A few weeks ago, I swerved my car into the parking lot adjacent to the Chick Fil A restaurant six miles from my country house and glanced at my watch, so glad that I was on time. I knew we’d only have a few minutes. Most of the parking lot at the restaurant had already been roped off and overtaken with a stage, large speakers and lights. Fold out chairs were set in rows facing the platform but I know a little about the spiritual side of Houston and that most of those listeners would only sit in those chairs until the first note. Then they’d be up on their feet. This is a hot, sweaty, some-might-even-say-homely town in a lot of ways but it is a fair and lovely place to those who love Jesus. Maybe one of the reasons is that our area is home to a really fabulous, award-winning Christian contemporary radio station – KSBJ, 89.3 FM – that serves as a central station for unity, that turns up the volume on worship and still fights harder to win souls than awards. They host something called “Brown Bag Concerts” throughout the year where they bring in various CCM artists to do concerts at different Chick Fil A restaurants around the city. (I feel so sorry for you – truly I do – if you do not live where there is a Chick Fil A or, worse yet, if you have no idea what one is. Move.)
That day the artist going up on stage was Christy Nockels. My pastor of 25 years, John Bisagno, used to say, “All people bring gifts to the church. Some people are gifts to the church.” Christy would be one of those. A year or so ago (not sure how long it’s been), we invited her to one of our LPM Tuesday night community Bible studies. As I sat to the side and watched the women packed in that sanctuary and the aisles, lifting their faces throne-ward, many of them with their eyes closed and their hands raised, and listened to their voices in almost perfect pitch with hers, I had a revelation of sorts. I realized that in so many ways, Christy is to this generation what Amy Grant was to mine. She helps place words on the tongues of true worshipers who want so much to express themselves to God but don’t always know how to say what they feel. That makes a person a gift.
As I got out of my car and headed across to Chick Fil A, I spied my two friends, Christy and Nathan, and they were grinning at me just like I was grinning at them. We hugged then headed into the small RV so we could chat a little while. Mike McCloskey, who was managing the evening for them, asked me if I wanted anything from the restaurant while we were visiting and, of course, I did. “Nuggets and an Ice Dream? Oh, and Polynesian Sauce?” And in minutes, I had them. While I spooned Ice Dream into my mouth (always spoon down, for some reason), we conversed quickly like a couple of people on borrowed time. We talked mostly about their kids, my kids, and my grandkids, and did a bit of musing about Passion 2012 and had some wild thoughts about Passion 2013. We got out pictures on our iPhones and even watched a video their son Noah had created. (Actually, it was astonishingly impressive. But I guess his gene pool is nothing to whine about, now is it?)
Mike reminded them about the time and Christy glanced over at me and said, “Hey, Beth, do you care if we rehearse one song really quickly?”
“Absolutely not. Please, do!”
And so I sat right there on the couch in that RV, six inches from Christy to my right and Nathan across from us, leaning in with his guitar. We were all three crouched in about 4 square feet. And I listened to a song I’d never heard from a voice truly as beautiful as any I’ve ever heard. The album is out now so you may well have already heard it but I really need you to join me in the intimacy – no, the strange sanctity, really – of that small RV and hear it again. With nobody else listening. Just you. Just the voice singing. Just that guitar. And Jesus.
“I’m so concerned with what I look like from the outside.
Will I blossom into what You hope I’ll be.
Yet You’re so patient just to help me see.
The blooms come from a deeper seed that You planted in me.
Sometimes it’s hard to grow when everybody’s watching.
To have your heart pruned by the one who knows best.
And though I’m bare and cold, I know my season’s coming.
And I’ll spring up in Your endless faithfulness.
With my roots deep in You, I’ll grow the branch that bears the fruit.
And though I’m small, I’ll still be standing in the storm.
‘Cause I am planted by the river by Your streams of living water.
And I’ll grow up strong and beautiful, all for Your splendor, Lord.
So with my arms stretched out, I’m swaying to Your heartbeat.
I’m growing with the sound of Your voice calling.
You’re bringing out the beauty that You have put in me.
For Your joy and for Your glory falling.”
Written by Christy Nockels and Nathan Nockels, Copyright 2012 sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Sweater Weather Music (ASCAP) (Admin. at EMICMGPublishing.com)
As that melody floated in the air, I pictured Annabeth running down the path from my house to Big Pops and Memmaw’s, sunlight dancing in her dark honey hair. I pictured Amanda and Melissa, each of them growing up before my eyes in Christ. So, so different from the other, just the way they’ve always been, but equally breathtaking. My mind cased across the faces of so many women I’ve seen, faces reflecting the light bouncing from an open page of Scripture. Oh, now, you know I love our brothers. But I’m not called so much to our brothers. I’m called mostly to sisters. And somehow the lyrics touched me in a deep place for all of us. Deep enough that I’ve thought of it every day since then and played it many times in the same car I pulled into that parking lot. Now I know it almost by heart. But that day I knew it more by faith. More by growing experience.
I want to say to you today that I watch many of you fight this good fight, trying to keep your equilibrium in this crazy culture where – for the most part – a woman is as desirable as she is sensual. Or, on the other side of the spectrum, she’s as valuable as she is marketable. I want to cheer you on and say to you, Good Job! And Don’t Give Up! And don’t forget, no matter what this world tells you, that the most gorgeous blooms come from a deeper seed. The lyrics ring so true. “It’s hard to grow up when everybody’s watching.” And sometimes God lets others behold the pruning process in us when we’d just as soon have done it in private. But He always knows what He’s doing. And He is only doing you good. Never evil. Never harm. He cannot be unbiased toward you. The blood of His Son flows through your veins. Even through the silence He is talking. Even in the stillness, He is moving. He is hemming you in. He is closing in on you to open you up to Him.
All that you are going through, all that you are learning, is bringing out the beauty that He has put in you. And some of those same folks who watched the pruning will see the blooming.
I just want you to know that I already see it happening. And others already see it, too. And if you’d look really close, not into your rear view mirror, but into His Word, I think you could even catch a glimpse of it.
You get more beautiful by the day, Darling Child. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t decide it can’t matter all that much. “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do.” (Hebrews 6:10) He will see to you until you are stunning for His splendor.
I know your season’s coming.
PS. I totally forgot until this morning (Tuesday) that we snapped this picture that day in the RV on my iPhone. If you’re like me, you love pictures in blog posts. If you’re not like those of us who do, stop reading now. Laughing. Man, I so love you guys.
Beth you have such great instincts where music is concerned. We are doing a singles retreat at the end of the summer. The theme is Stronger….as in us growing stronger in and because of JEsus Christ. Facing whatever the world throws at us kind of strength with and throw Him. Any songs come to mind?
Thank you for the most encouraging words! God’s message from you to me on a day when it feels like my world as a wife and mother is falling apart! Please pray for me and my family!
Thank you Beth for your encouragement. I am really struggling with my relationship with my 25 year old daughter. She accepted Christ at a young age but is not making God honoring decisions and not listening to Christian influence. Pray for us.
Wow! I still have tears in my eyes from reading! Beth’s words were just the encouragement I needed right now. I’ve been in a cold season, experienceing some pruning. I’ve been calling out my despair to God and claiming His love and the victory that I know will come. I will have to find this CD so that I can listen to the song – over and over, I’m sure. Thanks for being a gift to the universal church, Beth!
Thank you for the encouragement Beth. God always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Please pray for my complete marriage restoration. We are definitely making progress and therefore being attacked. But I know God is stronger and faithful. Also please pray for my best friend Kristen who is struggling right now. Thanks for all you do and know that it matters to so many!
I needed to hear that message today. Deeply. As I spent an hour working out, and fresh brownies just came out of the oven, I needed to know my beauty comes from within. Thank you Beth…from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Mama Beth. Thank you.
I love you too.
This was a beautiful and timely word for this discouraged heart…Thank you Beth.
God’s timing is always perfect, is it not? I recently felt devalued and God quietly whispered to me through your words. Thank you.
You are right, Beth “Christy is to this generation what Amy Grant was to mine. She helps place words on the tongues of true worshipers who want so much to express themselves to God but don’t always know how to say what they feel. That makes a person a gift.”
I stand amazed at the gifts He has given and th blessing we receive because of them. Thank you for the encouragement and Truth.
Blessings to you-
I am so thankful to God for my pruning. This is so true. He choose us, He chose us to bear fruit. Fruit that will last. (John 15) But a tree of life can not bear fruit without being pruned by the Gardner. Beth, I needed to hear your words tonight. God is so good. He is so worthy. Amen.
You wrote that just to me didn’t you 🙂 thanks, You repeated what God has been whispering to me for months now… I love HIM SO!
I love her music…in fact I post a song of praise every Sunday on my blog and this past Sunday I posted Waiting Here for You. It played in my mind all morning and I knew that was the song God was nudging me to share.
Speaking of Chick Fil A – I was just there today and tried there new Chocolate Chip Cookie. Did you know it is WARM every time you get one?? They make them fresh to order. Now there’s even more reason to move if you’ve never heard of Chick Fil A!!
Drives me crazy I didn’t proof read – “tried THEIR new Chocolate Chip Cookie.” 🙂
And the tears fall, a holy moment. A moment when God whispers confidence to his terrified daughter. “Let them witness your pruning so they can appreciate the blossoms I am producing, so they can help me remind you of the ruins I restored when you forget.” Thank you for writing this. Thank you for letting God speak to this unworthy sinner child through you. In heaven we are going to have a divine, specific conversation about this and I know Jesus is gonna be there with a little “I told ya so” smile from ear to ear though the whole conversation. Oh thank you, just thanks from this barely- there- woman-college- girl to you.
Hi, Beth,
Our Women of Faith Tuesday night group finished viewing your Living Proof series on the Fruits of the Spirit. It has been a blessing to me to experience this study with other women. I have lived much of my 52 years avoiding intimacy with most women due to the difficult relationship with my mother (who has a borderline personality disorder).
I felt led by God to attend this group at our church in January 2012 the same day that the police came to pick up my mother and take her to the county mental health hospital. (She had stopped taking her medication and was not stable.) I was included in a small group that welcomed me immediately and prayed for my mother and for me.
The last chapter on self-control hit me like a rock between the eyes. It was very eye-opening for me. I have been greatly blessed by your ministry and God’s truth that you share in each lesson. Thank you for your devotion to Jesus and your great witness and ministry to the women who you reach out to. Praise God!
I decided to google your name to see what else you might be doing and your blog was listed! I look forward to future visits to this site as I learn so much from you.
God’s peace to you!
Mary
Wow. Just walked out of my kitchen to my desk to, while saying to God, “God, I just don’t feel like I am anything.” What an awesome, timely, beautiful word to read right at this moment. God is amazing.
Thanks for the encouraging word.
Love you.
Woops. Please disregard my extra “to” following desk!
yo, i so needed to read this tonight. not yesterday when it was posted, not even 6 hours ago. right now. praise God for HIS timing and encouragement.
also, love me some Chik-fil-a. too bad we don’t have it anywhere near us in sd!!!
What good memories I have of Chick-Fil-a. After my son “graduated” from McDonald’s, we started going there every Friday before school. It is our special place and even though he is a man now, it still is. Can I ask for prayer for my cousin’s granddaughter. She is 11 and has been battling cancer since she was 3. I so needed this word from you this morning. God bless you Beth and many thanks
Wow, did I need this post! Have been going through a time, I wonder if I will even come out of. Praying that someone will be able to see the “blooming” of my spiritual flower. Not doing well with the pruning right now. But again, as I continually see, God speaks to me, comforting words, He knows my situation, He cares, and there is a purpose. Many things going on in my household of 10. Could I ask for prayer for my 14 year old son. He is having severe back pain, to the point of not being able to walk at times. Docs have no answers for us. Its very hard to see your child, crying in severe pain, and not be able to do anyhing for him. Thank you again Beth, it was as God was speaking himself in this blog directly to me.
could add schulde auburn.mi or detriot.mi?
Your encouraging words come at such a time! I sit here with tears streaming. I have been in a pruning process with Jesus since Feb. of this year. It has been raw but much needed. He continues to show me and guide me through his word. It is hard to grow when others are watching but God’s plan for the beautiful blossom is GRAND and I want to walk in His light so I grow to be the woman He created me to be. Thank you for sharing. This one really moved me!
Thanks for this post Beth. We are going through your James study right now and it’s amazing. I’m really struggling with things people are saying about me…accusations that are very untrue. I really needed to read this, your ministry is such a blessing to me!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I read the blog and the comments but have never really responded. I smile and cry with the siestas, but this post really moved me to respond. God has been working His good work in me for the past 4 years. Working his purpose out in the process. This blog was so timely for me and confirmation that He is in control, making something beautiful.I just love Him so much!!
I have always loved Christy Knockles and her husband and their music. I have been a fan since their Watermark days. Thank you Beth, God sure uses you to confirm what He has been saying all along. Keep on keeping on!!!! 🙂
Amazing truth that I needed spoken over my life in this season. Thank you, Beth, for trusting His goodness for all of us and desiring for us to love Jesus more. I cannot put into words how much I needed to be reminded of His promises today. All glory, honor, power to Him!
Thank you so much. I just needed to here a bit of encouragment right now. Life is busy pruning, and sometimes I think I am now only just a little stump. Deep seed. I love that…
Beth — just what I needed to hear today. Thank you for those words . . . the Lord is so good that when we get “down”, He always provides encouragement through his people. And the amazing thing is we don’t even have to speak it, He knows our hearts so well.
And I agree about Chick-Fil-A (life is too short not to love it)! But I would definitely add Whataburger to that list 🙂
Of course I love the encouragement and I love hearing your words of wisdom, but you are absolutely right…Chick fil A has got to open up in Minneapolis! You’re the best 🙂
What beautiful words… I just printed this for my darling daughter. She is almost 12 and is going through a period of not thinking she is beautiful, which she is. 🙂 She wants $$$ of makeup for her birthday.
Beth, as I have read your words it is what I want to say to her. You did it so beautifully. Please pray that she hears it and knows they are my sentiments and wish for her too.
Blessings of peace & joy,
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
Thanks for sharing. It was such an encouragement today, love the song. Our young woman need our prayers and God’s love, such a hard world these days.
Beth Beth Beth, I am praying an extra special blessing for you today. You are such an inspiration. We love you dearly. Thank you for all you do.
Was just singing this at the top of my lungs yesterday…over and over and over! God has used several of Christy’s songs in a powerful way in my life. I also really like “Choose”
Let me be in love with what You love
Let me be most satisfied in You
Forsaking what this world has offered me
I choose to be in love with You
I will choose to be in love with You
Let me know the peace that’s mine in You
Let me know the joy my heart can sing
For I have nothing Lord apart from You
I choose to call on Christ in me
I will choose to call on Christ in me
For in the fullness of who You are
I can rest in this place
And giving over this, my journey Lord
I see nothing but your face
Let me know that You have loved me first
Let me know the weight of my response
For You have long pursued this wondering heart
I choose to glory in Your cross
I will choose to glory in Your cross
“Choose” from the album “Life Light Up”
What a wonderful affirmation – just what I needed. I LOVE God’s perfect timing. Thank you Beth for providing God’s wisdom, promise, comfort, and love to this sometime’s weary soul who is feeling a new season coming on so strong, I can taste it. I have felt God’s transforming hand on me for a long time, pruning away those unfruitful parts. My challenge right now is trusting His perfect timing, because as impatient as I’ve felt for change in my weak moments, His patience for me to release my will for His is nothing but glorious and full of grace.
I love Chick Fil A! There’s one about 25 miles from me and I am most crazy about those delicious little chicken mini’s they serve for breakfast! Yummm! I go every chance I get.
Beth, this post blessed me so much. Thank you for loving your sisters-in-Christ and always encouraging us. I needed this today.
I’m so excited to see you Friday & Saturday at the Life Today taping!!! I can’t wait to hear what God has laid on your heart to teach. I’m praying for you.
P.S. Love the picture of you two!
I chuckled when I read this as I mistakenly called this restaurant Chick A Fil. It will always be that to me! Ate at one a few years ago in Little Rock. We now have them in Iowa. A good, Godly place to spend our money.
So glad to read this- come visit us in Atlanta at Passion City Church, I’ll bring some Chick-fil-a (of course I’d have to buy it on Saturday ;-)!
Sweet post, Beth. I am thinking about Gay. How is sweet, Gay? I hope better or getting there. I know she has so many (with you included of course!) wonderful supporters and I too am here for her as well. I pray she is not being tempted by alcohol. I am here for you Gay if you hear me!!! Love Allison
Beth–tears in my eyes. Thanks. Some of us fight at both ends of the spectrum. My first desire was to be pretty. As a child. I was poor. The pictures would make anyone with a heart sad I think. I so longed to be pretty. And as I grew wanted to prove that pretty wasn’t stupid. You know. Somehow I got something twisted in my head about women (and men but thats another thing–). And so I set out to be BOTH. I know many others who do too. That ‘gender pressure’ you talk about in So Long Insecurity–I’m on my 3rd round and shared it for mothers day with a few women and ‘moms’ I have.
Appreciate your thoughts. Always do. Appreciate this song too. Maybe will get it for MP3–give my daughter some christian worship lyrics on ‘becoming’– 🙂
Good Morning Ms. Beth!
I don’t know if you ever get a chance to personally read each comment but I had the funniest thought last night and I just had to share.
I’m currently pregnant with my first child, an active little bundle of joy named Aidan, and we are in the first few weeks of where his little ears can distinguish Mama’s voice and he sometimes responds with little kicks of his own. Well every morning for the past week or so I’ve been listening to your Breaking Free series on the way to and from work and I’ve realized I don’t know how to listen to it quietly. It’s generally cranked up…pretty loud…ok ridiculously loud at times, and I suppose it makes me feel like I’m there at the taping. Who knows? I’ve done weirder things.
But back to the funny thought…So I was talking to my mother last night before bed and I said to her, “You know if it’s true that during this time Aidan will begin to associate the voice he hears most often with his mother, then I have no doubt he’ll be born thinking Beth Moore is his mama!” We laughed and laughed, and she said, “oh you have to share that with her.” And so this is my meek attempt to hopefully give you a good laugh this morning!
Here’s wishing everyone reading a wonderful and blessed day! Take advantage of every opportunity to give God glory in everything you say and do! Make someone jealous and zealous for Jesus today! =) Love you all!
Beth
I so admire and love you for your honesty!! God has used you dramatically in my life and you don’t even know me!!! God Bless you this day!
Love in Christ
Ginny from PA
Suffice it to say, I needed to read and receive this in such a bad way.
Timely words.
Thank you.
This song so beautifully reminds me of who I am…a daughter in Christ, whose roots are deep in love towards my Father. I look in awe to The One, who by His great love for me, is pruning me, sheltering me, helping me bear fruit for His glory.
By far, one of the most poignant cd’s i’ve heard in a long time. Oh has Christy been anointed or what?!
(p.s Manitoba does not have Chick Fil A. It’s a sad, sad day. ;-))
Just what I needed to hear today and to share with others this weekend. God is so good!
I feel completely refreshed after reading that. SO good.
I feel like I just got a hug from you! Thank you for this post.. it was just what I needed today.
Beth, thank you. Thank you so much for your heart and your passion for Him and for us. You have no idea how many times He has used you in this last year to speak to my heart when I needed it most. He is ever so a loving Father and God nurturing and growing His family with one another for His own glory.
Beth – I would love a bracelet like yours. You spoke about it when I saw you in Kansas City, MO. “The Lords” bracelet would be just what I want. Could you tell me where I can purchase or order it.
thanks
Absolutely lovely and very precious! Thank you for sharing the lyrics…..they blessed my heart this morning!
Bless your sweet pea-pickin’ heart, Beth!
In His love…..
The closest Chick-Fil-A is 45 miles from my house. It used to be farther than that until a year ago. There should be a commandment “Thou shall be a Chick-Fil-A in each city regardless of population.” I “heart” Chick-Fil-A!!
Late Breaking News Siestas…if you think you LOVED Chick-Fil-A before…you are about to be smitten all over again. I stopped in for a breakfast iced tea today…saw a sign that read “New Desserts.” Well, I ordered something – just to try it – even though it was 9 a.m. Girls, it was one of the best CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES I have ever had in my life! (And – sad but true – I am a pretty good resource on choc chip cookies.) This cookie was so good, I’m pretty sure I yelled “Praise the Lord” as I was eating it in the car. THEN I realized I am going to have to stare down this temptation every time I get Chicken Minis, after-school snacks, etc. What’s a Siesta to do? And like Beth said, if you don’t live near a Chick-Fil-A…
We were so blessd to have that angel voice lead our church in worship in Brentwood, TN. So miss them!!!! Please don’t take this the wrong way but if you live six miles from a Chick Fil A you don’t live in the country. It takes us over 30 minutes to get to one. I say that with much love:)