Rachel is one of my favorite women in England—and really of all time! She is so easy to be around, relaxed, full of joy, thoughtful and wise. It was such an honor to listen as she shared pieces of her story (even though internet troubles) the other night! “I thought of myself a useless, waste of space…I managed to crawl my way through life.” Wow. Honestly, even though I see the other side of this story now and I see how beautiful and full of Life Rach is now---how painful it is to hear those we love say a sentence like that! But ya know, maybe its even more painful to realize how often this is where we find ourselves---feeling like useless wanderers, trudging through watching the days go by. “What is life about God?... I don’t really understand if there is any purpose out there-but God if you are real, then I’ll give you a go.” The idea of “God are you out there? I’m not sure but I’ll give it a go” seems to be a trend in many of these stories people are sharing! I think it shows such courage! And I really believe God loves that we are willing to just give it a go! I’ve believed and walked with Jesus for a long time now, but there are still seasons in my life with new challenges, big emotions/lots of stress or new opportunities where my spirit cries out “I’m not sure about this God---are you really here right now? Ok, I’ll just give it a go!” and honestly, He has always met me right there. Amazing. Rach says that she sees Jesus as more transformative than anything/anyone else in her life. I totally agree. He is in the business of transformation. And ALWAYS for the better. Beauty from ashes, Life from death, Joy out of sorrow. And it feels a little crazy how much I’ve changed since starting to really know Jesus and walk through life with Him. Like, everything has changed—how I make decisions, my inner-dialogue, how I treat other folks, how I spend my money, why I get out of bed in the morning, how closely I hold my possessions, my emotions towards the world, purpose, vision, direction---everything. I welcome the transformation because it really feels like I am freer the closer I get to Him---life feels freer and I feel more whole if that makes sense. Rach mentioned that she was healed from her depression!!! Amazing! I know that might sound crazy or beyond possibility – but truly Jesus heals us. Time and time again I have seen it happen with my own eyes. Sometimes instant, like supernatural-type, healing---and sometimes over time or through medical processes. But Jesus hates sickness/injury---over and over again in the Bible it says that when Jesus met a new crowd of people He had compassion on them and healed them. Anytime Chris or I feel ill or hurt, that is our first thought-to pray and ask for Jesus to heal us. Sometimes it feels like nothing happens, and sometimes something amazing happens---either way, we pray. She also mentioned she learned to speak in a heavenly language. Sometimes people use the phrase “speaking in tongues” to mean the same thing. It is a beautiful, bizarre, amazing, experience. I have never spoken in a heavenly language---but I would definitely welcome it if Jesus shares it with me one day!!! I have been with many friends, and others in prayer times, worship services, etc where lots of heavenly languages have been spoken/sung and honestly it is one of the most beautiful and powerful sounds I’ve ever heard. She also talked about how walking with God hasn’t made her life easy—but that she now has a consistent friendship through it all and a firm foundation to build her life. I think that’s a good way to put it. God feels firm/consistent. Everything else in my life is up and down---always shifting and shaking. But His character, voice, who He is --- is stable, unchanging. And that’s comforting to me. Head to Wordpress for more of this blog and the resources!
