father.”
When I received my homework returned to me, in red letters across my answer were these words, “Martha, you know better; I am disappointed in you.”
Praise God! This man knew me and loved me well enough to call me on my slothfulness. I thank God for him and his witness. When I was ordained years later, I asked him to be one of the ones who laid his hand upon my head.
I wanted some of that tenacious, loving Holy Spirit he demonstrated!