Live Out Loud

One of the hardest things about deciding to leave Ann Arbor was all the rich relationships I would have to leave behind. I think the practical part of me couldn't think that such deep and gospel-centered relationships could form in short periods of time in my coming year in Philly, and yet a completely new relationship with a sister in my new LIFEgroup this spring shattered that cynical preconception. We got close so quick that it gave me hope for what was to come in my impending move. Last night I got to spend several hours conversing and worshipping with one of the new sisters I met here in Philly, less than a week ago. It was such a sweet time of being honest with one another, testifying to God's faithfulness, speaking truth amidst our fears, and worshipping together. I can't believe how quickly and graciously God has answered my prayer for sisters to run the race with, and hope we can mutually encourage each other to fight the good fight, for the year(s) to come.

One of the best decisions I made this past school year was participating in the freedom class that our church offers as a way to break through strongholds in our lives. Coming into the class, I hesitated with feelings of "I don't need this" vs. "I have so many insecurities I want to be set from." God used the class to help me with several things I am so grateful for, even months later. Through the freedom class, God.. Helped me to identify distortions in my thinking I never verbalized it until the class, but in my mind, I had this underlying fear and idea that I should be thrown out as a useless piece of clay. Instead of believing this wickedly distorted idea, God told me that I am his masterpiece and his workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which he prepared in advance for me to do. Taught me how to overcome fear  I never knew I should pray to HATE the sin of fear, to renounce the fear in the name of Jesus (faith > fear), and to move...