Sunday worship was great! The first service went well but the second service was awesome and full of energy. Leading worship was a lot of fun and I really got to enjoy it. I wasn't nervous at all!!
Our church began a new series last week called "Revolutionary Love". Ben spoke this week about "Aloneness". Well, he knows a lot about my past and knows pretty much my entire testimony since we are in a small group with them. So he asked me to help him out and I got to be a part of his message. I shared about how I have struggled with aloneness in my own life and how it has affected my relationships. I was extremely transparent and revealed a lot about myself to the church. All week I had been praying about what part of my story to share. Well, the Holy Spirit ended up speaking for me because I did not have to think about what to say at all. It just came!
After the service, I had so many people come up to me and tell me how they have struggled just like me in those areas. One person came up to me crying and telling me how they had no idea I came from that kind of background. They were shocked and kept saying, "I'm so proud of you. Look at how you have turned out. Who would have known that someone like you would struggle with this?" It was unbelievable to experience comfort and support from my church, from many I barely know. God used it to bring about more healing. Sharing my story was victory for me! I felt it!
To end the day with a huge party and be surrounded by friends was "icing on the cupcakes"! My friends, Ben (Pastor) and Tonja, came up to me right before they left and said "Congratulations. We are so proud of you. Look around at the people who love you." I have never been so loved in all my life!
5 comments:
I was so thrilled when I read your blog this morning. I am so happy for you for the wonderful church story. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. I would love some of your cupcakes, my address is....
just kidding - they made my mouth water.
Love in Christ,
Nancy
Sounds like a great weekend! That is great that you are sharing and being surrounded by people that love you.
It was a GREAT weekend! Thank you for allowing me to spend it with you and your precious family. I only wish I could have stayed longer...there is always July!! :)
God used you and your story in a HUGE way. He allowed you to be privy to some of His workings, but the full extent of how He used your authenticity may never be fully known this side of eternity. I loved how you said it was freeing to tell part of your story. I am so glad you obeyed God in this opportunity. I am so proud of you that you did not allow the devil to steal this opportunity through fear. Because of your openness, people will know you better and more importantly they will know Christ better!
Love you tons!
Kelly Ann
Ok Mandi I know it is being a litte nit picky =) BUT.... Your last paragraph says you have never been so loved in your life. Don't forget about your Savior who gave His life because of the love He has for you.
I am so glad you had a wonderful day and that God is letting you minister to people in such an awesome way. Very cool!
Mandi, it doesn't surprise me one bit to hear that you are being loved on by those around you and that Sunday went great. I don't even know you personally and I love you. You are such a REAL person who inspires me with every word. You are so awesome!
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