I’m having one of those moments where I literally feel like I’m floating.
And no, there are no illegal substances in my body. Although, I did just eat some cotton candy grapes, and I’m convinced that there’s a magic ingredient in there, because those things are unreal.

But I legitimately feel lighter than air.
Ever since my mom’s stroke back in December, family has obviously been top priority. We’ve come together as a unit and dug in for the long haul. I’ve been home from NYC for the last four months, and just this past week, my brother and his wife moved two houses down from my parents in the neighborhood we grew up in.
Talk about an amazing couple.
And so this weekend, my mom and I threw her a party to welcome her to the neighborhood.

That party was today.
And it was amazing.

But not for the reasons you may think.
There were about, oh…20 young women there. Just starting families. I didn’t know any of them, as I haven’t lived in my neighborhood in close to ten years and it’s turned over since then.
But the incredible thing about this party today was how God showed up.
This was not a church-sponsored party. It’s not like my mom invited her friends from her bible study. This was the neighborhood. A mix of people from all over, who were brought together this afternoon solely by their houses’ proximity.
And can I tell you, just about every conversation I had today came back to God.
Yes, I talked about my faith in public.
And it’s not like I was on some sort of evangelization mission. Goodness knows that I am pretty bashful when it comes to talking about religion. But it just kind of came up.
And I learned a valuable lesson.
People want to talk about their faith.
The cultural climate is such that faith and what we believe has become an off-limits topic. The intense scrutiny for political correctness and hyper sensitivity for being offended has created a society where we just don’t talk about what really matters … like God. Morality. Right and wrong. What we believe in.
And so we shut it down. Keep our faith behind closed doors or confined within the walls of a church, and our society is redlining as a result.
But newsflash, y’all: People want to talk about their faith.

I could not believe the enthusiasm that these women had for the Lord. And I would have never known had we just passed at the checkout line at the grocery store, or waved in passing.
Faith is out there. And I think people are so hungry to share it, and connect with people on a meaningful level.
I mean, by the end of the afternoon, a neighborhood bible study had been planned for this summer.
And none of that would have transpired, had the topic of God not been brought into the conversation.
And it got me thinking – if this trend is true for the neighborhood…what about the community? The city? The nation?
What would happen if we all stopped walking on egg shells and tip toeing around certain issues, and just decided to be bold and speak up about our faith?
How would that impact our little corners of the world?
Because real talk: our culture is in a moral free fall. And not even morality…even just human decency. Something’s gotta give.
How would things change if people started to talk authentically about God?
Because if we don’t, then who will? If we don’t open up a dialogue, then things are going to keep being swept under the rug, or tip toed around, until eventually, it stops having a place in peoples’ lives at all.

We’re doing such a disservice to future generations by not talking about the things that matter. Living in such a way that we’re straight-jacketed into never uttering anything that has a moral point of view because it may upset someone…we are to blame for the vomit-stained state of our country.
If we don’t start standing up for what matters, it’s going to stop mattering.
Think about that.
If we don’t keep God in the conversation, He’s going to become irrelevant in the eyes of the masses.

People want to talk about their faith. There is such a deep yearning for an existence that means something more.
And it starts with you and me. Starting a conversation. Making people feel safe to talk about God.
God is attractive. And this party today demonstrated that.
I dare you to talk about Him this week.
You up for the challenge?
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This was good stuff, sweetie! I loved it. It is a reminder that we usually listen to Satan’s siren song when it comes to sharing our faith. You are right people are desperate for meaning in life in a culture where there is no meaning. They want to know about God. They want to hear from these wacky Christians who have joy even in the harshest of circumstances. Don’t listen to Satan, share your faith…preaching to myself as much as anything else here. Keep Sharing! Who knows the impact that the least little bit of sharing the gospel can do in a person’s life. Seeds get planted. Flowers grow from little seeds.
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Thanks so much Mark. Oh gosh a siren song is right. But God is greater! Yes let’s keep planting those seeds! Hugs and love xox
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I love that God opened a door and you all chose to walk through it. I think it’s great too that it didn’t just stop at a conversation about faith, but moved into wanting to look at the Word of God together. I think the Spirit of God has started a neat work in your neighborhood!
If you’re interested, you can find free Neighborhood Bible Study materials and resources at NGS2go.com. I know there’s a wealth of stuff out there – but this gives some recommendations for studies based on the needs of the group. Might help you make a choice. Thanks for sharing this story on your blog!
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Thanks so much Diane. Yes! God is so awesome how He shows up like that. And terrific! Thanks for passing that info along! Hugs and love xox
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Isn’t it interesting and wonderful that God brings Light into our “world” when we include Him in our conversation? He sure shows up in your countenance! You’re wonderful that way.☺
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You’re right! It is so awesome how it really does brighten up a conversation and even a party! And gosh that’s kind of you to say. Thank you so much 🙂 big hugs xox
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Very Articulate, God bless
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Thanks so much friend. I appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
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Same here, thank you for being a big supporter of the word of God
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💛☀️💛☀️💛
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God is irrelevant to the eyes of the masses. Just sayin’. The masses are the ones who campaigned (so to speak) to allow God to be pushed out of schools, buildings, public life. There are so many closeted Christians, and the ones who are obvious often come in one ‘flavor’. We pigeon hole one another within the confines of Christianity. Although we are supposed to be salt and light, we whitewash one another and how we choose to portray our faith. I often think about the book of Acts when it comes to sharing our faith (evangelizing) as it was then, versus now. There was such a Holy Ghost BOLDNESS, a fire that seemed unquenchable. It takes all of us, beginning with those of us who have children (my son knows the armor of God, and is of the mind it is absolutely necessary that we put it on each day…so we’re shaping that God is in our every day lives, in every way). We have to raise a generation of people who know and love the Lord. That didn’t exactly happen with these last few generations of people – therefore they didn’t want to hear it. However, the crises of the world is starting to ignite that spark.
What you do via your blog is but one simple marketing tool for faith…and eventually, we do have to come out from behind the screens and DO something. I am so glad you posted this. It coincides with our sunday sermon on having passion. Having passion leads one to share. Where is our passion???
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I think there’s a lot of truth I that- we need that boldness. And it is up to us! Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection and encouragement. Yes! Bring on the passion! Hugs and love xox
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Reblogged this on Jesus @ the Center and commented:
A must read 🙌🙌🙌!! Never underestimate the value of sharing your faith!
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Thanks for the reblog! Hugs and love xox
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You’re quite welcome…keep on keepin’ on 🙌🙌!!
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💛☀️💛☀️💛
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Thank you for your wonderful words and beautiful spirit. It is so clear that God is working through you on so many different levels and how wonderful that you can bring that back home to the neighborhood you grew up in!
I agree that people are aching to talk about their faith. What I find interesting is that we as Christians seem to be the only ones who have become so reticent to share. People of no faith or other faiths do not have this fear or withholding and God certainly doesn’t want that from us. We are definitely doing a disservice as we let the words of the few overshadow the words of the few. God calls us to step up and speak out. He never said it would be easy and, goodness knows, looking at the disciples this was not the case. But our comfort should not be the issue. Our faith should be. I am so glad you found that to be true where you are.
Allison
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gosh, Allison. What a beautifully kind thing to say. thank you. i think you’re so right – people really are aching to talk about their faith. So glad you stopped by! big hugs xox
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[…] Source: Something’s Gotta Give […]
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thanks for the link up! hugs xox
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I loved this! I’m so glad that you got to experience something so positive–such a heartfelt experience. I’ve seen doors opened and some slammed shut when God is even mentioned. I know there are many who don’t believe, but that shouldn’t stop us (believers) from sharing and talking openly about someone we love and trust–someone who offers us grace and forgiveness and eternal life! I’m so thankful that my friends from long ago cared enough about me and were bold enough to tell ME about Him. I wouldn’t be here without my faith.
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Thanks so much Teri! 🙂 Yeah, it was such a positive afternoon — i’m still basking in the glow 🙂 hehe How awesome — it sounds like you have some really incredible friends. thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
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Outstanding! …..and you nailed it…..people really do want to talk about it. And, congratulations….when people open up to you it’s because they can feel the atmosphere of grace around you…with NO condemnation. They are concerned, they do want to talk…but they don’t want to be put down, chastised….or given a list of things they need to do to be accepted by the Father! Good job!
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Wow, Andy, that is such a kind thing to say. thank you. I was so honored to have those conversations. I’m still floating 🙂 haha thanks for stopping by and sharing your heart! big hugs to you xox
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Hey Soul Sister, it is awesome that you got to experience the true joy and purpose for us as Christians; to share the Gospel. Unfortunately, many believe that our faith is a private matter that we hide in our hearts like a prize in a box of cereal 😦 Fact of the matter is that if or when we share the full Gospel of Jesus we will encounter huge opposition and rejection, but take heart because you are being treated like Jesus was treated, meaning that you are doing something right (even though it gets received as if it were wrong). Our faith is in God’s Word that Christ Jesus brought to us so that we could have eternal life through faith. Remember Moses was a reluctant messenger as well, but the more he got to know God the more confident and boldly he professed God’s message. Read Ezekiel 2 through Ezekiel 3:1-11 and you will understand the responsibility that God gives to all that serve Him. 2 Corinthians 4:13 says “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”b Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak. Also 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 says” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:a The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God”.
You are a special instrument of God’s and the sound that comes from you is the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Play on!
Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:13
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Aw thanks so much. That’s so true and important to remember. we *are* His ambassadors and sometimes that will come with a little opposition. Thanks for the encouragement. Means a lot. Hugs and love xox
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What a timely message, especially with all the PC arguments that are being pushed around today. Yes people are hungry for God, they truly want to know the answer that we find in Christ. Paul ask the question in the book of Romans “How will they Hear if none tells them?” Thank you for the boldness to share your faith and belief in God and to encourage all of us to take a stand in sharing our Faith in Christ.
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Thanks so much! I really appreciate that. You’re right- there are answers to be found in Christ. Yes! Let’s share that love! Hugs and love xox
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I was blessed to attend a women’s retreat up in Lake Tahoe recently through our church. The theme was “You are Enough” (Ps 139:14). It was very uplifting and just what I needed. Love your graphic “If there is no wind, row!” In my case, it would be “paddle!” Beautiful post!
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Hi Terri, thank you so much for this. Wow, sounds like an awesome retreat. I love the theme!! So true! Haha yes paddle! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
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Based on what we know of Jesus” life on earth, it is safe to assume that we should anticipate rejection and persecution because of our faith. None the less it is our duty to serve God’s Word, we cannot make them accept it.
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason. John 15:18-25
It is fair to say that the world is even more anti Christ than it was back then, so the hatred of God’s word is even more blatant today. Every Prophet or Servant of God from Moses to God”only begotten Son Jesus was persecuted because they shared God”s message with the world. Same message. Same world. Same results.
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Thanks so much for this thoughtful response. You’re so right, we should not expect it to be easy, because of what Jesus endured! But we’ve gotta go for it anyways 🙂 thanks for stopping by and for this thought provoking response! Hugs and love xox
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Your post showed me a few things…1, you acted out in life and experienced something (in this case, sharing your faith) 2, your action had ripple effects (those you influenced at the party, those you are sharing the story with here), 3, you get out of life what you put into it (you’re capitalizing on opportunities in the everyday mundane and it’s EXCITING). Thanks for your bravery!
xo Katie
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Thank you so much Katie! Gosh, I really appreciate your encouraging words. It seriously means so much. Hope you have a beautiful afternoon! Hugs and love xox
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[…] if someone you love is a victim of this terrible disease. Her most recent post is called Something’s Gotta Give and I encourage you to read it right […]
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Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
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What an outstanding post! I hope you don’t mind that I’ve linked to it on DeaconCast. You are a beautiful and courageous young lady who has a lot to say. My own daughter suffered from anorexia and, like you, has grown into a wonderful example for others. We are looking forward to the birth of her first child this summer. Keep up the good work. God bless you.
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Thank you so much! Absolutely! What an honor!! I am seriously so touched. I am so sorry that this resonated so personally but I’m so glad your daughter is doing well!! Praise God! Hugs and love xox
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I love that you talk about God openly, Jesus more, we need to know more about God, where I come from, everyone talks about God, every one goes to Church but its really not from the heart, I would know. But now I would love to know Him more, I can say I know about Him but its different from knowing Him.
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Oh gosh thank you so much! I really appreciate these kind words. I definitely know where you’re coming and have been there. All I know is that Jesus will meet us halfway. If we open the door — even just a crack — then He will move in our hearts 🙂 thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing your beautiful heart. Big big hugs xox
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Thank you miss! I’m going to work it into conversation this week. Appreciate the ask, because it’s an idea whose time has come. 🙂
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Thanks so much! Oh good! woo!! let’s bring it up! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
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I very rarely talk about my faith. It isn’t that it is a touchy subject for me. My faith is my own and I just find it a very subjective thing to talk about with people.
But, I found myself talking about it with a family from a church I’ve visited lately. I, along with nine others, were part of a servant auction and the couple who bought me were very nice people. They bought me lunch and treated me with dignity and respect, but that’s all beside the point…
Personally, I talk about my faith only in the regard so long as it inspires people. I don’t talk about my faith when I’m in such a shit situation because that doesn’t inspire anyone. I don’t talk about my faith when I’m doing well because that doesn’t inspire anyone either. It’s the simple fact that nobody honestly cares enough to know what got you there so much as what you had to do to get there. I’m not saying that faith isn’t important. It is indeed important and it’ll be more than I care to share now.
I’m glad that your situation has improved and that God has moved in a big way for you! I enjoyed the read and I find it to be one of inspiration and hope being able to help you into this phase of life.
As for your challenge, been there and done that today. And last night too and thanks for giving that a look.. =)
-Kevin
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Thanks so much for this thoughtful response, Kevin. Oh awesome!! way to take the challenge! and thanks for your kind words – yeah, God has really been holding up my family during this trying time. Thanks for sharing your heart. big hugs xox
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That does sound exciting –
It’s so worthwhile, and when just to think about what people can have. And when God is so creative and rock solid. I was always about life, and there’s that quote (John 10:10), about abundant life.
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Thanks so much David. You know, that verse about abundant life has been so meaningful in my life. Because it speaks so much to the goodness of God and how much He loves us. Enough to give us — not just life — but life *in abundance* Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
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Wow, that’s good… 🙂 Bless you
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💛☀️☀️💛
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You really are getting quite good at this! Another tremendous reminder for all of us. Our culture is getting pretty dark right now — but where the darkness descends… Light always has the opportunity to shine brightly. Sometimes we just need to remember that God is always at work — which you did, so eloquently! Thanks for your light shining… M. A.
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oh gosh, thank you! what a kind thing to say! i think you’re right – there is absolutely a chance for His light to shine! thanks again MA! hugs xo
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hahaha oh my gosh this made me smile 🙂 thanks dawn! Glad that’s what you’re talkin’ ’bout too 🙂 hehe have an awesome week! hugs xox
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Through Him, all things are possible! HE is why I travel to CT to get my Philosophy/Religion. Thanks for sharing this with us. It takes courage.
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Thanks you so much for this! How awesome. Yes ALL things! Hugs and love xox
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Reblogged this on Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. and commented:
Truly in life can anything be meaningful than be real in our faith.
For anyone who has known Him upon the authority of first hand experience, how can we not be excited to talk about our faith.
And the joy of such conversation with others whose minds are opened to know whether there is God, life after death, heaven and hell. May people’s spiritual eyes are opened to teceive His blessings.
May I re-blog your posting because it is a beautiful sharing.
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Thanks so much for the reblog! I am so touched. Big hugs xox
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It is my pleasure. I have enjoyed reading many of your posts. And I love all those nice picture-thoughts that laced up along your post. They are meaningful and beautiful, enjoyed them.
May your life continues to be full of His blessings, unseen spiritual blessings, as His love embraces you, your mom and all in your family.
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Thank you again. I really appreciate your prayers and kind words for my mom and my family and I. Hugs and love xox
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Well, Caralyn, you threshing-sledge, you! There’s a sharpness and a prophetic edge to everything you write, no matter how gently you couch it. Why wouldn’t your book be an icebreaker? God has given you a gift, and you just need to be faithful to use it. And of course, I’m sure you know me well enough to know that I loved what you wrote, especially seeing the ripple-effect of being kind enough to call neighbours and bold enough not to be ashamed of Him. That’s what pushes me – to not be ashamed of Him who has loved me so greatly.
You know, often after a terribly difficult time, the following season is often one of huge fruitfulness. And why not? Doesn’t pruning do that? When you prune, you do cut off healthy, beautiful tissue in the right places. But what comes later makes you forget all the pain.
And God who is so wonderful and wise, is so, so glorified.
I love what you’re doing, and how God is leading you every bit of the way. I love the way your family is faithful and loyal to God. My dad is sick again, and I’m in the hospital right now with a 5 week intensive training breathing down my back and my boss/friend covering all my classes while another of our core teachers is really sick. It’s ironic that pain was the goad that got me writing again on my blog, because I’ve been missing the closeness I experience with God when I write.
I’m praying God will work in my heart through all this. Through the impossible to handle. You have been a great encouragement in showing how God is letting His light peek through you – the more the broken pieces, the more light leaks through, the more the stories to share, the more the ripples, the more God will use and draw people.
Many blessings on you girl!
Indi
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Hi Indi, gosh, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I will definitely keep him and you and your family in my prayers during this challenging season. Yeah, God does tend to draw is in when we seek Him out – and I definitely feel Him when I write too. Thank you for your encouraging words. I was actually watching my mom prime the rose bushes the other afternoon and getting almost sad seeing her cut the blooms off, but that’s what must happen for it to grow – and rebloom. Thanks for stopping by. And hang in there friend. You are close in my heart and prayers!!
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Exactly! Great post🌟
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Thank you so much! Huge hugs to you xox 🙂
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Love it! 🙂
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Thanks dr. j! I appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
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I am up for the challenge! Thanks for your example! I’ve been a little apprehensive about being so vocal and letting God be a part of my mission/ business and God spoke through you today to me! Thanks!!
Can u give me you opinion please? My mission is to help people clear the blocks that are preventing them from connecting with God’s Plan of Sheer Goodness for them. Do you like the tag line “hope for a hurting world” or “illuminating God’s Plan of Sheer Goodness” ? I use mind-body clearing techniques, stress reducers, I also have a template for incorporating prayer teams into schools, churches and organizations. And my husband and I work with couples committed to their marriage but dealing with the effects of past sexual abuse. I am recovering from bulemia and can relate to some of what u share about effects of and eating disorder. God Bless you!!
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Hi Vicki! Oh awesome! Thanks for taking the challenge! Yeah it can definitely be scary, but He pours out His grace and gives us the words when we step out and speak about Him:) thanks for your question. What a powerful story you have, and I think that by sharing it with others, you will be a light in the dark for many:) Hugs and love xox
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That’s something great you are having going on. Big ups! And I think I like `Hope for a hurting world’.
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Me too 👍👍👍
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And which do you like better?
Hope for a hurting world?
Or
Illuminating God’s plan of sheer goodness
?
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hmmm, i really like them both! but i guess that for your mission, my personal preference would be “hope for a hurting world.” 🙂 but both are really intriguing!
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Love this! God bless!
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Thanks so much:) glad you enjoyed it. Hugs and love xox
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Awesome, as always! I’m reblogging this. A challenge we all need to accept. Blessings, -Mark
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Thanks Mark:) I appreciate that! And thanks again for the reblog!! Hugs and love xox
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[…] via Something’s Gotta Give — BeautyBeyondBones […]
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Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
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You struck a nerve with this one. It’s about time that people started speaking up about Christian Faith – especially during this time of Spiritual Unrest. For those “Faith Challenged” people that have no guide to build upon – they continue through life not knowing what they need to be doing to obtain His grace and glory and they sure as “Hell” have no idea where they are going because they have been allowed to stray from the great Handbook of life called the Bible. Good Job Girlie – So proud of You for writing this article. God Bless!!!
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Oh wow what a kind note of encouragement! Thank you so much! Yes! Let’s speak up about Him! Thanks for stopping by! Big big hugs xox
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This was an excellent piece! It’s also something I’ve found challenging to do. Confidence is the one thing I lack when it comes to sharing my faith. I’m always afraid that someone will have that ‘gotcha’ question that will stump me and then I’ll lose them for good. But I also have to find that confidence that can only be given by the Holy Spirit. He will give me the words I need and when I need them. I also try to reach out to people through my blog. If one person can be saved, then it’s worth it. 🙂
Keep up the great work! You have a gift with the pen (or keyboard).
God Bless!
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Thank you so much Joe! I so feel ya. But I do believe that God will give us, through the HS, the right words to say in those moments. He equips the called, and if we go out on a limb for Him, He’s not going to leave us high and dry. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words! big hugs x
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Hey there fellow blogger,
I just wanted to drop by and say that I have nominated you for a Mysterious Blogger Award. I have been following and enjoying your blog for some time now and wanted to give you the shout out you deserve.
Keep the posts coming!!!!
Here’s my post with more info https://earthtoash.com/2017/05/16/mystery-blogger-award/
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Oh my gosh, Ash, thank you so much! i am so touched that you would pass that nomination along to me 🙂 So glad you’ve been enjoying my blog. thanks so much for your readership! big hugs xox
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You’re very welcome.
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💛☀️💛☀️💛
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The conversation about God and about faith has been on my mind as a next post. I just haven’t quite figured out how to share the experience. It is nice to see that this is something that is actually happening all over. I will share my story soon and I hope you chime in.
FYI, prayers up for your mom and a speedy recovery. I know the process sometimes takes awhile but hopefully with great support, hers happens sooner.
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Hey friend, thank you so much for sharing your heart. and gosh, i really appreciate your prayers for my mom. that really means a lot. I look forward to your next post! hugs xox
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I enjoyed reading your post and I agree. It’s refreshing to live your truth otherwise we aren’t being our authentic self. Thank you so much for sharing! Challenge accepted!
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Thanks friend. I appreciate you taking the time to read! Yes! Thanks for accepting the challenge!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
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I noticed that the closer we are to God the more natural it is to talk about Him. We talk about the people in our life, so of course when God is with us daily He shows through. There’s no awkwardness. We aren’t ashamed. He is part of us and it’s important to share that. 🙂 Love this post, and so happy for you and your neighborhood.
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That’s such a powerful perspective. I think there’s a lot of truth in that. And amen! It’s so important to share! Thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
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I’m not religious in the way society would declare it, but I’m most certainly spiritual and this post is so powerfully accurate. I really needed this today. Thank you for sharing!
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Hi Loretta! Aw, thanks so much! i’m so glad it resonated with you today. Yes! being in tune with our souls is so important 🙂 big hugs to you xox
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Its rather interesting to me that this was your post as life just continues to happen so does the mentioning of god. Now here’s the thing. I call myself an Agnostic-Atheist. That is to say, no, I don’t personally believe in God, that being said as I can’t prove nor disprove God’s existence I refuse to take a concrete stand on the topic. The lack of evidence is not the lack of existence. That being said I have one friend in particular that personally I believe if there are angels amongst us he’s a pretty good candidate, not that he always does good because I’m assuming he doesn’t. However he has a litteral glow. The way he talks about the kingdom and his motivational rants/speeches, I dont know what else to call it. Well my friend told me one day “God is searching for you” the next day I was working on my business plan in starbucks when the woman sitting at the table beside me stopped what she was working on and walked over and handed me a passage. A passage she said “God wanted me to have” This woman happened to be a ministry worker from Australia. I guess I’m just not sure what to say. I was once told if you have belief the size of a mustard grain then you are saved. Though I don’t believe with any level of certainty there is still this feeling that says…”maybe, just maybe.”
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Yes, friend! Cling to that “maybe!!” That is so awesome. I fully believe that our paths were supposed to cross 🙂 because it’s true – God *is* searching for you 🙂 and it just takes a mustard-seed-amount of belief in that. Keep digging and asking questions, Chris. Thanks for taking the time to read. Big big hugs xox
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Yea! A young person who finally gets it! This nation was built with and around faith. I grew up in a time period where it was not incorrect to talk about faith. How quickly the deception has spread since I went to college in the ’70’s and “got my eyes opened” to how liberal college professors try to brainwash their students. Sadly, most of them were successful in shaming their Christian students and giving political correctness the upper hand. Today we see how their experiment has turned out. But God is greater than all that has happened to young people. He can show them the truth if they are willing to turn to Him. You, sweet girl, are one of the blessed ones who finally got it. There is really only one way, and His name is Jesus. Talk about your faith. Don’t be ashamed of Him. He is your only way out of the mess that mankind has made of the world, because to know and follow him transcends this world. The ladies you talked to on the block know it too. We Christians have been silent for too long. I intend to “stand up for Jesus” like the old hymn says, because of what He has done for me! Thank you, Beauty, for posting this. I hope thousands of people read and share it.
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thank you so much for this beautiful response. you’re right – Jesus is the only way. i am so grateful for this wonderful encouragement. big hugs xox
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Thanks for the like! You have a powerful testimony. I’ve been at war with anxiety and depression since I was nine and the fight with mental illness is not for the faint of heart.
I love that you’re using your scars to encourage and uplift others!
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Thanks so much Paige! I really appreciate you sharing your heart. Your story is inspiring. Big hugs to you xox
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One Lovely Blog Award – David Speaks
https://dharris21blog.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/one-lovely-blog-award/
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Thanks David!! 🙂
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You’re welcome!!
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❤☀️❤☀️❤
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I’m not a great commenter. I was just looking for how to like this excellent post, but couldn’t find it. I left this instead.
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Hi Friend, oh thanks so much! Well, for what it’s worth, i think this is a great comment! 🙂 hehe thanks for reading! big hugs xox
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‘Oh Carlton…’ you pretty much just made my morning with that one by the way ;D
This is so me and gives me so much hope, I love seeing the hidden gems in people. And I think you’re right; if we could get off the eggshells I think there are a lot of people we would find a lot of Jesus in, and a lot of people looking for the real Jesus to ‘please stand up’. Something’s GOTTA give for the truth-and-authenticity seeking generation we’re in.
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hahah oh good! yeah, that will never ever get old for me 🙂 hahah Thanks so much Carson. Yes! Let’s get off those eggshells! And you’re right – I think more people are looking for Jesus than we can even imagine. thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have an awesome weekend! hugs xox
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Great post as always. 😀
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Thanks so much Stiina. I appreciate it. hugs xox
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In John 15:18-15:19 Jesus says, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”
Respect for talking about God in a time where such subjects have almost become taboo.
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What a powerful verse. Thanks for sharing it with me. Big hugs to you xox
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People are always happy to hear about God, when it is indeed about God. I’ve had wonderful random talks about God with people I’ve met along the way – the secret is to do it like Jesus did: he wasn’t preaching religion – in fact he was critical of it the whole time. He was sharing the good news that set people free. And, of course, he was the good news incarnated. When we have a chance to share the good news through our own stories of being converted to love, forgiveness, compassion, peacefulness, faith – people listen and feel at the very least inspired. As for believing, that does take God “activating” that “feature” in them. 😀
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Hi Milly, thank you so much for your beautiful reflection. You’re so right – sharing good news in a gentle and loving way is the key. Thanks for stopping by. Big hugs xox
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Deer BBB. I’m going to share something with you and that you probably already know America and North America in general is a spoiled generation of people. That being said most people they go to try to churches with Dead Man and Dead women in the pulpit only want a form of godliness to soothe their conscience. With that in mind I believe you’re right when do you need to start talking about God more we need to have more boldness within ourselves to know who we put our trust in. After all should the early church have only had to Bear their cross and the rest of us go free? But I think the reason America is in such a state of confusion is because the Invisible War the world for fuses to acknowledge and the refusing to acknowledge the invisible War means they refused to yield to God people would be better off yielding to God rather than self because I want self gets in the way the enemy can get in there as well. If we need an encouraging all we have to do is read the Bible to keep pushing on press on to the High Calling of God. Look at Paul’s life. You’re exactly right the world can have beautiful conversations about God if they’re open hearted and honest about it. This is one of my favorite posts of all time posted by you but you my friend are just that my friend. That’s right Carolyn I call you my friend
No just for yesterday or today but it goes for tomorrow and the next day and the next day after that because God’s love for his children is continuous but it is also conditional. The understanding that God’s love is conditional is something that the world doesn’t seem to understand. Look at Adam and Eve in the garden God gave them conditions to be met. Even Isaiah said their sins have separated them from their God but in this lifetime and this error the lines between sin and sin free is blurred not because of anything God has done but because everything the enemy has tried to do. Sin is still sin and we need to call Sin for what it is period righteousness is righteous. God’s love is wonderful but God’s love can only be wonderful if we walk hand-in-hand with his guidance and his words written on the tablets of our heart. PS it’s my birthday next Friday can you send me a balloon in the mail or bubble wrap so I can pop them? God’s grace love and peace always be with you
Anthony
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Hey Anthony, thank you so much for sharing this. I appreciate your thoughtful response. And happy early birthday!! Hugs x
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