When community runs out, Jesus runs in. When you see yourself as damaged He declares you lovely.
When you look around and only see ruins, the Holy One bends to carry your holey heart, promising that joy will come in the morning.
Joy always comes.
Six days after receiving , I checked in for brain surgery. I decided to share my story before there was a bow to tie everything up and package it beautifully. The journey was difficult but the choice was easy – if God could receive the glory, then I wanted to tell the story.
The golf ball sized tumor was removed and life began fresh and new, but the holes in my heart remained.
From the outside looking in, the worst had passed and God had healed me completely. The truth was, I still didn’t believe love existed, I didn’t trust a soul, and community was dead to me.
My mind was healed but my heart was still broken. Over time, God’s relentless love pursued me, wooed me, and led me back into community. My heart had been broken by community but God began to break my heart for community.
He authored the story and as the words began to spread, I realized that God turns tests into testimonies and messes into messages.
Too often we believe that only the “big stories” will reach far and wide.
The only viral that is vital is the message of Christ. That is the only “big story.”
Our own words, whether one or one hundred read them, will never amount to a single blot of ink in the greatest Story ever told.
But if I write and say what He calls me to share? If I preach His story instead of my own? He will flip everything I know upside down, starting with an ordinary day we call Tuesday.
Tuesday. May 26, 2009: Community breaks and I begin to build walls.
Tuesday. June 29, 2010: I have my first MRI.
Tuesday. July 6, 2010: I under-go brain surgery.
Tuesday. July 23, 2013: becomes the theme of
Tuesday. October 8, 2013:
Tuesday. June 20, 2014: An MRI shows a heart in my brain.
This is the story I’ve been waiting to tell you all summer. This is the story of the power in all the ordinary Tuesdays and how there is always – always – hope. I would love for you to continue reading over at (in)courage, and perhaps consider sharing this with your friends through Facebook or Twitter? We could all use a little bit of hope.
Don’t forget, there is still time for you to enter the and the
Your wisdom is beyond your years. You have a beautiful heart and faith. Thank you for the way you use your words.
Ahh, thank you Ali. That is very kind of you to say!
I love that statement: “the only viral that is vital is the message of Christ.” Yes! And, I love that as He authors our stories, we are able to share what He has done, proclaiming Jesus through it all. Thanks for sharing this!
A hard line to write – and swallow – but true. His message is the one that matters.
What an amazing thing when God breaks our heart for the things that have hurt us in the past. Thanks for sharing your story with the testimony that is is all His story. Visiting you today from Three Word Wed. You’re title caught my attention as I have been writing on joy lately.
It’s so fun to connect with you here and now on Facebook, Ginger!
Kaitlyn I will read the rest of your post on (In)Courage..but do want you to know here…how this resonates with me. I am a 16 year survivor of ovarian cancer diagnosed at age 29. I understand tests and hope, Tuesdays, and the power of peace amid adversity. Prayers and love to you. Visiting from Jennifer’s place at #TellHisStory
Amy I’m so glad you commented here and shared a piece of your story with me! Thank you for visiting and I hope you are doing well!
Thank you, Kaitlyn, for reminding me that God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of my story. So thankful to connect with you today through Coffee for Your Heart. Your story renews hope for me. Thanks for sharing and offering your words and your site in His Name.
Gratefully,
Renee
If He doesn’t receive the glory then I don’t want to tell the story. I know that rhyme sounds funny, but it’s true to me.
I love the heart in your brain! My sister had a brain tumor removed about 20 years ago. I believe God filled the space with his love. She is an amazing woman. It sounds like you are, too. Blessings on your week.
It still just completely amazes me! I hope your sister is doing well.